The Folkadelics
New York City, New York, United States
Music
Press
“Danny Faraone had amazing vocals and energy, reminiscent of Gwen Stefani’s sound. She was clear and strong, belting out the high notes with confidence.” - Saratoga Today
“They are paired with a group that “takes a little bit of reggae, mixes it with some funky three-part harmony vocals, adds a touch of hip-hop, and the essence of something that your parents may have listened to in the 60's.” This recipe is served up by the Brooklyn-based ensemble ‘The Folkadelics.’ They have developed a local following here because of previous play-dates and a couple of local connections, so they could be the surprise big draw of the weekend.” - Saratoga Today
“I highly recommend them as serious entertainers. There was an energy that came from the multi-talented group that was electric.” - Bowery Boogie – A Lower East Side Chronicle
“The Folkadelics are one of those bands that blur the lines of musical genres and are just a pleasure to listen to. They just seem to make everyone who’s listening bop with happiness – I dare you to try and sit still.” - Marissa DeVito, The NYC Examiner
“My favorite part of the festival-handsdown- is being exposed to new music. I picked up a few new favorites, but my ultimate favorite this year was The Folkadelics. This Brooklyn band had funk, reggae and a mandolin player. What more could you ask for? Power vocals from a female songstress? You got it thanks to Danny Farone, loved every minute of her crooning.” - Cassandra Baber, The Utica Observer-Dispatch
“Especially notable was the female vocalist, Danny Faraone, a new addition to the group who provided a burst of soul that managed to draw in the audience and really get them dancing…” - The Cornell Daily Sun
“As soon as the band took the stage I could tell we were in for something special…” - The Buckeye Music Magazine
Discography
The Folkadelics self-titled 6 track EP
Photos
Bio
The Folkadelics’ music is a unique blend of rock, reggae, hip-hop, and funk, led by four-part vocal harmonies. Blurring the lines of musical genres, it is impossible to not jump up and dance along with the music when the Folkadelics take the stage.
Sam Miller (guitar/vocals/beatbox/harmonica) and Gavin Cummings (wah-wah mandolin/vocals/guitar) formed Sampson and the Folkadelics in late 2006 while attending Ithaca College together. Soon shortened to “The Folkadelics,” the band composed their own material, inspired by late-night acoustic jam sessions and rowdy nights. Amidst the chaos of finals week in May 2007, Sam and Gavin cut a self-titled acoustic EP at the Ithaca College School of Music.
In the fall of 2007, the band relocated to New York City, where they were soon joined by powerhouse vocalist Danielle Faraone, whose crooning has been compared to that of Gwen Stefani’s. Then after adding bass and drums to the recipe, the band finally had the funky backbone that its songs had been craving. As of 2011, bass master Drew Kelly and hard-hitting drummer Tom Barraco are in the pocket driving the rhythmic machine beneath the band’s action-packed and exciting live performances.
In 2010 The Folkadelics worked alongside Matisyahu producer Steve Wall to release a 6-track self-titled EP. Mastered by Mark Santangelo (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kanye West), this EP has captured the energy of the band’s live shows. Soon after this release the band competed in NYC at The National Underground’s Battle of the Bands, where they were dubbed winners by a celebrity judge panel that included musician Gavin DeGraw and Q104.3 host Jonathan Clark.
In 2011, the Folkadelics began touring the Northeast extensively. Their summer tour included stops at major festivals, including Grassroots, Gratefulfest, Falcon Ridge Folk Fest, Hookahville, and The Werk Out Fest. They supported acts like Dark Star Orchestra, Rusted Root, EOTO, Vinny Amico (moe.), Yonder Mountain String Band, Keller Williams, and Girl Talk, while touring throughout the East Coast and Midwest.
As journalist Marissa Devitto once stated about the band, “I dare you to try and sit still!” The Folkadelics look forward to the road ahead; there’s nowhere to go but up now!
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