Multi-disciplinary musician Alissia is making her debut from behind the boards as a producer. The funk and R&B-tinged “Get Away” video is out now — with the full support of Alissia’s number one fan, the inimitable Bootsy Collins, who raves, “I’m digging Alissia’s new song because it makes me want to pull up a chair and sit with you, baba!”
This young woman has enough talent to have been called to produce, play bass, write and arrange on Bootsy Collins’ upcoming album World Wide Funk, also featuring the likes of Kali Uchis, Bernie Worrell, Big Daddy Kane, Doug E Fresh and Musiq Soulchild. “Working with Bootsy has been an incredible journey and definitely a challenge to push myself harder everyday. Definitely one of the most inspiring projects I have worked on. ‘You got to keep it funky at all times Baba!’”
In addition, Alissia has also been in collaboration with Khalid, Q-Tip, Anderson Paak, Havoc, and more. Given the company she keeps at her Soho-based studio dubbed “The Spaceship,” it’s certain that this young bass prodigy-turned-producer is primed to begin the next chapter in her musical career.
Her latest track “Get Away” carries listeners from hip-hop to disco to funk and beyond. The mood is chill and the groove is locked. Expect more from Alissia this year; whether solo, collaborating with the greats, or teaming up with new talent, she consistently proves that whatever music she creates just feels right.
“Ikebe Shakedown re–creates the kind of vibrant vintage funk that sends crate–digging DJs into spasms of joy…” – TimeOut New York
“Ikebe Shakedown has a sound that is undeniably all their own” – KEXP, Seattle
Over the past ten years, Ikebe Shakedown has refined a sound that defies genre. Their tracks bring the primal elements of ’70s soul, raw funk, and cinematic Western soundtracks together with a relentless groove and soaring melodies. Each release has successively pushed their explosive instrumental style further, wowing audiences in the U.S. and around the world. Now, after considerable time building their own analog studio, Hive Mind Recording, hitting the road with some of the most revered acts in the Brooklyn soul scene, and soaking in the wisdom that comes from day-in, day-out living in NYC, Ikebe is back with their third LP, The Way Home, (Colemine Records), an album that takes these sensibilities to new heights.
While the band has always been known for danceable grooves, The Way Home delves deeper into what it means to move people. As they put it, “We live in a city with a relentless pace. Sometimes, that demands music that gets you up and shaking, but it’s just as much about getting ourselves up every day to take on this massive life in just a few square miles.” It’s that joyful struggle that keeps the record from being just another love letter to New York. Says the band, “We set out to tell NYC that our feelings are a little more, well, complicated.”
Perhaps that’s why each song tells its own story, from the get-off-your-ass snare hits of “Penny the Snitch” to “She’s Knocking,” with its quiet-morning start that transitions to a glorious call to arms. Or “Blue Giant,” which boxes like Ali, floating until it stings you with full-band jabs. And though there may be more subdued moments, no song ever goes completely still – because NYC never stops. As the band says, “We wanted some tracks to be for those predawn hours, when someone’s still out there, keeping the city humming.”
The album’s first 45, “Supermoon” b/w “The Ally,” is a powerful assertion of the band’s place amidst the top of the instrumental scene. With “Supermoon,” premiering on The Big Takeover, the band aimed to make “A tune that expresses all the energy and excitement we feel moving through the city. From the opening wash of reverb to the last pummeling drum hits, we gave it an air of mystery, since we live somewhere where anything’s possible at any time, day or night.” For “The Ally” on the B-Side, the band sees it as the perfect complement to “Supermoon” — “We want to take the listeners on a journey from a barebones opening to an ending that rouses them from the stupor we sometimes find ourselves in, so they feel like they can take on the world.”
If you think you know Ikebe Shakedown, check out The Way Home and prepare to be awakened. And if you’ve never listened, welcome to a sound that’s richly familiar but unlike anything you’ve heard before.
Tour Dates Oct. 19th in Philadelphia, PA at World Cafe Live Oct. 21st in Brooklyn, NY at Union Pool Oct. 26th in Kingston, NY at BSP Hall
British artist, songwriter and producer FØNX has today released his debut single ‘Can’t Get Enough’, which was produced by Grammy award-winner Tommaso Colliva (Muse).
FØNX explains, “’Can’t Get Enough’ came about whilst I was homeless and sofa surfing for a couple of months and after a very colorful twenty-four hours, I found myself writing initial ideas for the song”.
Drawing influence from the likes of Kanye West, Childish Gambino, Frank Ocean, D’Angelo, John Mayer and Tame Impala, FØNX delivers R’n’B-infused pop with jazz, funk and soul influences, merging catchy grooves, memorable hooks and intricate guitar licks with inspired lyrical content.
Coming from a musical background FØNX started learning guitar at the age of seven and was soon introduced to rap and hip hop, sparking his enthusiasm to start writing lyrics and create backing tracks from samples.
FØNX continued experimenting with music and film during a number of years of home-schooling and soon enrolled at the Brit School where he studied music.
Since leaving, FØNX has continued writing and producing his music at home, on trains, buses, in coffee shops and backstage before shows, constantly coming up with ideas for melodies and lyrics wherever he went. Playing the live circuit around London and the South East he has also performed at various festivals including Barn on The Farm, Cornbury Festival, Isle Of Wight Festival and Leefest.
Earlier this year, Colorado trio Sunsquabi revealed their now critically acclaimed sophomore EP ‘Deluxe.’ Released via GRiZ’s All Good Records, ‘Deluxe‘ saw Sunsquabi bring their electro-funk- meets-jam-band sound to new heights on the five track project that Earmilk describes as “a deep, dank, and funky surprise.”
Well, the ‘Deluxe’ surprises aren’t quite done yet. Today, the band is excited to unveil another piece of the ‘Deluxe’ puzzle with a brand new take on EP cut “Pygmy Up” from remix extraordinaire Cloudchord. The original, a collaboration with Russ Liquid, takes an uptempo turn at the hand of Cloudchord who accentuates the track’s percussive elements and transforms it into a bonafide festival anthem.
If unfamiliar with Sunsquabi before now, the act have become infamous as trendsetters in the electronic music circuit thanks to a sound This Song Is Sick describes as a “hybrid sound infusing irresistible and funky live instrumentation with electronic production elements in a unique way.” Prior to ‘Deluxe,’ Sunsquabi built their reputation with debut EP ‘Odyssey‘ that featured collaborations with Big Gigantic and GRiZ. On 2017’s ‘Deluxe,’ the band continued the heavy-hitting collabs- this time with Late Night Radio, Russ Liquid, and Nick Gerlach.
Catch the guys live this summer with performances lined up at music festivals Summer Camp and Werk It Out. As for what to expect from the live show, Sunsquabi have enlisted Tucker Wilde’s Stage Dynamics to build out a full-stage production. As we wait until Sunsquabi hit a stage near us, be sure to check out the brand new EP ‘Deluxe’ out now via All Good.
“Bobby Saint hopes to change the game with his forthcoming Unholy EP” – AFROPUNK “Sweet vocals over a sparkling beat” – Pigeons & Planes “It’s saucy. It’s sexy. It’s beautiful” – VICE/Noisey “Outlandish, soulful” – Indie Shuffle “Sensual” – HYPEBEAST
Bobby Saint captivates on Unholy, his debut solo EP out today on Shoot To Kill Music. The collection sees Saint flex his vast musical chops (from songwriting to production and all things in between) as he explores the interplay between the divine and the profane.
Title track “Unholy” sees the Barbados-born, LA-based artist twang with sinful playfulness over blues-rock attitude. Saint funks out on “Use It,” meshing a bouncy, R&B-tinged bassline with pop-infused neo-soul. It’s followed by the appropriately titled “Sexy,” a libidinous R&B romp that drips of love, lust, and desire, which recently premiered via Afropunk.
“This EP is about freedom, growth, spirituality, views of self, city nights and love. It’s about keeping the fires lit, raising consciousness, while bowing down to the greats: Bob Marley, Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye. This is me going forward with only love and the funk in my heart.” – Bobby Saint
On “Big Shoes,” a confident Saint struts with gusto as he mixes piercing piano balladry with blossoming crescendos amidst a cinematic backdrop backed by powerfully soulful vocals. Closer “Fire & Gold” turns an acoustic beauty into a full-fledged, undeniable rock with swagger.
Armed with a versatile voice, powerful stage presence, a unique lyrical perspective, and raw, unfettered talent, Bobby Saint is not just one to watch; he’s one to watch out for.
Byron Nash, a Pittsburgh based musician, has been doing this music thing for a long time. While playing lead guitar of the band Formula412, he worked on writing and recording some ideas and keeping them on the “back-burner” you could say. This “back-burner” was called ‘Plan B’.
After collecting over 10 years of songs and ideas, Nash took some music production courses and eventually started his own music company, BNDEEPendent Music. He and his friend Evan Thorsen had been jamming and hanging out together for years; when they finally decided to play some of their songs live in 2014. After great reception, they were asked the following year to play at Kayafest, a restaurant that was having it’s 20th Year Anniversary block party. They put together a makeshift band of talented musicians and again were met with great praise…enough that they finally decided to go forth full throttle as a band.
All they had to do was come up with their name. It was suggested that their name simply be ‘Nash’, but Byron felt weird about it being just his name. So — ta-da!!! Byron Nash & Plan B it is!
And they’ve got a little bit of something for everyone, too! The band is “a well-balanced fusion of rocking dual-guitars, funk-and-soul, straight-forward and emotional vocals, simple songwriting, and a little bit of jam-band and fusion mixed in there.”
The band is having a very special release party for their very first EP, The Late Bloomer, this Friday at The Funhouse at Mr. Smalls.
Falcon Punch is delivering his first original work as a collaboration with LA-based duo, Wild & Free. After sitting on the instrumental of the song for 3 years, Falcon Punch teamed up with Wild & Free who delivered the vocal performance he’d been patiently waiting for. The combination leads to an easy to love but hard to forget late summer jam.
The cosmic grooves of Falcon Punch are steeped in no particular musical tradition, but rather in a multi-genre background ranging from soul and funk to house and disco. A lifetime musician, producer and DJ Avery Henderson (Falcon Punch) got his start in the electronic/disco scene producing from his tiny dorm room while living in Amsterdam in 2010. The now Colorado based musician, has crafted his sound into what he calls “Dark Island Funk”, a layered guitar melodies, keys and airy vocals, and has had the fortune of spreading it through a multitude of successful digital and vinyl releases.
After premiering in NYC and on Jam Cruise to widespread acclaim, Let Us Play, the official documentary from funk powerhouse Lettuce, is now available to purchase or rent on Vimeo.
The 45-minute film, directed by Jay Sansone of Human Being Media and produced by Live for Live Music’s Kunj Shah, merges footage from live sets, recording sessions, interviews, and candid scenes from the road. Filmed over a six-month period, the footage chronicles the mechanics of improvisation and the artistry behind making a funk record. Viewers will get an in-depth diagnosis of the band, who they are as artists, how they work together and use their ridiculous expertise to come up with funk music.
Click below to watch a special teaser, and view the whole thing here!
Following suit in a monumental year for the funk favorites, Lettuce will be hosting the inaugural Fool’s Paradise festival in St. Augustine, Florida on April 1 & 2. The funk-fueled beach extravaganza takes place in the heart of one of America’s most historic cities at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and features two explosive sets from Lettuce. Other acts on the lineup include GRiZ, Vulfpeck, and Chris Robinson’s Soul Revue. Fool’s Paradise brings bands to the beach for two full days of genre-bending music, artist-led excursions, musical workshops, yoga, and activities with your favorite musicians in a destination event like no other. Camping options, VIP packages, and tickets are available now at FoolsParadiseFL.com.
Tour Dates:
3/4 – Okeechobee, FL at Okeechobee Music Festival
4/1+2 – St. Augustine, FL at Fool’s Paradise
4/7 – Austin, TX at Euphoria Music Festival
4/8 – Port Chester, NY at Capitol Theatre
4/24 – New Orleans, LA at Tipitina’s
4/28 – New Orleans, LA at RAGEFEST
5/26 – Martinsville, VA at Rooster Walk 8
5/27 – Chillicothe, IL at Summercamp Music Festival
6/2 – Hunter, NY at Mountain Jam 2016
6/9 – Manchester, TN at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
6/10 – Morrison, CO at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
6/17 – Dufur, OR at What The Festival
7/9 – Marshfield, MA at Levitate Music Festival
8/4 – Thornville, OH at Werk Out
8/25 – Arrington, VA at LOCKN’ Music Festival
“Guaranteed to get you up and out of your seat and sweating, Cavemouth are the aural equivalent to a night on a stairmaster, drinking Jack Daniels through a pair of fishnet tights.”
Cavemouth are a primal lo-fi funk four-piece who sound as though they live on the wilds of Exmoor (UK) on a strict diet of roadkill, making music to keep the neighbors away and lure the foxes in. Their gritty original sound blends blues, funk and hip-hop with African-influenced tunes and mind-altering lyrics.
Fronted by Sketchy Lex on filthy guitar and vocals, Wreckless Richie on drums, Ms. Mo on funked-up bass and vocals and Mr. Duncan ‘The Hook’ Hook on saxophone, the band have known each other for years. Growing up in rural Devon, they had to make their own entertainment by putting on their own raves and free parties, a past that has certainly helped to shape their sound.
Inspired by everything around them from politics and religion to nature, Cavemouth are influenced by Prince, ESG, Busta Rhymes, Leadbelly, Jack White, Queens of the Stone Age and Jethro Tull.
The SS Yatch Rock set its proverbial sail afloat through Melbourne this month and on board were power synth duos of Gypsy & the Cat and Client Liaison. The creative time out led to time in the recording studio together and collaborative single “Evolution”was conceived.
“Evolution”weaves those giant musical hooks that first announced Gypsy & the Cat around the performance funky flair of Client Liaison. The combination allows for both the attraction and the edge when they chant “I am the life that defies evolution!”, a true joint-venture, perfectly paired.
The influential blog Neon Gold premiered the single today saying “In the ultimate Down Under double down, Gypsy & The Cat and our new live heroes, Client Liaison, have joined forces on their debut collaboration in the form of “Evolution”. Taking the best parts of both groups, the track is peak ’80s bliss, springing forward with all the sunny side up synths and glimmering gold coast melodies we’ve come to expect from the two luminaries.”
Client Liaison are otherwise both in the studio and on the road having just played key shows in the US this month and booked both Splendour in the Grass and Listen Out festivals into their immediate tour diary. Gypsy & the Cat are in the studio finishing their third album for release in the upcoming summer 2015.
Musically Amusing 