Parliament-Funkadelic Style Band, "Funkalicious" Brings the 1970's/80's Funky Music to 2021!

 Interview by: Gina Sedman

Bio was taken from the website http://funkaliciousband.com/about.php: " Funkalicious is the New Generation of Funk. Grammy award-winning Fred “Freddy Sweet” Iiams, Jamal "Lamaj Smaii" Iiams, Jerry "Chacalat Q" Daniels and Jesse"TeddyBear" James are the nucleus of the group and have been performing together for over three decades. They will take you back to the fun times of the ’70s & 80’s while also delivering their original songs of dance and funk. They have a spirit of genuine funk and classic soul. Funkalicious draws from the musical influences of Parliament-Funkadelic, Earth, Wind & Fire, The BarKays, The Commodores, Cameo, Rick James, Zapp, Teena Marie, James Brown, George Duke, Rose Royce, Heat Wave, War, and many other legendary funk bands.

Funkalicious is composed of talented musicians who have performed with some of the best award-winning recording artists in the music industry. These artists include Philip Bailey, Coolio, En Vogue, Shalamar, Vesta, Rose Royce, Freda Payne, Bobby Brown, and Ralph Tresvant, Miki Howard, Al Green, Little Anthony, Ike Turner, just to name a few. This eclectic mix of skilled musicians continues to mesmerize audiences wherever they perform with their colorful alter-egos and showmanship combined with an upbeat show to keep fans dancing and smiling.

With 30,000 CDs sold and an enthusiastic fan base of more than 20,000, it’s easy to see how Funkalicious fans have filled popular venues such as Morongo Casino Club Vibe, Club Nokia, Hollywood Live, Hollywood Park Casino, Universal City Walk Summer Concert, KJLH Taste of Soul Concert, Sacramento CalExpo State Fair, Santa Barbara’s Earl Warner Fair, to name a few. Funkalicious brings a righteous balance of nostalgia and new-world funk. Once they hit the stage, they unleash high energy, funky, and soulful sounds, and exhilarating crowds onto their feet. A Funkalicious performance is an unforgettable journey into the legendary past and undeniable future of funk. The world and the universe are in for a “soul-awakening” of pure fun, so embrace the gift that God gave to the world "Funkalicious" It's time for The Future of FUNK."

Interview begins

Tell me a little bit about your background. Where are you from and how did you get started in music?

I was born in Los Angeles and started playing the guitar and singing around age 12. My grandparents bought me my first guitar.

What would you say is positive about being in a band?

I love the comradery of the group and love seeing people enjoying themselves smiling and dancing.

what are some of the challenges you face being a part of a band?

There are many challenges, but the most challenging is finding musicians who want to be a part of a regular band. Being in a Band is a commitment of time and also talent.

What type of music does your band play?

Our original songs can be classified as Funk, R&B, and Soul and we also pay tribute to the likes of Earth, Wind and Fire, The Isley Brothers, and Parliament-Funkadelic.

Who are your band members and how did you meet?

Music Director/Guitar.

Jerry”Chacalat Q”Daniels. Percussion/lead and Background Vocals. Jesse”TeddyBear” James. Lead and Background Vocals/Rap. Jamal”LamajSmaii”Iiams. Drummer. Darrell” TheRealDeal” Harris. Bass Guitar.Autumn” PrettyBassDoll” Johnson. Dance Roller Skater.

Quincey” DrQ” Reynolds. We all met as teenagers in the Los Angeles area and have been friends since.

What have people who have heard your music say about your style that sets you apart from other bands?

We remind them of the great bands of the Funk Era with our costumes, dance routines, and Great Original music that makes you wanna dance.

Who is your independent favorite band?

The Isley Brothers - They started their own record label, “T-Neck” many years ago.

Who are your musical influences?

There are too many to name all of them but the ones who provided the greatest influence are Cameo, Brick, Earth, Wind and Fire, Heat Wave, Gap Band, Ohio Players, Rick James, Prince, Parliament-Funkadelic, Zapp, and many others.

How do you prepare yourself mentally for public opinion (either positive or negative) when you’re preparing for a show?

Always positive, people tend to go off of your vibe, and Funkalicious lives a lifestyle of loving life through music.

What advice would you give to new bands entering this changing industry?

Woodshed practice as much as you can, love your instrument, have fun, stay away from alcohol and drugs, and don’t be a flake or a troublemaker. This is the advice that I received years ago while performing on the road.

What is your instrument and how many other instruments do play?

I play the guitar, use the voice box, and 5 more. I am also a vocalist. How many singles/albums do you have out presently? This is our first album, but we previously published 6 singles.

Tell me about your latest album/song and what was your inspiration behind it. Is it out now and where can people buy it?

Our new album is titled “Keep it Hot” Everybody has a sweet spot in their life whatever it is to Achieve greatness you gotta find that inner you that place of hitting your mark. The album was released on May 1, 2021, and can be downloaded from many streaming platforms.

Do you have any upcoming shows?

We are currently fine-tuning our production for the concert tour which will begin later in 2021.

How has COVID-19 positively affected you?

Wow, that’s a hard one, hmmm, well I got a chance to study my guitar make new clothes for our concerts, work around the house, and enjoy a lot of family time.

What advice would you like to give to upcoming artists?

Have fun playing music. It's a gift from God. Sound is everywhere in the Universe and on Earth, making people smile and feel good.

Just for fun - *The Indie Post pointless question of the month*

How do you make your funky P Funk when you want to get funked up?

 Lol, I close my eyes and dig deep down in my soul for one of those Funny rhythmic beats that make you have an Eargasm.

END OF INTERVIEW