Biography
Afroskull is a funk‑rock/jazz‑rock collective originally formed in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1997, later relocating to New York City and integrating into the Brooklyn scene.[5][3][8][1] The band grew out of house‑party jam sessions and local gigs in New Orleans, where guitarist and producer Joe Scatassa and drummer Jason Isaac began shaping a sound that fused heavy rock riffs with second‑line funk grooves, jazz harmony, and a horn‑driven attack.[3][7][8] Early on, Afroskull cultivated a raucous live reputation, described as a "sonic gumbo" that reflected their Crescent City roots—equal parts greasy funk, classic rock power, and off‑kilter humor.[8] Their debut full‑length "Monster for the Masses" (2000) introduced this aesthetic on record, featuring original instrumental compositions that highlighted tight ensemble playing and extended improvisation.[5][6]
In the mid‑2000s Afroskull moved operations to New York, gradually evolving from a New Orleans club act into a Brooklyn‑based funk‑rock "superproject" with an expanded, rotating lineup of rhythm section and horns.[5][1][8] Anchored by founding members Scatassa and Isaac, the group released the EP "Born Electric" (2007) and the full‑length "To Obscurity and Beyond" (2010), the latter earning coverage in jamband and progressive‑rock circles for its mix of vintage heavy rock, odd‑meter funk, and jazz‑fusion sensibilities.[7][2][6] Critics and archives now classify Afroskull as a jazz‑related rock / jazz‑rock fusion and progressive rock artist, while fan descriptions emphasize their blend of old‑school New Orleans funk with aggressive guitar tones and elaborate arrangements.[2][6][5] Though never a mainstream act, Afroskull has maintained a cult following, with their recordings and live shows cited as distinctive contributions to the late‑1990s and 2000s intersection of funk, rock, and improvisational music.[7][8]
Afroskull’s musical style is marked by instrumental, groove‑driven compositions, horn sections, and a penchant for complex but accessible arrangements that nod to 1970s funk, classic rock, and jazz‑fusion pioneers.[5][2][6] Their legacy rests on bridging the cultural worlds of New Orleans and New York, carrying the rhythmic feel and playful spirit of the Crescent City into the more hard‑edged, experimental environment of Brooklyn’s underground scene.[3][8][1] Although information on later activity is limited, their small but focused discography—especially "To Obscurity and Beyond"—continues to circulate on niche platforms and archives, preserving Afroskull as a vivid example of regional funk traditions meeting progressive rock ambition at the turn of the 21st century.[2][6][7]
Fun Facts
- Afroskull describes itself as a "drop‑dead funk" and "sonic gumbo" project, highlighting its New Orleans roots and greasy, groove‑heavy approach to rock and funk.[5][8]
- The band originated out of casual house‑party jam sessions in New Orleans, which gradually evolved into a formal group and then a long‑running collective.[3][8]
- Though widely associated with Brooklyn, Afroskull was formed in 1997 in New Orleans and only later became a New York City funk/rock collective "by way of" the Crescent City.[5][8][1]
- Progressive‑rock and jazz archives list Afroskull alongside jazz‑rock and fusion artists, reflecting how their horn‑driven funk‑rock has been embraced by prog and jamband listeners as much as by traditional funk audiences.[2][6][7]
Musical Connections
Key Collaborators
- Joe Scatassa - Founding guitarist, producer, and core bandleader of Afroskull, anchoring the group’s sound and recordings. (Albums "Monster for the Masses" (2000), "Born Electric" (2007, EP), and "To Obscurity and Beyond" (2010).) [1997 – at least 2010[5][7][6]]
- Jason Isaac - Founding drummer and long‑time rhythm anchor, co‑defining the band’s New Orleans‑to‑New York groove aesthetic. (Albums "Monster for the Masses" (2000), "Born Electric" (2007, EP), and "To Obscurity and Beyond" (2010).) [1997 – at least 2010[7][5][6]]
Connection Network
Discography
Top Tracks
- Broken in Your Arms (Broken in Your Arms)
- Miles Between Us (Miles Between Us)
- Silent Walls (Silent Walls)
- Callin' You (Callin' You)
- When You Looked My Way (When You Looked My Way)
- Picking up the Pieces (Picking up the Pieces)
- When It's Over (When It's Over)
- Under These Sheets (Under These Sheets)
- Can't Stay Away (Can't Stay Away)
- Between Us (Between Us)
External Links
Heard on WWOZ
afroskull has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 12, 2025 | 12:53 | waste management | New Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk |