As we mark the 15th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans favorites Dumpstaphunk had released a new single, “Where Do We Go From Here”. The 8-minute cut will serve as the title track of the funk outfit’s forthcoming studio album. Where Do We Go From Here, Dumpstaphunk’s fourth studio album, will be released this Fall via Mascot Label Group/The Funk Garage.
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As frontman/keyboardist Ivan Neville explained in a statement along with the track’s release, “’Where Do We Go From Here’ really comes more from my perspective on life in general, than being specifically about Katrina or the unprecedented events of the last 6 months. I mean those of us from here (New Orleans) were asking ourselves this same question 15 years ago, not knowing what the future of our city would hold. Looking at where we are now, we stand at a different crossroads given the uncertainty of a worldwide pandemic, the struggles we’re facing with social injustice and systemic racism, and the turmoil in a controversial election year. It is a question we are asking ourselves again. The song remains an optimistic point of view towards facing the challenges of the future and the unknown.”
Continued Neville, “Myself, Nick [Daniels] and Tony [Hall] were kids during the 60’s-70’s, so we saw a lot growing up. We see the same stuff still going on – the systemic racism, the racial profiling, all the social injustice. We’re at a crossroads right now in this country, and something’s got to change. At the same time, lyrically speaking, Dumpstaphunk is putting out a conscious message of optimism in confronting the challenges of the unknown. … We hope people can hear the new songs and are inclined to dance while being inspired to think at the same time.”
The new track is steeped in the sonic heritage of the Neville family and the city of New Orleans, the core principle upon which founding members Ivan Neville, Ian Neville (guitar), Tony Hall (bass/guitar/vocals) and Nick Daniels (bass/vocals)—and newcomers Alex Wasily (trombone) and Deven Trusclair (drums)—have built a reputation as the Crescent City’s pre-eminent 21st-century funk-fusion export since spontaneously forming during the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 2003.
The swagger and charisma of the Neville Brothers and the impenetrable but laid-back grooves of The Meters shine through as the band takes this new vamp for a ride. The heritage is alive and will as Neville croons, “It all comes down to love.”
Listen to “Where Do We Go From Here” by Dumpstaphunk on the platform of your choice here or stream it via YouTube below:
Dumpstaphunk – “Where Do We Go From Here”