Dojo Cuts

Biography

Dojo Cuts is a retro soul and funk band formed in Sydney, Australia in late 2008. Quickly establishing themselves as one of the country's premier heavy funk outfits, the group is known for their crisp, tight instrumentals and the powerhouse vocals of Roxie Ray, whose delivery channels both power and grit reminiscent of classic soul divas. Drawing inspiration from the sounds of the 1960s and 70s, Dojo Cuts blend vintage soul with modern funk sensibilities, creating a timeless and infectious sound that has resonated with audiences both in Australia and internationally.

The band’s debut, self-titled album was released in 2009 on the Italian label Record Kicks, earning critical acclaim and airplay worldwide. Their follow-up album, 'Take From Me' (2012), further cemented their reputation, with tracks like their cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Uptight” and original compositions such as “Say What You Mean” and “The 1-2-3’s” gaining particular attention. Dojo Cuts’ music is characterized by a dynamic rhythm section, harmonious horn arrangements, and a commitment to the authentic soul and funk tradition, while still sounding fresh and contemporary. After a period of relative quiet, the band returned in 2023 with new material, reaffirming their status as a leading force in the Australian soul scene.

Dojo Cuts’ legacy is marked by their role in revitalizing the Australian funk and soul movement, following in the footsteps of groups like The Bamboos and Cookin’ On 3 Burners. Their energetic live performances and studio recordings have made them a staple of the genre, and their influence continues to be felt among a new generation of soul musicians.

Fun Facts

• Dojo Cuts' debut album features a cover of Stevie Wonder’s 'Uptight' and Marie 'Queenie' Lyons’ 'See and Don’t See'.
• Legendary producer Gabriel Roth (The Dap-Kings, Amy Winehouse) wrote the liner notes for their debut album and is a fan of the band.
• Their second album, 'Take From Me', has become a collector’s item, selling for up to £400 on the secondhand market.
• Roxie Ray, the band's lead vocalist, has collaborated with numerous international funk and jazz acts outside of Dojo Cuts.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• The Bamboos - Pioneers of the Australian funk/soul scene and stylistic forebears (Influence on overall sound and approach) [2000s–present]
• Cookin’ On 3 Burners - Australian funk group whose success paved the way for Dojo Cuts (Influence on band formation and style) [2000s–present]
• Classic 60s/70s Soul Artists - Musical inspiration, especially in vocal and instrumental style (Covers of Stevie Wonder, Marie 'Queenie' Lyons) [1960s–1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Roxie Ray - Lead vocalist and featured artist on all major releases (Dojo Cuts (2009), Take From Me (2012), singles (2023)) [2008–present]
• Band Members (Andrew Samuel, Matt Lamb, Jimi Polar, Nathan Aust, Ken Allars, Mike Gordon, Andrew Symons) - Core group members contributing to songwriting and performance (All albums and live performances) [2008–present]
• The Liberators - Side project featuring several Dojo Cuts members (The Liberators (2011), Power Struggle (2013)) [2011–2013]
• Milano Jazz-Dance Combo, Lack Of Afro, Ray Lugo's L.E.S Express, The Underbelly - Collaborations featuring Roxie Ray as guest vocalist (Various tracks and albums) [2010s]

Artists Influenced

• Australian retro soul and funk acts (general) - Helped inspire a new wave of Australian soul/funk bands (Emerging acts in the 2010s and 2020s) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Rome (Tomorrow's Gonna Come)
2. Easy to Come Home (Take from Me)
3. Ain't Got No Reason (Ain't Got No Reason)
4. I Got You (I Got You)
5. Say My Name (Say My Name)
6. Let's Duet (Let's Duet)
7. The Scene (The Scene)
8. Rewind (Rewind)
9. Falling in Love Again (Tomorrow's Gonna Come)
10. Peace of Mind

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz