Tag #FUNK

We Can Honestly Say That The Debut Album From The Far Out , “Greetings from The Far Out” , Was Love At First Listen

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Artwork by Olivia and Ezra Lowe

We don’t know what we did to be so lucky but, we consider ourselves absolutely blessed to be able to check out the new album, “Greetings from The Far Out”, from rising Boston pop-funk collective, The Far Out. You can listen to “Greetings from The Far Out” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here

If you have yet to experience the electrifying next level pop funk from The Far Out , you are clearly only vibing at 50 percent. The epic new album, “Greetings from The Far Out “ is the perfect way to get your vibe to 100 percent.

We triple dog dare you to find a weak link on “Greetings from The Far Out “ … trust us you won’t … not even close . Every single song is more drop dead perfect than last . Eight gems that you can let play on repeat for infinity.

Photo Credit: Jackie Vlahos

Led by a quartet of charismatic singles, including February’s “Funkadelic Gas” and May’s “Laurel,” the eight-track record from the Boston funk-pop collective welcomes the listener into its blossoming community, where positive vibes and blissful motivation – and an initiation to escape the day’s doom and gloom – are soundtracked by the sextet’s infectious sonic cocktail. 

“Hard times make for great music,” says saxophonist and guitarist Colin Senechal. “You gotta put your frustration and pent-up energy somewhere. If it can be upbeat to help people find some hope, even better!

With this debut album, a spectrum of styles and sounds that blends together funk, pop, indie, R&B, soul, Yacht Rock, ‘70s AM gold, Motown, and whatever else filtered through The Far Out’s unique sense of forward-motion retro-cool, the “New Act of the Year” recipient at the 2024 New England Music Awards is ready to take things to the next level. 

If you have been grooving to the singles , ( “Funkadelic Gas”, “Laurel”, “Packed To Go” and “See Red( You’re Dead” ) those are just the tip of the very funky iceberg.

Some of the other tunes that got us grooving, “Need A Win”, which is the absolute perfect song to kick off such a stellar album. “Lazy Lover” and “Putt Strut” If we were to pick our favorite on the record ( which is almost impossible to do ) we would without question choose, “Long Weekend “ ( the bass line is more decadent than any piece of chocolate we have ever had) “Long Weekend “ is straight up spectacular.

While the sound is varied and genre-hops from one beat to the next, a rare throughline across Greetings from The Far Out extends both in plain sight and lurking just below the aural surface. The record’s title and postcard artwork – as well as the stamp-themed art for the four singles, all designed by Olivia Lowe with design assistance from her brother Ezra Lowe – are a throwback to Bruce Springsteen’s 1973 debut Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. And Lowe admits there are some overarching lyrical elements at play across the eight tracks, though it takes a dedicated listen to delve deep beyond the upbeat music.

The Far Out have some live shows + a late summer tour coming up you can check out dates below .

If you are looking for an unforgettable dose of unbelievable music, look no further than “Greetings from The Far Out” , from The Far Out

The Far Out is:

Ellie Dolan: Trumpet, vocals

Ryan Fremont-Smith: Bass guitar, vocals, saxophone

Olivia Lowe: Guitar, flute, vocals

Drew Phillips: Drums

Colin Senechal: Saxophone, guitar

Henry Zagarella: Keys, vocals

The Far Out upcoming live dates + late summer tour:

July 10: Somerville, MA @ The Burren (album release party!)
August 9: Falmouth, MA @ Lin Whitehead Bandshell / Harbor Light Illumination Concert Series
August 23: Salisbury, MA @ Riverfest Salisbury Beach
August 30: Providence, RI @ Fete Music Hall
August 31: Burlington, VT @ Radio Bean
September 6: Tinton Falls, NJ @ Twin Lights Brewery
September 12: Easthampton, MA @ Marigold Theatre
September 13: Bridgeport, CT @ Park City Music Hall
September 26: Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Upstairs

Tomás Doncker Releases Spectacularly Soulful New EP, “Hard Is Hard”

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We recently had the splendid opportunity, to check out the EP, “Hard Is Hard”, via True Groove Records, from NYC-based alternative-R&B producer, singer, songwriter and indie label CEO Tomás Doncker. You can listen to “Hard Is Hard” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here.

“Hard Is Hard “ from Tomás Doncker & The True Groove All – Stars is a brilliantly woven collection of soulful songs that are perfectly on point.

Tomás Doncker has long been a prime mover on the New York music, arts and culture scenes. From the early 1980s, as a member of groundbreaking No Wave and Punk Funk bands The Contortions and Defunkt, international touring, recording and songwriting collaborations with luminaries such as Bootsy Collins, Meshell Ndegeocello, Ivan Neville, The Specials and the legendary Ms. Patti Smith, to helming his own band, The True Groove All-Stars, Tomás has established himself as a cross-genre innovator without peer.

‘Hard Is Hard’ was produced with James Dellatacoma (Bill Laswell, Herbie Hancock) and mastered by Michael Fossenkemper (Paul Weller, LL Cool J, Miles Davis) and includes guest instrumentation from Frank Benbini (UB40, Fun Lovin’ Criminals), Adriano Rossetti-Bonell (UB40) and The Specials Horns. With elements of soul, blues, funk, rock and some jazz thrown in for good measure, ‘Hard Is Hard’ is a five-track masterclass in Doncker’s innate knack for genre fluidity. The EP lyrically explores themes of racial inequality, social injustice and keeping a positive mental attitude through hard times.

On the EP, Doncker says, “Things are difficult for everyone right about now. As a songwriter I’m very fortunate to be able to have so many songs to sing, to hopefully strike a match in the darkness of these uncertain times. This music has been blessed by the contributions of some dear friends – true legends, and we’re grateful to share it now, with you…join us!

, artfully takes music to another level, with his ability to make music that listeners can instantly connect with .

From the opening track “Do Or Die”, we were instantly hanging on every well formed melody and lyric.

Solid tracks such as “Rich People Problems, and the stunning title track, “Hard Is Hard” showcase Tomás Doncker, at his absolute best . If you are not dancing by the end of the EP….. listen to it until you are .

Doncker was recently invited to support Fun Lovin’ Criminals on their extensive tour throughout the UK and Europe alongside his band, The True Groove All-Stars, which include members of The Specials Horns.

On the tour, he says, “I’m so honoured, and excited to have been invited to be a part of the upcoming Fun Lovin’ Criminals fall UK/EU tour. They’ve really made me feel welcome as a member of the international / UK music community, and I am forever grateful for this opportunity. It’s gonna be a lot of fun for sure!“

You need to stop what you are doing immediately and check out the amazing new EP, “Hard Is Hard” , from Tomás Doncker

LIVE DATES:

July 12th 2025 – Cosmopolitan Arts Festival, Leicester

July 25th 2025 – Barefoot Festival, Leicester

July 27th 2025 – High Tide Festival, Twickenham

August 1st 2025 – Le Pub, Newport

August 6th 2025 – Peggy’s Skylight, Nottingham 

September 4th 2025 – Sub 89, Reading (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)

September 5th 2025 – Waterfront, Norwich (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)

September 6th 2025 – The Garage, London (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)

September 7th 2025 – Concorde 2, Brighton (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)

September 18th 2025 – Arena, Torquay (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)

September 19th 2025 – Thekla, Bristol (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)

September 28th 2025 – Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)

October 2nd – La Madeleine, Brussels (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)

October 5th 2025 – Werk2, Leipzig (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)

October 6th 2025 – Hole44, Berlin (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)

October 7th 2025 – Hirsch, Nurnberg (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)

October 8th 2025 – Backstage Halle, Munchen (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)

October 10th 2025 – Das Rind, Russelsheim (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)

October 11th 2025 – Opderschmeltz, Dudelange (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)

October 12th 2025 – Patronaat, Haarlem (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)

October 14th 2025 – La Salle des Fêtes, Bordeaux (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)

October 30th 2025 – Lucerna Music Bar, Prague (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)

We Are All In On Mustard Service And Their New Single, “Big Time”

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We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single, “Big Time” from Miami-based, indie rock band, Mustard Service. You can listen to “Big Time” Here

“Big Time” from Mustard Service, is a big time song that we are absolutely obsessed with . If you are looking for a new song to play endlessly on repeat…. “Big Time” is absolutely that song.


Photo Credit: Evan Garcia

“Big Time” is lyrically driven by themes of personal growth, overcoming struggles and shedding toxicity

Mustard Service is an indie rock band based in Miami, Florida. Self-described as “zest pop”, the band’s music draws influences from rock, surf, jazz, funk, and bossa nova, while also infusing Cuban, Uruguayan, Argentinian and Mexican flavors into their unique sound.

The three-piece lineup features Marco Rivero Ochoa on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Leo Cattani on keyboard, and Adam Perez on drums. Their Latin heritage is deeply embedded in their sound, with many of their songs featuring Spanish lyrics and vibrant Latin rhythms.

The band confides, “This song is basically about cutting off a friend who you really love – but you know you have to cut them off or else you’re gonna drown with them. It explores how sad it is having to come to terms with the fact that you have to let them go and grieving that relationship.”

Produced and engineered by Chad Copelin (Wilderado, Broncho, Avril Lavigne, Sasha Sloan), “Big Time” boasts a feel-good, sun-soaked vibe, with jangly guitars and vocals that channel the infectious energy of The Strokes. Its catchy, carefree melody is perfectly complemented by a prominent, bouncy bassline that gives the track an effortlessly cool, groove-driven charm.

Mustard Service has previously opened for Bombay Bicycle Club, and sold out the prestigious El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles on numerous occasions as the headliner. With a strong live presence, growing fanbase, streaming numbers in the millions and a compelling new narrative, Mustard Service is positioned for a breakout year with their upcoming music and nationwide tour.

We said it in the title of this article.. We are all in on “Big Time” from Mustard Service and we think you will be too.

Tomás Doncker & The True Groove All -Stars Brings A Phenomenal Funky Groove With, “Hard Is Hard”

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NYC-based alternative-R&B producer, singer and songwriter Tomás Doncker & The True Groove All-Stars , are back with the phenomenal new single, “Hard Is Hard”, via   True Groove Records and it is a thing of funk-a-licious beauty.

You can listen to “Hard Is Hard” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here,

Tomás Doncker has long been a prime mover on the New York music, arts and culture scenes. From the early 1980s, as a member of groundbreaking No Wave and Punk Funk bands The Contortions and Defunkt, international touring, recording and songwriting collaborations with luminaries such as Bootsy Collins, Meshell Ndegeocello, Ivan Neville, The Specials and Patti Smith, to helming his own band, The True Groove All-Stars which include members of The Specials, Tomás has established himself as a cross-genre innovator without peer.

Hard Is Hard’ follows February’s ‘Wha–Gwaan!’ which featured guest drums and vocals from Fun Lovin’ Criminals / UB40’s Frank Benbini, and was celebrated by Wonderland Magazine, Fame Magazine and RTE.

Produced with James Dellatacoma (Bill Laswell, Herbie Hancock) and mastered by Michael Fossenkemper (Paul Weller, LL Cool J, Miles Davis), ‘Hard Is Hard‘ fuses epic funk grooves with soulful vocals providing a powerful reminder to keep on keeping on; times are tough, but so are you.

Discussing the single, Doncker says, “We are living in a pivotal time in history…Things are tough for everyone, everywhere. Someone once asked me: “What’s the difference between being ‘The Champ’, and being a contender?'” I had no idea…The answer was: “The Champion has the strength of character to get up off the canvas one more time.” Probably the most difficult thing to do. Hard is Hard. Stay strong, keep gettin’ up. One. More. Time!”

“Hard Is Hard” from Tomás Doncker & The True Groove All-Stars is layered in authentic truth and soulful goodness that is simply irresistible.

SCUSTIN Brew Up Intoxicating New Single, “The Ick (Don’t Put Blackcurrant In That Pint Of Guinness)”

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SCUSTIN Announce Debut Album Confessions Of A Pub Talker Released  September 19th 2025

We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the new single “The Ick (Don’t Put Blackcurrant In That Pint Of Guinness)”, from Dublin post-funk quartet SCUSTIN. You can listen to The Ick (Don’t Put Blackcurrant In That Pint Of Guinness)” Here

We are always on the lookout for killer grooves, and we have definitely found one from SCUSTIN, and their groove filled new single, “The Ick (Don’t Put Blackcurrant In That Pint Of Guinness)”

Photo credit- David Wallis

 SCUSTIN are delighted to announce that their debut album Confessions Of A Pub Talker will be released on  September, 19th 2025.

To celebrate the news, the band will releaselead single ‘The Ick (Don’t Put Blackcurrant In That Pint Of Guinness)’ on  March 5th, 2025, just in time for the St Patrick’s Daycelebrations at their London headline show on March 17th, 2025 at The Dublin Castle, Camden.

Recorded and produced by Richie Kennedy(The Murder Capital, RIDE, Interpol, Shame) at Black Mountain Studios, forthcoming debut album Confessions Of A Pub Talker is a modern Irish concept record that tells the story of Larry, a barman in his mid-to-late 20s struggling to find his way amidst the social and economic uncertainties of modern Irish life.

Bracing lead single ‘The Ick’ is a tongue-in-cheek satire of the post-punk genre, embracing its recent resurgence and drawing on influences from early Viagra Boys, Idles, and Irish bands such as Gurriers and The Scratch.

The frantic energy displayed on the new single is simply electrifying, we were immediately captivated.

Commenting on the single, the band said: “Lyrically, the track addresses the sacrilegious attempts to taint Ireland’s most sacred beverage—Guinness—and draws a line between those who attempt such absurdities and those who don’t. The global phenomenon of “The Ick” serves as a fitting metaphor, delivering the message with a sharp edge of satire, and highlighting how trivial annoyances can become outlets for frustration in a world full of more significant issues.”

If you are like us, and are constantly searching for the next great groove, look no further then The Ick (Don’t Put Blackcurrant In That Pint Of Guinness)’, from SCUSTIN

The band have several live dates on sale now, including an appearance at Dublin’s annual Trinity Ball alongside Confidence Man, and an appearance at A Stone’s Throw Music Festival.

Live Dates:

16th March – Milton Keynes – Craufurd Arms
17th March – London, Camden – Dublin Castle
11th April – Dublin – Trinity Ball
25th May – Newcastle – A Stone’s Throw Music Festival

Tomás Doncker Delivers Beats Galore On Groove Filled New Single “Wha-Gwaan” Featuring Fun Lovin’ Criminals/UB40’s Frank Benbini

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We recently had the delightful opportunity to check out the new single “WHA-GWAAN” , from NYC-based alternative-R&B producer, singer and songwriter Tomás Doncker (feat. Frank Benbini)

You can listen to “WHA-GWAAN” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here

We were instantly attracted to “WHA-GWAAN” which, features guest drums and vocals rom Fun Lovin’ Criminals/UB40’s Frank Benbini.The groove-alicious is being released on Doncker’s label True Groove Records

Tomás Doncker has long been a prime mover on the New York music, arts and culture scenes. From the early 1980s, as a member of groundbreaking No Wave and Punk Funk bands The Contortions and Defunkt, international touring, recording and songwriting collaborations with the likes of Bootsy Collins, Meshell Ndegeocello, Madonna, The Specials and the legendary Ms. Patti Smith, to helming his own band The True Groove All-Stars, Tomás has established himself as a cross-genre innovator without peer.

Doncker’s previous works have seen praise from the likes of BBC, CNN, Huff Post, MOJO, Spin, Brooklyn Vegan and NPR’s ‘All Songs Considered’, Guitar World, All About Jazz, Paste Magazine, Rolling Stone and Blues Matters Magazine where he was a recent main cover feature.

Wha-Gwaan!’ follow’s September’s EP ‘The AMPlified Soul Remixes’, Doncker’s most recent collaboration with the late acclaimed, grammy award winning ‘ambassador of funk’ Amp Fiddler, renowned for his performances with the likes of Prince and Seal.

The track serves as a wake up call to the increasing levels of social and racial injustice and the lack of acknowledgement of it.

On Wha-Gwaan!’s subject matter, Doncker says, “The legendary Nigerian Godfather of Afro Beat, Fela Ransome Kuti once said: ‘Music is the weapon of the future’. Well…The future is most definitely NOW! ‘Wah Gwaan’ is a Jamaican Patois greeting that means ‘what’s going on?’ or ‘what’s up?’. The lyric is a modern day riff on Marvin Gaye’s classic ‘What’s Going On’. Through an Afro Beat / Funk-Rebel music lens. It was designed to be a wake up call response to the seemingly increasing presence of social injustice in the world today. The hypnotic dub-funk groove is brought to the boiling point by the legendary Frank Benbini (Fun Lovin’ Criminals/UB40/Uncle Frank), who I’m thrilled makes a guest appearance on drums and hype vocals.”

When we listen to “WHA-GWAAN” we are reminded why we love music so much . Tomás Doncker along with Frank Benbini has created a vibrant and stunning track we can’t help but love with every being of our music loving heart . “WHA-GWAAN” effortlessly moves our mind , body ( and feet )

You owe it to yourself to check out “WHA-GWAAN” from Tomás Doncker featuring Frank Benbini

 DATES:

February 7th 2025 – The Cumberland Hotel, London (An Eel Pie Records Event)
March 7th 2025 – The 100 Club, London (Supporting KillerStar)
March 8th 2025 – The 100 Club, London (Supporting KillerStar)
July 27th 2025 – High Tide Festival, Twickenham