vbnd returns with brand new album 'Scum Funk'

Following his 2018 debut, ‘Daughter of The Sun’, Saskatoon-based artist vbnd releases new album ‘Scum Funk’. Aiming to cultivate and encourage the growth of the jazz and soul sound in his hometown, vbnd’s new work showcases the complexity of the genre and its alluring effects.

As a collection of songs created over the past two years, 'Scum Funk' sees vbnd team up with The Soulmate Collective, consisting of Katie Tupper (Vocals), Connor Newton (Saxophone), Jesse Mcmillan (Drums) & Ayden Draude (Keys). With influences from D’Angelo and Michael League of Snarky Puppy, the collaboration results in a groove-heavy affair led by vbnd’s signature hypnotic bass lines and production, accompanied by crisp drums, topped off with Katie Tupper’s smoky vocals and unparalleled songwriting. ‘Scum Funk’ portrays intense trust between the musicians with the aim of exemplifying the uniting powers of music.

The LP features gritty bass arrangements supporting zesty keys and syncopated drums, which create a solid backbone for luxurious saxophone melodies, and breezy vocals. The album’s heartfelt aura is illustrated in its name; deriving from a deep admiration for Jaco Pastorious’ album ‘Punk Jazz’ and in parallel from the movement of Scum Punk, vbnd wants ‘Scum Funk’ to embody the idea of “rowdy dudes playing nice-sounding jazz, funk, and lovely neo-soul songs”.

The first single ‘Slowly Starting to Take Form’ epitomizes the album’s strong funk sensibilities with “enforced stank”. The second single ‘Breathe Me In (A Little Longer)’ was born as a witty response to a corporate gig audience member who requested ‘something to dance to, the result is a powerful body-moving track, embellished with an undeniably groovy chord structure and heady disco atmospheres. The third single ‘Gold Chain’ was penned by Katie Tupper and brought to vbnd to explore new musical dimensions in late 2018 - resulting in a sultry and alluring sound, overflowing with groove, funk, and charisma.

A truly impressive body of work, ‘Scum Funk’ documents vbnd’s growing mastery of groove, texture, and grit, illustrating a strong and intriguing artistic identity.