Orgone: The Los Angeles Collective Reviving Raw Funk and Soul

Orgone is an eight-piece musical collective from Los Angeles, California, renowned for their authentic revival of vintage funk, soul, and afrobeat sounds. Since their formation, the band has built a formidable reputation through relentless touring, prolific recording, and their dedicated independent label, El Records.

Early Career

Orgone coalesced in the Los Angeles music scene in the late 1990s, founded by guitarist Sergio Rios and a core group of musicians united by a passion for organic, groove-heavy music. The band's early years were spent honing a raw, instrumental sound deeply influenced by the gritty funk of the 1970s, leading to their self-titled debut album in 2002 and the follow-up, "The Killion Floor," in 2007, which established their signature blend of deep funk and rock energy.

Breakthrough

Orgone's profile expanded significantly with the 2010 release of their album "Califoricana" and the subsequent addition of dynamic vocalist Fanny Franklin. This era solidified their sound, merging Franklin's powerful soul vocals with the band's tight, instrumental prowess. Their independent releases and consistent touring, including major festival appearances, cemented their status as a leading force in the modern funk revival, earning a loyal international following.

Key Tracks

Funky Nassau - This explosive cover of the Beginning of the End classic became a live staple, showcasing the band's ability to channel and amplify classic afro-funk energy.

I Get Lifted - A driving, horn-heavy original that exemplifies Orgone's talent for crafting contemporary songs that feel instantly classic.

Who Knows Who - Featuring vocals by Fanny Franklin, this track highlights the band's seamless fusion of deep funk grooves with soulful melody.

Sophisticated Honky - An instrumental cut that demonstrates the band's tight musicianship and their foundational love for gritty, cinematic funk.

The band's prolific output includes collaborations with notable artists like Alicia Keys, on her track "Teenage Love Affair," and with vocalist Adryon de León, further demonstrating their respect within the soul and R&B communities. Orgone continues to record and perform, delivering a powerful, analog sound that connects the dots between afrobeat, deep funk, and classic soul for new generations of listeners.

Fans of Orgone's authentic funk and soul sound may also enjoy the work of similar artists from the American groove scene. The percussive funk of The Budos Band shares Orgone's instrumental intensity and afrobeat influence. The deep soul revivalism of Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings offers a similar vintage commitment. The modern funk energy of Monophonics parallels their psychedelic soul explorations. Finally, the raw instrumental grooves of The New Mastersounds resonate with Orgone's foundational approach.