The Fonkberries

From a basement studio on the Southeast side of Atlanta, a new sound is being generated from four uncompromising and inventive players. The roots of the group lie in the stylings and abandon of the music that came out of Atlanta’s legendary Urban Grind (U.G.) and Whild Peach, long known as two of the Southeast’s premier alternative roll and funk bands. Naked N' Famous always looks for new ways to challenge their audience. Their blend of Funk, Metal, Hip-Hop, Blues, Rock and Soul leaves them basically genre-less; and once you have been exposed to their sorties of sound, you will know that you have truly been freed musically.

Get to know the band:

Tuesday(dums): At the heart of this 4 piece orchestral soundfest is a pounding beat brought about by Tuesday, a gifted percussionist tradesman with old school R&B rules and endurance, equaled only by his desire to match the music he finds in the feet of a pretty woman. Tuesday was influenced by the technically proficient old school of the Houston, Texas R&B scene. He started playing professionally at age 11, opening in a Houston movie theatre with a band that entertained before Bruce Lee movies. After a few stints with various bands, he found an early home with a rather successful band called Controversy, based on the Paisley Park grooves and rage of Prince. It was the first time he found that music was a legitimate business that he could pursue as a career. He hasn’t looked back.

Tuesday then went on to play with Western Eyes where he developed a fondness for beat tempo techniques. Here, he also had the chance to study with some musically influential individuals and found a love for playing the Los Angeles club scene. He still looks at the House of Blues in L.A. as his favorite venue. Tuesday’s musical spiral then led him to the Whild Peach funkateers, which he describes as a whole other planet of music. His progression to the alternative Urban Grind brought him to a performance nirvana that he lovingly reflects upon as a ‘circus act trapped inside of the music industry.’ Now, as the drummer for Naked N' Famous, he finds himself playing the role of ‘nuts and bolts’ and in charge of 'bandaids.' His only requirement for a show is that the venue allow Naked N' Famous to deliver on the drama of their music with a superior PA system and an audience willing to wiggle its toes.

Blue (bass guitar): At the bottom of this long funky train is a bass line heating up the rails of the tracks and clear crisp vocals. Blue, the bass man, has the shy silent demeanor of those bass legends proceeding him, but he has a voice that reaches in and touches the listener. Blue relishes his role as the instigator of change within the band, freely challenging his mates, the audience and himself to step outside of the 'reach-around' affects of music’s norms. He looks for musical arrangements outside of the commercial standard for influence, but understands the value of the mass appeal of music on a culture. Blue sites the Jackson 5, particularly Jermaine, as having a great influence on his ability to connect with the audience and the communication he and his bass share with them. He also notes deep appreciation for such varied acts as Earth Wind and Fire, the Beatles and Jane’s Addiction. He also admires the bass experimentations of Trickie and Omar and has an affinity to underground, Hip-Hop music and culture.

Blue found himself leading several bands throughout his early days, but always undertook the role as the main focus of the band on both a creative and inspirational level. He had the opportunity to join with Urban Grind after a tragedy led to the death of their previous bassist. Stepping into a unique, yet uncomfortable set of circumstances, Blue let his playing do the talking and allowed his musical diversity to influence the stage presence of Urban Grind performances. He also played with Whild Peach, who he referred to as funky, very talented and very deserving of much more than they have yet realized. Blue also recorded with Liza from the band Zuba who had appeared on the soundtracks for movies like "There’s Something About Mary" and "Kingpin". Blue thinks Naked N' Famous has an obligation to instigate change. He feels that the collective experience of the players involved builds upon that, and finds that the music audience is starving for it. He also feels a responsibility to leave their audience feeling naked and famous after seeing a show.

McCloud (guitars): In the midst of all this funk are the long skinny braids of McCloud, who in the predictability of his appearance, surprises incredibly in the range of his talent. McCloud is in every way, your above average rock and roll, metal guitar stereotype. However, he possesses a true musician’s freedom to consent to the music’s urges, allowing him to step outside of bounderies. He is fearless to take the leading role in the music and when this Naked N' Famous train needs to get c