Exclusive Release: Spunqx’s Groovy Debut Video For ‘Drink Up’

Formed in 2014, Spunqx comprises vocalist Thomson Andrews, popular keyboardist and producer Raja Rasaily, Mumbai-based guitarist Krishna Pradhan and drummer Cassius Fernandes. Photo: Courtesy of the artist.

While Mumbai quartet Spunqx are ready to take funk to a wider audience, band vocalist Thomson Andrews (singer-songwriter, RaagaTrippin’) admits it’s not going to be an easy route. “Being an Indian and someone who works in Bollywood very actively, I know it’s not commercial music, it’s not something the aam janta is going to groove to,” he says.

Formed in 2014, Spunqx comprises Andrews, popular keyboardist and producer Raja Rasaily, Mumbai-based guitarist Krishna Pradhan and drummer Cassius Fernandes. “We used to do funk-oriented gigs together in Blue Frog, as a collaborative thing,” Andrews recalls. Although “Drink Up” was written two years ago around the time the band got together, Andrews explains that the reason for a delayed debut is the fact that all four members juggle various projects, including other bands, solo work and several Bollywood projects each.

The track is reminiscent of modern and legendary funk artists–channeling Mark Ronson at some points with some James Brown thrown in– and features a groovy bass and percussion. Rasaily shines particularly on a seemingly effortless keyboard solo, Andrews keeps up the energy with his vocals on the laid-back track to convey what “Drink Up” is about at its core: having fun.

“When I was writing the song I wanted to write something about how we get high while doing something we love,” explains Andrews, adding that a lot of the song was inspired by the experience of living in Mumbai and enjoying everything the city has to offer. “We wanted to show the culture of Mumbai.” That was the main reason that prompted the band and Los Angeles-based cinematographer and director Stephen Shadrach to choose Versova  Koli  as the location.

While Spunqx are currently working on new material, Andrews confirms that it will be a month before they release another single. They won’t be putting out an album until sometime in 2017. ““Funk is such a niche sound; we haven’t found anyone in India who can do justice to the genre,” says Andrews who sent “Drink Up” to German producer Shane Gunn to mix and master.

On their future releases, the band plan on exploring various styles with funk to present a sound that’s completely their own. “We’re looking at doing funk with a little neo soul, rap and synth,” says Andrews.

Watch the video for “Drink Up” below: