Dumpstaphunk

Biography

Dumpstaphunk is a New Orleans funk-fusion band that spontaneously formed during the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 2003. Born from the legendary Neville and Meters family bloodlines, the band was founded by cousins Ivan Neville (keyboards/vocals, son of Aaron Neville) and Ian Neville (guitar, son of Art "Poppa Funk" Neville), alongside original members Tony Hall (bass/guitar/vocals) and co-founder Nick Daniels III (bass/vocals). The band's name and mission reflect their commitment to modernizing and reinvigorating the influential Neville/Meters family groove for the 21st century.

Over more than two decades, Dumpstaphunk has cemented its reputation as one of the most respected New Orleans musical institutions and the city's pre-eminent 21st-century funk-fusion export. Their signature sound features dueling basslines, complex funk, rock, and jazz arrangements, soulful quadruple harmonies, and Big Easy traditions. The band has released four studio albums, with their most recent, "Where Do We Go From Here," arriving in April 2021 and featuring collaborations with Marcus King, Trombone Shorty, and Chali 2na. Their performances are characterized by ingenious musicianship that ignites a deep, gritty groove, attracting legendary sit-ins from artists like Carlos Santana, Bob Weir, George Clinton, Chaka Khan, Dave Matthews, and members of Phish.

Following the 2024 passing of co-founder Nick Daniels III, the band entered its latest genesis with next-generation additions including Deven Trusclair (drums), Alex Wasily (trombone), Ashlin Parker (trumpet), John Michael Bradford (trumpet), Ari Teitel (guitar), and Viveca Hawkins (vocals). Career highlights include opening for the Rolling Stones at the New Orleans Mercedes Benz Superdome in July 2019 and performing at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival every year since their formation. The band continues to tour internationally, performing at major festivals like Bonnaroo, Lockn Festival, Jam Cruise, and Fuji Rock Festival, maintaining their status as a highly respected live powerhouse.

Fun Facts

• Dumpstaphunk spontaneously formed on stage during the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 2003, and they have performed at the festival every year since their formation.
• The band opened for the Rolling Stones at their home turf, the New Orleans Mercedes Benz Superdome, in July 2019, a major career milestone for the hometown heroes.
• The band's signature sound features dueling basslines from two bass players, creating one of the 'dirtiest rhythm sections on the planet' and setting them apart from most funk bands.
• Their 2021 single and music video 'Justice' featuring Trombone Shorty conveys a message about fighting for equal opportunity and the right to a decent life for all humans, demonstrating their commitment to social consciousness alongside their musical prowess.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Art 'Poppa Funk' Neville - Father of founding member Ian Neville and original member of The Meters, providing direct family lineage and funk tradition (The Meters legacy, Neville Brothers tradition) [Foundational influence through 2003-present]
• Aaron Neville - Father of founding member Ivan Neville, legendary New Orleans vocalist (Neville Brothers musical legacy) [Foundational influence through 2003-present]
• The Meters - Foundational New Orleans funk band that established the groove and tradition Dumpstaphunk modernizes (Classic Meters funk catalog) [Historical influence informing band's sound]

Key Collaborators

• Tony Hall - Original founding member, bassist/guitarist/vocalist (All four Dumpstaphunk studio albums, core member since 2003) [2003-present]
• Nick Daniels III - Co-founder and bassist/vocalist until his passing (All Dumpstaphunk albums through 2024) [2003-2024]
• Trombone Shorty - Frequent guest performer and featured artist (Featured on 'Justice' single and 'Where Do We Go From Here' album) [Multiple collaborations through 2021]
• Marcus King - Guest collaborator and performer (Featured on 'Where Do We Go From Here' album (2021)) [2021]
• George Clinton - Legendary funk musician who sat in with the band and toured together (Parliament Funkadelic farewell tour support) [Late 2010s-2020]
• Carlos Santana - Guest sit-in performer at live shows (Live performance collaborations) [Various performances]
• Bob Weir - Grateful Dead member who has sat in with the band (Live performance collaborations) [Various performances]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. United Nations Stomp (Where Do We Go From Here)
2. Do You (Where Do We Go From Here)
3. Sheez Music (Everybody Want Sum)
4. Sheez Music (Reprise) (Everybody Want Sum)
5. Justice 2020 (Where Do We Go From Here)
6. Backwash (Where Do We Go From Here)
7. In Time (Where Do We Go From Here)
8. Do Ya (Everybody Want Sum)
9. Turn This Thing Around (Listen Hear)
10. Dancin' To The Truth (Dirty Word)

External Links

• Spotify
• [Wikipedia](Not found in search results)
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #blues, #funk, #gospel