Marshall Law Band, a “funk-hop” group, has been making music for about two years together. On a mission to spread self-empowerment and positivity, they have taken their collaborative band on the road. With sponsorship from Northwest businesses, including Deschutes, Middle Fork Roasters, and Papa Bueno, they were able to go on their first West Coast tour, from May 15th through May 25th. The band is made up of Marshall Hugh, the emcee and Seattle native; guitarist Josh Richins; keyboardist Mercy Lewis; Marty Thordarson on the party saxophone; bassist Evan Robertson; Matt McAlman on the drums; and their first official band guru, Peter Lucas.

Q: What would you call your sound?

McAlman: Music that intrigues your mind and helps you shake your behind. 

Q: When it comes to lyricism, do you have to be in a certain mood or do you draw from the vibe of the day? 

Hugh: My lyricism varies. I get sparks of inspiration day to day. I like to read books, and, from what I read, I start to create ekphrastic pieces from that. Inspiration also comes to me when I’m walking outdoors. 

Q: Do you have any political connotations behind the name of your band?

Hugh: The name challenges people to think! With everything we do, we want to inspire people to dig deeper than surface level and to be aware of the realities of the world. Not only does “Marshall Law” signify the very real possibility of the government forcibly controlling the population through a militarized police force, but “Marshall Law” is in effect every time we pull up to perform, because we shut the situation down. Whether that’s in Seattle or in San Francisco at the Boom Boom Room!

Q: Are you using your sound for protest or statement? 

Hugh: No, but we want to give optimism and thought provoking music to help lead those out of the dark spaces of our past and move them to the light. Then spread that light to unify and create universality. 

Q: Any projects in the works?

Richins: We have an acoustic single coming out soon, which is something we have never done before. We’re also planning to release 9 tunes throughout this year. 

Q: What color would you say best relates to your band and the vibe it presents?

Lucas:  We present a full spectrum of color, like a kaleidoscope or polychromatic. Every color to connect with whatever vibe our audience is. We have a song for each of those colors.