For some musicians funk is where it’s at: It starts and ends with the groove! Funk Engine is one such band. The Sydney four piece is dedicated to groove-based music, jazz fusion and reggae. The band members all grew up in Sydney except Felix Lalanne who is originally from Byron Bay. They first met through the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the Jazz Workshop. Funk Engine was formed in January 2013 by electric bass player, composer and band leader Siebe Pogson. The other members Nish Manjanuth (Tenor Saxophone), Holly Conner (Drums) and Felix Lalanne (electric guitar) are currently studying jazz at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

Funk Engine’s favourite artists include Sydney jazz fusion outfit, The Subterraneans, electric bassist and composer Steve Hunter and Japanese funk powerhouses, Mountain Mocha Kilimanjaro. Other influences include Bob Marley, Weather Report, Jaco Pastorius, James Brown, Parliament, Bootsy Collins, Herbie Hancock and Thelonious Monk.

After a nearly a year of rehearsing, Funk Engine debuted at The Newsagency in November 2013 to great success. The small, intimate setting provided the perfect opportunity to release their unique style of groove combined with improvisation. Early this year they secured a residency at Lazy Bones Lounge, Marrickville where they are Sunday night regulars. They also appeared at the Beats festival over New Year’s Eve in 2013 at Glenworth Valley, Peats Ridge. The Engine have played a range of other venues around Sydney including Hermann’s Bar, Town Hall Hotel Newtown, Mr. Falcons, The Marrickville Bowling Club, Foundry 616, The Oddfellows Hot Club in Kempsey, The Record Crate, The Lewisham hotel and the Leichhardt Town Hall as part of the Site and Sound Festival.

In 2014 Funk Engine released their debut self-titled album under the guidance of prodcer Llew Kiek. The album was launched to great success in November 2014 at Foundry 616 and since then has had air time on ABC national radio, Fine Music FM, Eastside radio and Skidrow FM.

Join this funky group for a 'Live in the Attic', Sunday October 30th (6:30-8:30pm; Bar & Kitchen open; Tickets: $15)