Originally from Ghana; Kojo Easy Damptey combines soul, funk, hip hop and I hear some jazz influences in his latest track “Giants”. This is the title track from his upcoming album which to him “builds on the tradition of resistance and resilience that people of color around the world have shown in the fight to combat the ill effects of colonization.” “Giants” is available now on bandcamp! – Kris Gies

Z Tapes Records has compiled a collection of Johnny Utah singles, and released them as an EP/cassette, Big Dogs. A funky, R&B/soul vibe permeates throughout these five tracks. Mixing revealing,  bedroom-pop songwriting with omnipresent, potent grooves creates an instantly infectious energy. Sounds like the Big Dogs gots some bite.

At The Basement East on Wednesday 11.28, you can catch Alanna Royale perform at Women Rock!, a night chock full of female-fronted bands singing and playing their hearts out. Go and shake out the post-Thanksgiving blues to her funk-rock songs packed with percussive brass, old-school grooves, and Alanna belting out melodies that fill the room. You'll hear covers of songs by legendary artists like Joan Jett, Stevie Nicks, Janis Joplin, and more, as well as perhaps a few of Alanna's originals, including tracks from her new EP So Bad You Can Taste It. Along with Alanna, the bill will feature music from fellow Nashville female-fronted groups and perfomers such as Slider, Jasmine Cain, Athena, Emily Nenni, and Emily Chambers. Take a listen to So Bad You Can Taste It below. - Will Sisskind

Listening to SF afrobeat collective Sun Hop Fat makes you feel confident, like you’re on a mission and you know exactly where you’re headed. Pop on tracks like “Rhinosaur” and “Silly Putty” and it feels like you’re driving an undulating road, multicolored images calling you to dance or to ease you deeper into your chair, eyes closed toes tapping. This ten piece instrumental band tells stories without words. They’re Ethiopian jazz meets American funk, a touch of bossa nova and a little psychedelic twist. Luckily for us, they’re playing December 8th at The Independent with Royal Jelly Jive. Put your swaying, dancing, tapping shoes on and catch em. -Michelle Kicherer