The Band ...finding out more
Funkify - The Players
Take soulful lead singers Simone and Paul who create a fantastic rapport
with the audience… add to that a strong 3-piece horn section playing
brilliant funky riffs on all the songs… finally mix in a seriously
funky rhythm section of pro musicians with gear to match… and you
are getting somewhere near the Funkify Experience. We put on an amazing
performance every time, just take a look at our promo DVD.
The best funk soul and party band in the UK? We think so, but we’re biased,
so come and see us play and make up your own mind!
Creation
Funkify was created by Amy Barnes in 2001 and soon established an excellent reputation playing at events and venues throughout the UK. Current lead singers Simone Kaye and Paul Carlisle joined the band in 2009. Simone wowed us all with her amazing Aretha-style voice and Paul added a new dimension to the music with his stylish vocals - think Stevie Wonder meets Jamiroquai… The lead singers and brass are equipped with radio mics so they can join the crowd on the dancefloor to really get the party going and plenty of audience participation is part of the show.
Musical Direction
Funkify continues to develop its own song list of full-on funk and soul numbers, with a modern take on many classic grooves by artists including James Brown, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. We have also Funkified chart hits such as Duffy's " Mercy" and Estelle's "American Boy". We are always adding to our repertoire and performing new numbers which play on the strengths of the band. We play requests and can even play your favourite song or the first dance at your wedding… keep on playin' that Funky music!!
Gigs and Events
The band plays at numerous private functions including weddings, parties,
corporate functions and balls throughout the UK. We also perform at Hertfordshire
music venues including The
Horns in Watford, The
Horn Reborn in St. Albans. The band's gig schedule for this year
is looking hectic already so join our mailing list or book us for your event and join us in the Funkify!!
Singers
Simone is an experienced singer and songwriter. Simone has a vast amount of experience in the industry having worked extensively both performing live and in the recording studio. She started her career on cruise ships working in a live band travelling throughout Europe as the lead vocalist. She then went on to headline shows in Europe and the UK. She has also travelled the world using her outstanding talent taking her as far Bermuda and America.
As a performer her soulful, heartfelt vocals can captivate an audience no matter how large or small. She feels at home on a stage in front of thousands and just as comfortable performing intimately to a crowd of 50.
She can sing practically any style from jazz to pop to rock and has a 3 octave range. Simone draws her influences from great soul singers like Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Ella Fitzgerald
.
Back to top
Paul carlisle has been performing with function bands and an acoustic duo called The Measures for over 3 years working pubs, private functions and parties. His influences are mainly soul, motown including such artists as : Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Marvin Gaye to name a few. Paul has also co-written an original studio album with Adam Buckell (The Measures).
Rythem Section
Starting at the age of 15, I was heavily influenced by my Dads choice of music which was early British blues. This helped me with the basics and inspired me to learn more. After a while I wanted to know how I could improve my technique and theory, so I studied and eventually achieved high levels in both classical and electric guitar.
My eagerness to expand my musical knowledge further lead me to play with as many live bands/acts of different genres as possible and through this I have been lucky enough to get on music tours, music videos, radio sessions, writing sessions and recording sessions.
I currently work for the Hertfordshire music service as a peripatetic guitar teaching as well as playing with different acts such as Funkify, De-Funkt, Je ne sais quoi (a jazz duo JNSQ.biz), and an acoustic duo called ‘The Measures’ which can be found on lemonrock.co.uk.
Emlyn graduated from Southampton University where he studied jazz saxophone and played at the Montreux Jazz Festival. He has played with many bands over the years, funk, soul, show bands, jazz and many more.
Back to top
Elliot has been a professional musician for 18 years mostly working in theatre shows and function bands around the UK. Starting out playing Guitar in several function bands and Haven holiday camp bands while still at school, he quickly moved on to become Assistant Musical Director at both Shanklin and Sandown Theatres on the Isle of Wight for 10 years playing Keys, Guitar and Double Bass, and arranging music for dozens of professional shows.
As well as playing Bass Guitar around the uk he is also making a name for himself as a stand up comedian singing his own comedy songs in and around London and Edinburgh and reached the semi-finals of the "So You Think You're Funny" competition at the Edinburgh Festival last year. Recently Elliot has been playing Bass Guitar for the UK tours of "Shout" and "Never Forget", "Cinderella" at the Beck Theatre in Hayes, and 1st Guitar for "Footloose" at the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage. His favourite pastime is eating monster munch.
no profile
Brass
no profile
Back to top
Amy is the manager and architect of Funkify as well as being one third of the band’s brass section on Alto Sax. Inspired to form the band in 2001, she has supported the band through various incarnations to the superb line-up it is today.
“I had a vision of a band which had fun, played awesome music - a new take on classic funk and soul – and had a real flair for creating a party. I believe I have achieved that today.” Amy
As well as the band, Amy plays sax with an established jazz quartet. Her playing encompasses a wide range of styles including jazz, blues, pop/rock, funk, soul and original material. She has performed in countries as diverse as Austria, Dubai and the Greek Islands. Amy is also a professional recording artist, having played saxophone and flute on Katie Buckhaven’s acclaimed first album.
From writing original funky rifs for the awesome Stutosphere brass section, through to inspired session playing and soloing on original album tracks, Amy lives for music and wherever she is, you can be sure she will continue playing, performing and writing.
Adrian is a saxophone teacher and manages a well-known London-based shop that deals solely in saxophones and has played the sax for the last 25 years. He enjoys playing in bands with soul with a blend of funk and blues thrown in for good measure.
Adrian has played with a number of Soul and function bands over the years together with Elvis, and Van Morrison Tribute bands. Influential saxophone players include King Curtis, Stanley Turrentine, The Crusaders, Maceo Parker, Gerald Albright and David Sanborn together with jazz and swing greats.