Summer is almost here, and veteran Sophistafunk MC Jack Brown and rising experimental funk trio Grub already have fans set for the season with their debut collaboration, “Summer Breeze”.
“Summer Breeze” arrives on a cool wave of synths reminiscent of Tame Impala, before a driving beat awakens the psychedelic daydream. Riding that wave of light electronica, Grub’s vocalist/guitarist/synth player Zach Tilton and Sophistafunk’s Jack Brown trade verses, embodying the nostalgic feeling of endless summer days that give way to the unbridled energy of a summer night. The inspiration for “Summer Breeze” came to Brown during a trip to St. Pete Beach, FL, shortly after Hurricane Milton. Even in the aftermath of the storm’s destruction, Brown saw nature’s ability to restore itself to a place of tranquility and balance—just like he hopes “Summer Breeze” will do for listeners.
“‘Summer Breeze’ came to fruition when I was toying around with an old ’80s synth I had just picked up, and was playing with some old school vibey patches,” Tilton told Live For Live Music. “We started playing around with the idea of it during the summer of 2024 and the lyrics for the hook just came to us after writing the melody. The idea was to make a funky, pop, summertime anthem that encapsulates being both introspective and in love or not in love. Both the beauties and struggles of life.”
Brown and Sophistafunk became acquainted with Grub after playing with the band in New Hampshire, followed by subsequent gigs around the Northeast. Over the past nine years, the Niagara Falls, NY-based Grub has made a name for itself with high-profile gigs opening for bands like Papadosio, lespecial, and Octave Cat, enrapturing audiences with their blend of funk, electronic, reggae, psychedelic rock, and hip-hop. Brown, too, fell under the spell and traveled to Grub’s studio in Niagara Falls late last year to record “Summer Breeze”.
“Grub has been playing shows with Sophistafunk for a couple years now and have built a strong relationship with those boys over that time,” Tilton said. “We thought what better way to showcase this vibe than with Jack Brown featured. He fits perfect on the track with the funky bass lines and the Dilla-esque swing. He brought a new touch to the track emphasizing the theme of the song with his flow and lyricism.”
Check out “Summer Breeze”, the new single from Grub and Sophistafunk’s Jack Brown. Be on the lookout for more collabs in the months ahead. Sophistafunk has an upcoming string of New York shows in Rochester, Syracuse, Basom, Sterling, Saratoga Springs, and Emerson Park throughout the summer. Find tickets and tour dates here. Grub will play at Funk ‘n Waffles in Syracuse on July 31st, and tickets are on sale here.
Sophistafunk, Jack Brown — “Summer Breeze”