PHUNK JUNKEEZ

The Phunk Junkeez are coming to the Crescent City with their grab-bag of lyrical miracles consisting of a touch of rock, a pinch of punk, and a bowl full of soul to dip your mind in. This Phoenix, Arizona based funk phenomenon will be serving up grooves guaranteed to feed the appetite of anyone hungry for a head-bobbing, booty-shaking, breath-taking night on the town. They will be debuting Hydro Phonic, their 6th CD to date, taking old school and giving it a fresh new taste in a way that only they can.

This latest project was actually recorded in the band's new recording studio in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. With Soulman flowing on the microphone, Jumbo Jim laying down fat bass lines, Danny P bending strings in ways never thought possible, DJ Roachclip slicing vinyl until it bleeds, Money Mike laying down beats that make each note feel like a new song, and all of the guys doing their part with backing vocals this roller-coaster ride known as the Phunk Junkeez will leave you feeling used and abused in a way that will make you want to smile about it.

Phunk Junkeez will be performing on Oct. 20,2007 at, The Howling Wolf (www.thehowlinwolf.com), one of New Orleans's premier live music venues located at 907 South Peters St. From its founding on Dec.8,1988 in a small L-shaped room in Fat City to it's current location, The Howlin' Wolf has been a legend in the making and now once again they are raising the bar for area venues and unleashing the Phunk Junkeez on New Orleans. Don't miss the opportunity to see the Phunk Junkeez. "What we do is music for everybody, we don't come with any message except 'have a good time.' "- front man "Soulman" This quote in our own words could be translated as, "Let the good times roll."
For more information concerning this performance contact - Neworleansmusicians.net

By SAMANTHA MORGAN
Special to 2theadvocate.com
Published: Oct 18, 2007

The Arizona-based rapcore band the Phunk Junkeez are not looking to create ground-breaking music or revolutionize the industry, they’re just pushing forward one day at a time to keep the party going.

“We just take it day-by-day,” Soulman, lead vocalist for the Phunk Junkeez, said during our phone interview when I asked what’s in store for the band. “We don’t make any future plans. We’re just putting that funk down for today. We’re going to do a few shows at home [Phoenix] for the holidays, and then go right back in the new year and keep touring for the summer.”

Keeping the future fluid is what has given the band the ability to maintain a loyal, underground fan base for the past 17 years.

The Phunk Junkeez was formed in 1991 from an appreciation for funk and hip hop. Soulman said his early influences came from listening to bands such as the Beastie Boys, Run-D.M.C., Red Hot Chili Peppers and Rage against the Machine.

“[When we started performing,] it was like trip hop, but it quickly elevated,” Soulman explained. “We had a basic rap to start out, and we were doing parties. Once we fused it all up with the band and mixed in the hip hop, that’s when Phunk Junkeez got going.”

Including Soulman, Phunk Junkeez consists of members Jumbo Jim (bass, backing vocals), Danny P (guitar, backing vocals), DJ Roachclip (turntables, vocals), Money Mike (drums) and Milky (vocals). The band released its debut self-titled album in 1992. Soulman said the difference between the first album and the newest release is simple.

“The only difference between now and then is that we couldn’t play well because we were young kids,” he said with a laugh. “Now were just traveling the world, and it’s just evolved to something better. It’s still the same style and same vein, but now we're more confident players, and the music has gotten a lot better.”

The latest album for the Phunk Junkeez is titled “Hydro Phonics” and was released three weeks ago.

“This album took us about two years to record and get finished,” Soulman said. “So far all our fans say it’s our best album. We wouldn’t know because it’s our music.”

As far as the fans are concerned, Soulman said some of the best Phunk Junkeez fans are located right here in Louisiana.

“We take the approach of being a party band,” he said. “We’ve had some of our biggest parties in Louisiana – some of our biggest parties at The Varsity. That’s why we always come back.”

The Phunk Junkeez will perform at Clicks Billiards on Friday, Oct. 19. Although it’s the band’s first time back to Louisiana since Hurricane Katrina, Soulman said he has a particularly high anticipation for this show.

“My grandparents lived in the French Quarter. I used to come down for the summers all the time,” he said. “I’d never seen anything like that in my life. There were so many people integrating with so many different styles.”

“I remember we’d go walking down Bourbon Street in the day time,” he said. “I just remember that one bar with the legs hanging out.”

When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, the Phunk Junkeez were on tour in Japan. Fortunately, none of Soulman’s relatives were harmed in the storm.

“We’ve been trying to get back into the area since the hurricane,” Soulman said. “We were really bummed that happened to an area where we have so much love. The music scene is just getting back on its feet there.”

As far as what the band has planned for their first show back in Baton Rouge, Soulman said to expect one wild party.

“We prefer small venues - the real party is at the small clubs,” he said. “We’re really excited about getting back in Baton Rouge. If you’ve never heard us before, come out to the show. We’re excited to get back there and play, and get this party rocking.

We’re down for all the junkeez in the bayou
- 2theadvocate.com

Michael Senft
The Arizona Republic
Sept. 18, 2007 12:00 AM

In the '90s, the Phunk Junkeez were one of the bands that put Mill Avenue on the musical map, thanks to high-energy shows and a funky sound.
Mill Avenue's many music venues are gone now, but the Junkeez still command crowds - maybe not the same size as their contemporaries 311 or Korn, but the Valley rap rockers never gave up.
On Sept. 22 the Junkeez will celebrate the release of their new CD, Hydro Phonic, with a free concert at Westgate City Center in Glendale.
"It's got all kinds of sounds, hip-hop, rock, funk, punk, metal. It's pretty much the stuff that's bouncing around in my brain. And we think its one of our strongest albums, that represents everything the Phunk Junkeez have been about. And so far everything has gotten a great response - live, on the Internet, on the radio," says singer Joe "Soulman" Valiente.
Although the album has been four years in the making, this is the first chance many American fans will have to hear the new material live. The band has recently returned to the Valley following a summer tour in Japan promoting the new CD, which hit stores in America on Sept. 18 after a summer release overseas.
"We were in Japan for three weeks. We have great tours there. The energy is unbelievable. Their culture, they have a passion for rock and roll and really love diversity. They really pick up on American music. What's most surprising is they aren't new fans. These are people who have been listening to our music since '95. We just couldn't get over there to play until 2004," Valiente says.
Fans can expect to hear all their old Junkeez faves like Phunky Phunky as well as plenty of stuff from Hydro Phonic, including a laid-back cover of the Mungo Jerry chestnut In the Summertime.
"It's pretty much a rap song. It's always been a cool, fun summer song and it's basically a rap song. It just clicked that it would be a song we could pull off. We threw a new little rap in the middle to spice it up, gave it a bit of a reggae/hip-hop feel," Valiente says.
But above all he promises the show will be fun.
"It's a great opportunity to check out the Phunk Junkeez, whether you've never heard us or have been listening to us since '95. There's going to be three other bands playing, plus there's a Coyotes game that night. It's just going to be a big party, a great chance to hear us and for us to meet our fans," he says.
"And the best part about it is that it's a free show."
- Arizona Republic

LIVE!
Album Release
The Phunk Junkeez Debut Hydro Phonic at Free Westgate Show

On September 22nd, locally-based national recording artists, the Phunk Junkeez will host their national record release party for their upcoming CD, Hydro Phonic at the Westgate City Center Plaza located at 9400 W. Maryland Avenue in Glendale (next to Jobing.com Arena). Arizona's hometown heroes - known for fusing punk, funk, and rock music styles - are releasing their sixth and strongest album to date. The Phunk Junkeez rabid fan base has supported them throughout 15 years of touring worldwide, playing shows with bands like No Doubt, 311, Green Day, and the Kottonmouth Kings to packed venues. The Phunk Junkeez’s high energy mix of hip hop and rock fusion is sure to bring an electric vibe to the west side. Featuring local rock bands as opening acts, this show is FREE to the public. Below is a recent interview the Junkeez’s frontman, Soulman, was kind enough to provide for Nightlife! Magazine:

Nightlife! Magazine: How was the recent trip to Japan?
Soulman: It’s always a good time. Japan has got some real love for the Junkeez. We have a lot of fans and friends out there, and we’ve had a presence in Japan for about 15 years now, so they love us and we love visiting.

NM: Tell us about the new record.
SM: It’s our best record yet- we’ve gotten a lot of good feedback. There is a ton of rock mixture going on, but it’s not too produced. It’s more reduced actually- we don’t hide our rap roots, so there are those raw elements of funk, punk and soul.

NM: What are you looking forward to as a band?
SM: We are putting Hydro Phonic under our new label, DMAFT/Oglio, which is in the Universal and Fontana records family, so really we’re looking forward to get the record out there to the masses. We have worked with some great indie labels, don’t get me wrong, but you are only capable of so much with marketing. This is a bigger platform, a bigger stage, but the message is still the same. Now the message is being pushed through a major system. Other than that, everything is still rockin’ and rollin.’ We’re going on road starting October 3rd in Denver, and we’re not coming back until Christmas, so we’re stoked.

NM: How are you feeling about the state of live music in the Valley?
SM: I think the scene is poppin’ right now. There are so many groups like Two Dimes, Authority Zero, Roger Clyne and others who are tried and true bands; they are right on the underbelly of a break out into the mainstream. A lot of bands here are like six-year seniors: they have seen it all and now they are ready to graduate. There are great venues here like the Clubhouse, the Brickhouse and the Hidden House -- all the houses I guess! They support a big underground music scene and people need to just get out to see some shows. Arizona is a good breeding ground for bands.

NM: Thanks man, have a good show on Saturday.
SM: Thanks you. I just want to say to the fans out there: Check out our new disc and make sure to go to the West Gate show. Why wouldn’t you go? It’s free, and there will be beer and girls there!

For more information, please log onto www.phunkjunkeez.com


- Nightlife! Magazine

Phunk Junkeez More than just a little reminiscent of the Beastie Boys, the entire genre of white, outlandish pseudo-rap is somewhat of a novelty that has worn itself out, but the six-piece Phunk Junkeez manage to come together into a tight, cohesive group that sounds layered, blending funk, hip-hop and rock music to form an unmistakable hard hybrid groove. The lyrics contain frequent references to our hotter-than-hell desert state and blazin' up a spliff, but a constant lack of pensive phrasing gets old quickly, and seems awkward atop some pretty cool riffs (an exception is the highly political track, "Generations"). One of the best cuts is "The Good, the Bad, the Phunkee," which harks back to that old school, irresistible '70s porn-funk sound. Another standout is "Come To Party," which maintains a mellow vibe with a synthesized horn section. Despite the criticism one could lay on our homeboys, Phunk Junkeez have never professed to be refined. These are the same kids who put on DIY shows publicized almost exclusively by word of mouth in busted-up warehouses in the early '90s. Hell, we wouldn't want sophistication from them anyway, because in the end, the whole package keeps you movin' and shakin'. - Phoenix New Times

This fall, the Westgate City Center WaterDance Plaza will be transformed into one of Arizona’s premier concert venues, as Westgate and title sponsor Nissan deliver a series of concerts featuring national recording artists and local musical acts.

Bands from various genres will perform in the open-air plaza, which also features a $6 million Bellagio-inspired dancing water feature.

The second concert of the series will be Sept. 21, recording artist Neal McCoy will take the Westgate Plaza stage for an evening of country music, also featuring The Cindy Standage Band, a local country band. Standage, a native of Mesa, led the only Arizona act to perform at Country Thunder this year.

Advance sales tickets cost $10.25 for general admission (a partnership with KNIX 102.5 FM) or $20 for VIP tickets. At the door the day of the event, tickets will be $20 for general admission or $35 for VIP tickets.

The following night, The Phunk Junkeez will have a concert to celebrate their sixth album "Hydro Phonic," which will be released Tuesday. The local band is known for fusing punk, funk and rock music styles.

"In The Summertime," their first single from "Hydro Phonic," is in rotation on nationwide radio. The Phunk Junkeez fan base has supported them throughout 15 years of touring worldwide, playing shows with bands such as No Doubt, 311, Green Day and the Kottonmouth Kings.

Staying involved with their fans via the Internet and tour events, selling more than 200,000 units and with more than 20 film ("Harold & Kumar go to White Castle," Tommy Boy," "Disturbing Behavior") and videogame sync placements to their credit, the Junkeez have kept their blend of hip hop and rock fusion burning bright.

Featuring local rock bands as opening acts, this show is free to the public. Music starts at 6 p.m., and the Junkeez take the stage at 9:30.

On Oct. 19, classic rock legends Kansas will play at Westgate. Known for such hits as "Carry On My Wayward Son" and "Dust In The Wind," Kansas will celebrate the 30 year anniversary of one of their most successful albums, the multi-platinum classic "Point of No Return." Ticket pricing and on-sale date information will follow in the coming weeks.

The Nissan Concert Series at Westgate will run until mid-November, and a complete event schedule will be released in the coming weeks.

The shows are open to all ages. Food and beverage vendors will be set up on the plaza, and those showing age 21 and over IDs will be given a wristband to purchase alcoholic beverages.

For information or to pur chase tickets, visit www. westgateaz.com or www.gettix.net and search Westgate City Center as the venue, or call 866-443-8849.

- Glendale Today

First up there is no reggae influenced music on the Phunk Junkeez 6th album, Hydro Phonic, but damn if you wants some good time tunes, no one brings the party like the Phunk Junkeez.
Of course the album is also shallow as hell and has pretty much zero lastability, but you may have to visit a chiropractor to massage out the soreness in your neck from all the head bobbin ‘you can’t and you won’t stop’ doing while listening to it.
At first I wasn’t really feeling it. It just sounded more of the same from this popular AZ hip hop rock crew, but after popping it in the old CD player for a long drive, it blew me away. Seriously, the Phunk Junkeez are specialists at making your booty shake—even when driving.
Number one Junkee, the never aging Soulman, has got his flow down on lock, especially through the frantic Well Known Fact and What’s the Time?, oh we know what the time is—It’s time to get psycho! Personal favorite Dogboy (Too Rude) makes a nice cameo on the infectious Turning Around and Dirtball continues to exhibit his amazingly fast rhymes when guesting on We in Stereo.
Just like the way a reggae bass line can groove in your head, the smoothness of Come to Party is undeniable thanks to Jumbo Jim’s meandering bass. Hydro Phonic’s only real misstep is the single In the Summertime, as it comes across a little awkward. No one will ever accuse the Phunk Junkeez of taking themselves too seriously, but spreading smiles is what this band is all about. If you let your defense down a little, Hydro Phonic will score on you, as it’s a grand slam party jam.

- ThePier.org

The Phunk Junkeez used to enjoy performing in warehouses, with beer flowing and the party thumping.
Actually, they still do. But these days they're doing it legally — and not necessarily by choice.

"All those warehouses we first used when we were first starting out, all the bars and clubs have been refurbished, just in the past five years or so," says Junkeez frontman Soulman. "So we do things, but now they're more open and we're able to promote them."

In a way, it's almost unfortunate. The Arizona-based Junkeez started as a preeminent underground, trip-hop/rock/funk, white-boy, overzealous-DJs-trying-to-be-rock-stars punk party band. They were Phoenix's very own Beastie Boys.

Their shows were often promoted exclusively via word-of-mouth. The band would find an abandoned warehouse, clear it out, set up a stage, buy a few kegs, charge at the door and start playing for anybody who was lucky enough to find them. The crowd numbers would routinely reach the hundreds before fizzling when the cops would inevitably arrive.

"The cops would show up and everyone would get out of there," Soulman says. "We'd just play the ignorant musician card, like, "Yeah we're looking for our promoter, too. If you see him, tell him we want our money.' Then we'd all meet up at Taco Bell and count the earnings."

It was all so unofficial, kind of like the way in which the Phunk Junkeez formed. At an early solo show, Soulman found himself on the same bill as a band whose lead singer was, by Soulman's definition, a "drunk." Soulman saw an opportunity.

"After the show I asked if they wanted to play with me, and they said "Yeah,'" Soulman says. "So I stole this singer's band."

That band included bassist Jumbo Jim and DJ Roachclip. With Soulman on board, they became the Junkeez. Together, they quickly built a local reputation, then in 1992 released their self-titled debut. Since then, they've recorded five other albums, including their latest, Hydro Phonic.

"I'd say it's a collaboration," Soulman says. "This album is more of just everything we've done. We've stayed to the roots of what we've done. We had a lot of fun and wrote a lot for it, so we put only the good stuff on it. I think it's a better blend of stuff than anything we've done. We've got a little punk, funk, rock, hip-hop."

By their own admission, the Phunk Junkeez don't pummel you over the head with deep, existential lyrics or sound. Not that anyone would accuse them of it, anyway.

But what they do offer in their music is sincerity and a good time.

"We're putting the parties back into the shows," Soulman says. "So many bands aren't doing that any more. That's what gives us an edge. We just don't have to deal with cops chasing us now."

— scene@csindy.com

Phunk Junkeez with 5280, Small Town Nothing, Our Funeral Forgotten and The Brew Crew

Union Station, 2419 N. Union Blvd.

Friday, Oct. 5, 8 p.m.

Tickets: $10 for 21-plus, $20 under 21; call 227-7168 for more info.

- Colorado Springs Independent