Supaphat

Sacramento-based Supaphat (pronounced Soup-a-fat) take their name from the cartoon mascot who adorns their album artwork and promotional materials. His retro style symbolizes the combination of funk and rock, like Funkadelic and Jimi Hendrix, which defines Supapaht’s music. The band was born in 2000, derived from members of two of the area’s popular bands, Mama’s Gravy and Nothing. It took a few years of personnel changes, but by 2004, the lineup was solid—and so were the grooves.

Band ringleader Eric Schley sports some powerful vocals, and his between-song antics invoke comparisons to Jack Black, John Belushi and Chris Farley. His voice has been compared to Chris Robinson (Black Crowes), Bradley Nowell (Sublime), and Joe Cocker. Let’s not forget the music: Supaphat deftly blends the heavy groove riffs of Rage Against The Machine and the catchy funk of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Add in some turntables, and you’ve got a subtle hip-hop element that distinguishes Supaphat from the standard-issue rock band.

In September 2005, Supaphat released its first full-length album, “Ride With Me,” on Elden Drive records and Burnside Distribution of Portland picked up the album. The follow up album “Lose Myself” will be released November 13th and both can be found online at Amazon.com, iTunes, and Cdbaby.com. They can also be found at Rasputin’s Records, Amoeba Music, and Dimple Records.

Supaphat has enjoyed steady radio play on 50,000 watt stations 98 Rock (98.5 FM) and KWOD (106.5 FM) in Sacramento, and their music has been used for various promotions on 98 Rock. Also, they were nominated for a SAMMIE (Sacramento Area Music Awards) for best R&B/Funk band in 2006 and 2007. Supaphat has played all over the Sacramento area at venues including Harlow’s, Old Ironsides, and the G Street Pub in Davis. The band also takes its show on the road, playing in Reno and San Francisco at Pier 23 and Grant and Green.