If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed at a Good Hustle show, it’s that there will be dancing. Good Hustle is a local San Jose band comprised of Ben Henderson (Delta Activity) on vocals, drums and guitar. Dan Mckee (The Runaway Five) on vocals and keyboards and Tim Christol rocking out on drums and all types of percussion. All three band-members have previously attended De Anza College. While there isn’t an easy way to describe their music, funky is definitely the first adjective that comes to mind.

Good Hustle started four years ago when Mckee and Henderson were working at Coffee Society in Cupertino where Tim Christol was a frequent customer. At the time, the three were all solo artists and they “just decided to jam out one night and it was magical,” said Mckee. When asked to describe what genre their music is, he says “a little bit of rock music, little bit of reggae and hip hop, kind of funk… strange, little bit of strange. Little bit of indie rock.” Christol adds, “definitely some African influences, South American, little Latin going on too.” He pauses, “punk rock, even, as well.” Although there isn’t a category to stick them in, one thing’s for sure: you’ve never heard anything like this before.

Good Hustle has many different influences – with a band that defies genres, what else would you expect? “We all kind of started out with our own pool of influences and that’s how each one of us kind of comes up with the music we come up with … we just kind of throw all those together and shoot ideas. There’s too many to mention, really,” Mckee says. “For me, personally, for the last six months to a year I’ve been on this huge reggae… kick.” Henderson adds. He continued with a smile, “But I know it will fade.”

When asked if attending De Anza influenced their music, Henderson responds, “Yes, I was in Dr. Setziol’s music course for two years and barely finished it.” Mckee adds, “I actually [did the] same thing [and] failed it.” Both laugh and Henderson continues, “However, I learned a lot about music there … in Dan Mitchell’s electronic music class for two or three quarters. Took African and drumming percussion for a quarter, was in the jazz ensemble, was in the jazz combos for a couple quarters, was in choir… so yeah, I learned a lot – a lot about using the right words and techniques when trying to convey music ideas to either of these guys or anybody I’m playing music with. So yeah, I’d say De Anza influenced me.”

“My favorite thing [about this band] is the fact that all three of us have the same level of input – it’s not like there’s one person calling all the shots … we all have an equal say,” said Mckee. “There’s no pressure in this band to do anything.” They all laugh and Christol continues, “But that’s how you keep music fun – just don’t get all crazy about it and don’t take it too seriously either.” Henderson cut in, “because it’s our happy place.”

So if you’re interested in seeing some of the funkiest dance music in the Bay Area, look up Good Hustle on Facebook or at www.thegoodhustle.com and attend their next show. “Hire us to play at your house party!” Henderson says.