The Down Right
Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada | Established. Jan 01, 2013 | INDIE
Music
Press
"A rhythmic-funk-tempest swept through The Painted Lady as soon as the first note of the first song was ripped into the airwaves....the crowd immediately moved to the stage - which is no easy feat in TO - & didn't stop bumpin' until the 40 minute set was done. Want a band that blasts bodies to and around the dancefloor? Look no further."
Josh Haggarty
aBabe Music -
"The Down Right is a funky unit that revels in old school grooves and playing hidden soul gems. The playing is solid, and has the looseness of a Jam band. Both soloists can burn when needed or sit back and nurse the groove. Strong rhythm from the bass and drums lays down a good foundation for their soulful voices. A band on the rise. Check 'em out!"
Lance Anderson
Producer/Recording Artist, Make It Real Records -
"The Down Right is part of a complete funkfest, with 5 essential subtonic nutrients and rug cutting minerals. Recommended by the toe tapping society of america, guaranteed to tickle your funk bone."
Alex Rabbitson
The Brownstone -
"They are a high energy, big sound funk band with a whole lot of heart. A mesmerizing performance that kept the audience on their feet."
Liz Scott
Artistic Director, Eaglewood Folk Festival -
"If you want all night dancing and a party, then The Down Right is your only choice. Just outstanding!"
Stacey Ison
Toronto KIA -
"The Down Right bring a high energy funk/soul sound that you rarely find. Musically they are extremely gifted with a powerful stage presence, an edge that packs the place every time they play!"
Jeff Carver
Owner, The Wismer House -
“Just when you thought all that was left in music was plastic pop divas twerking and strutting their juvenile attempt at “sexy”, The Down Right come to the rescue! A reminder that there is nothing more sensual than the real thing! Combining Indie hip coolness with classic R&B Funk grooves, The Down Right come across as intelligent and aware, as well as provocative and endearing. They sing, play and move with passion and soul. Their performances exude an honesty and conviction that is true sex appeal!!”
John Eaton
The Peak FM Radio -
"The Down Right are downright incredible! A high energy mix of 70's funk with a current twist that time warps you to Studio 54, 2013 style. Definitely bringing back the FUNK!"
Fiona Leonard
Amplifi Entertainment -
"The Down Right, play sexy, funky music that makes every part of your body want to move, right down to your toes. I love it!"
Angel Vollick
Special Events Coordinator -
"If you want to get people grooving at your next dance or party, you couldn't do better than The Down Right. From classic 70s funk and soul to booty-shaking original tunes, The Down Right brings their A game to every event and they are an absolute joy both to work with and to watch."
Doug Cleverley
Festival and Event Executive -
Discography
"Environment" single, released September 2013.
Debut LP Weapons of Funk Construction, released May 2014.
Photos
Bio
In answer to the serious lack of funk in their area, The Down Right formed in 2013, and by year-end had
already served up their debut album Weapons of Funk Construction: a diverse collection of extroverted, fun and funky-free songs with some notably critical content speaking to injustices. Late Spring 2014 saw a significant change in their roster, inspiring the continuous evolution of The Down Right sound as they raise their songwriting and live shows to even more explosive levels. Winning over ears, hearts and boogie footgear everywhere they go, this “rhythmic-funk-tempest” (Josh Haggarty, aBabe Music) has blasted their love of funk and funk-lovers through Ontario clubs & festivals, and worldwide radio airwaves to rave reviews.
"Combining Indie hip coolness with classic R&B Funk grooves, The Down Right come across as intelligent and aware, as well as provocative and endearing. They sing, play and move with passion and soul. Their performances exude an honesty and conviction that is true sex appeal!!" John Eaton, Peak FM Radio
While they distinguish themselves as a funk band, their aggressive, groove-oriented skintight sound extends its influences to soul, acid jazz, rock and hip-hop. The Down Right’s music is rooted in Mike Weir’s drums and Nick Liefl’s bass, which build the foundations of their songs deep in the pocket of syncopated rhythms and snappy embellishments that never overcrowd. Layers of vintage keyboards from the 9 fingers of Jay Stiles melt over the rhythm section like hemp butter, complimenting the free, innovative approach of guitarist Adam Webster, and the fresh, versatile playing of Nelson Beattie on sax. Top it off with five distinct voices, spearheaded by the sassy, visceral soul-fire of Sylvie Annette. Vocal performances à la smooth and sexy or raw and gritty, ride echoes of old school funk seasoned with a modern taste. The Down Right take cues from greats such as Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan and Parliament-Funkadelic, to blend flavours that explode amidst elements of Earth, Wind & Fire, the dapper flair of Jamiroquai and a Betty Davis attitude.
They are being called “a band on the rise” (Lance Anderson, Make It Real Records), “guaranteed to tickle your funk bone.” (Alex Rabbitson, Orillia Jazz Fest). So shake a leg on over to the dance floor and experience an electrifying message of love & positivity with the saucy funkfest that is The Down Right.
"They are a high energy, big sound funk band with a whole lot of heart. A mesmerizing performance that keeps the audience on their feet." Liz Scott - Eaglewood Folk Festival
Band Members
Links
