A short while back a little EP by the name of Tuxedo Funk got absolutely everyone talking and now about a funk driven duo Tuxedo, the much-lauded collaboration between Mayer Hawthorne and Jake One.
Then in March this year the guys unleashed their eagerly anticipated full-length effort, filled with the kind of smooth, synth-heavy funk with a classy, tongue-in-cheek edge that first turned heads back in 2013, we got pretty excited about it!
To date, Tuxedo’s live outings have been the stuff of legend, with only four shows ever having been performed in their full band format including a recent sold out show at LA’s Hollywood Bowl, alongside Basement Jaxx and Bootsy Collins. However this September Mayer and Jake will deliver their sound system style DJ set to Australia. Combining live vocals, laptops, midi triggers and turntables with the duo’s love for electric funk, in a super sonic spectacular to give you something for your mind, your body and your Soul.
Ahead of the tour, we had a quick chat with the guys to get a little more familiar with these modern day funk masters. Check out the chat below and be sure to catch ’em when they roll into your town.
The Birth Of Tuxedo
Jake: “I started experimenting with some boogie funk tracks just as a break from Rap. I sent Mayer one of those funk tracks and he sent me a whole song back the next day.
Mayer: “We started just making songs for us to ride around to. We weren’t really thinking about making an album or getting a record deal.”
Mayer: “All of our favorite groups had one word names like Chic, Shalamar and Cameo. “Tuxedo” felt like it fit the elegant sound of the music we were making.”
Teaming Up With The Iconic Stones Throw
Mayer: “I played some Tuxedo demos for the president of Universal Republic Records and he told me he didn’t hear the difference between that and my solo stuff. I had worked with Stones Throw before and I knew they would understand what we were doing. PB Wolf actually didn’t love the Tuxedo at first though. I don’t think it’s dirty enough for him.”
Favourite Releases On The Stones Throw Label
Mayer: “The first Quasimoto and James Pants Seven Seals
Jake: “Madvillain and Mayer’s first album Strange Arrangement”
The Experience Going From Solo To Duo
Jake: “It’s been a lot of fun and a learning experience as well. I’ve never been in a group of any sort in my career.”
Mayer: “I’ve been a solo artist for a long time now, so it’s really nice to be part of a group where somebody else is doing half of the work!”
What It’s Like Being A Studio Act To Playing Live
Mayer: “We didn’t know if we would tour or perform live, but the response to the record has been so crazy. The main thing for me is that the live show has to be incredible. We’re doing very limited engagements, but when we do it, it’s a spectacle.”
Plans For The Next 12 Months
Jake: “Gonna hopefully be at home a lot hanging out with my family.”
Mayer: “I’m learning how to cook Indian curry.”
Upcoming Tour Dates
Saturday 19th September – The Prince Band Room, Melbourne
Friday 25th September – Max Watts, Brisbane
Saturday 26th September – Jam Gallery, Sydney
Sunday 27th September – Bario Indy, Funk & Soul Festival, Cairns
Tickets and info at www.tuxedofunk.com
