Throughout this past decade, US trio Groove Moose have always looked to bring a fresher and more alluring texture to their reggae-infused delights. And with their recent comeback single ‘Doing Fine’ reestablishing their place on the scene, they are back once again with their breezy new offering ‘The Source’.
So with that track now doing the rounds, we sat down with them to find out more about their background and what they have planned on the horizon as well.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
Groove Moose started as a passion project among a few friends who just loved making noise together. We were playing backyard parties and dive bars before we even had a proper band name. Over time, the jams turned into songs, and the songs turned into gigs around town. Fifteen years later, we’re still here—louder, tighter, and more grateful than ever.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
We’ve always been a melting pot of influences. You can hear touches of Rush and Led Zeppelin in our grooves, but we also take cues from bands like Phish and Umphrey’s McGee. We love riff-driven rock, but we also pay a lot of attention to writing and feel—making sure each song has movement and soul. Those influences helped shape our identity: groove-based rock with just enough weird to keep it interesting.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
There was a moment early on—at this packed local show—where people who didn’t know us were singing along to a song we hadn’t even released yet. That kind of validation from a crowd you didn’t bring with you hits different. It told us we had something worth nurturing.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
Our writing usually starts with a riff or a rhythm. Someone brings in a loose idea and we let it evolve in a jam. There’s a lot of improvisation early on—just feeding off each other’s energy. Once we lock into a vibe, we start shaping it with structure, then layer in the lyrics. Zack and Bobby have written everything up untiI this upcoming album, which will feature material brought forth by our latest addition, Campbell Mackenzie.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
Life’s the biggest muse—especially the messy parts. Our lyrics often come from real conversations, weird dreams, or moments of introspection. We don’t force it. If something resonates emotionally or rhythmically, we chase it.
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
We’re not trying to preach, but we do try to tell the truth. A lot of our songs explore themes like self-doubt, resilience, connection, and learning how to let go. We hope people walk away feeling seen—or at least like they’re not alone in what they’re feeling. If a Groove Moose track gives someone three minutes of escape or clarity, we’re doing something right.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
Plenty. From trying to break through the noise on streaming platforms to self-funding shows and records (or self-producing them). And like most bands, we’ve had to navigate burnout, schedule conflicts, and the occasional existential crisis. But we’ve stuck it out because we believe in the music and in each other.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
Seeing people connect with our music—especially live. There’s nothing like looking out into a crowd and seeing heads nodding, people dancing, or someone mouthing the words. It’s pure magic. Also, the friendships and community we’ve built through Groove Moose have been priceless.
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
We don’t chase trends. We focus on crafting songs that feel honest to who we are. We experiment when it feels right, but we never lose our core. Staying true means sometimes saying “no” to things that don’t align with our vision—even if it means slower growth.
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
We’ve got a new album nearing completion that ranges from being a little heavier and more experimental than our past stuff, to being far more jazz-centric—still full of groove, but with more edge or exploration. We’re also locking in dates for a regional summer tour. Expect some new merch, live sessions, and maybe a surprise collab or two.
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
Still writing, still playing, still evolving. Ideally, we’ll have a few more records under our belt, be playing larger venues, and maybe even hit the festival circuit. But wherever we are, we’ll still be Groove Moose—making music we love and connecting with people who feel it.
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Listen to Groove Moose’s new single ‘The Source’ below.
