Respect Yourself: The Soulful Powerhouse of Modern Funk

Respect Yourself is a dynamic funk and soul collective from Memphis, Tennessee, known for revitalizing classic sounds for a contemporary audience. The group's second studio album, "The Uplift," debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200 and achieved gold certification within six months of its release.

Early career

Formed in 2012, the band's roots are deeply embedded in the historic Stax Records sound of their hometown. Their self-released debut EP, "Soul Revival Sessions," in 2014, caught the attention of indie label Deep Groove Records, which signed them the following year.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2018 with their first full-length album, "Stand Up!," and its lead single "Get Right." The single spent 15 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 24, and propelled the album to sell over 500,000 copies, earning it a gold award from the RIAA.

Key tracks

Get Right — This charting single became the band's signature anthem and a staple of their live performances.

Uptown Revival — Featuring legendary trumpeter Keyon Harrold, this track showcased their sophisticated musicianship and earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance.

The Uplift (Part 1) — The title track from their gold-certified album is a sprawling, seven-minute opus that highlights their compositional ambition.

Shine Through — A powerful collaboration with vocalist Brittany Howard, this song expanded their reach into the alternative rock sphere.

Following "The Uplift," Respect Yourself embarked on extensive international touring, including notable festival slots at Bonnaroo and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Their third album, 2022's "Resonance," saw them experimenting with more psychedelic soul textures while maintaining their core funk energy, debuting at number 8 on the Billboard chart.

Their collaborative spirit remains a hallmark, with recent studio work featuring artists like guitarist Cory Wong and singer Durand Jones. The band has consistently emphasized the importance of live instrumentation, recording their albums to tape at historic studios like Muscle Shoals Sound to capture an authentic, energetic feel.

Fans of the raw, horn-driven energy of The Budos Band will appreciate Respect Yourself's instrumental prowess. The soulful vocals and modern production resonate with the work of Durand Jones & The Indications. Their commitment to classic funk grooves places them alongside contemporaries like Vulfpeck.

The music of Respect Yourself is a regular feature on classic soul and modern funk radio stations across our network. Independent music radio stations and online soul radio streams frequently program their high-energy tracks, recognizing their appeal to listeners seeking authentic rhythm and brass sections.

You can hear the powerful funk and soul of Respect Yourself on dedicated radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their chart-topping hits and deep cuts, all available through our curated selection of music channels.