The GroovaLottos Bring Something Phunky to Brockton's Lounge Culture

It's called "Thump & Soul", a blend of retro soul, funk, Afrobeats, and indie rock, a style that originated around the cape and New Bedford and is becoming a soundtrack for Brockton's blended population of people seeking local events and venues instead of traveling to Boston, and a welcome addition to the creole and Caribbean music offering at many of the city's venues. The progenitors of the "Thump & Soul" movement: The GroovaLottos, a Grammy nominated soul-funk band, and production team. "Brockton has a different energy from Boston. There's more room to be outside the box," noted GroovaLottos bassist/guitarist, Chuck V.

"Thump & Soul" is a term coined by Polyphonic Studios owner and GroovaLottos keyboardist, Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor, used to describe the unique elements found in music coming out of the south coastal region, citing groups and artists like Tavares, Jefferey Osborne, and Herbie King as significant influences. A recording studio and pandemic lockdown led to a lot of time for music making and reflection. Aside from making music as a band, they also began producing other artists from the region, including a project in the works with local legend, Chop Turner. The GroovaLottos found a second home in Brockton starting in 2018, after being invited and booked to play at community events, including a concert at the Public Library, and private parties and events around town. This past January, through Song Keepers, LTD, they began a monthly event called The Supper Club, a cabaret of live soul and jazz with guest artists, held at George's on the 3rd Saturday of each month. A nice little event for the lounge culture who like it funky and lively, but not too loud.

"We're finding that Brockton audiences seems to be more receptive to original funk and soul," said Mwalim, noting that in April The GroovaLottos and a room full of fans celebrated the release of the band's album, "MAMA's HAMPER - Pure Phunk" at George's. Scenes for the band's music videos, "Ima GroovaLotto (Ask Yo' Mama)" and upcoming videos "It Just Is" and "Ima Phunkya!" were also shot in and around Brockton, with the groups favorite haberdashery, Uptown Unlimited, featured.

With a steadily growing audience for the "Thump & Soul" vibe, and word spreading throughout New England about the Supper Club, The GroovaLottos are on their way to becoming another iconic element for the 'City of Champions'. For more information, and an upcoming show schedule, visit http://thegroovalottos.com