NYC’s Dakota Jones sultry return with funk-drenched «Sugar Pie»

Easing you into the New Year is Brooklyn, NYC’s very own Dakota Jones, who make their comeback with new single «Sugar Pie» is now out.

«Sugar Pie» is the first new music from the acclaimed funk 4-piece since their much-loved debut album «Black Light» caused a stir in summer 2021. Back with the silky tones of lead singer Tristan Carter-Jones, fans will still recognise Dakota Jones’ signature powerful R‘n’B-infused funk sound but something has changed… The funk is dirtier, the vocals are sultrier. It’s got grit but there’s also a sweetness at play with «Sugar Pie», with Tristan singing about ‘sweet songs since day one,’ and sharing the infectiousness of being in love. With one eyebrow raised and a crooked grin, it’s a fun return for the esteemed Brooklyn 4-piece.

«It’s the effortless cool of a gang of two, walking in step through streets paved with sugar under a plush pink sky», says the band. »Don’t know where you’re going and you don’t care. It’s rose-coloured glasses on the tip of your nose, and kisses like cotton candy».

Dakota Jones have been stomping around and making noise for nearly 8 years now. Featuring Tristan Carter-Jones on vocals, Scott Jet Kramp on bass, Steve Ross on the drums, and Eddy Marshall on the guitar, Dakota Jones have moulded their sound into something at once commanding and vulnerable, spontaneous and deliberate, familiar and refreshing. Harnessing a timeless groove and magisterial queer black power, they first burst onto the UK scene in 2021, easily translating their formidable energy as a live act into their debut record. Channelling furious energy inspired by the likes of Chaka Khan, Janis Joplin and Marvin Gaye, the group showcased their uncensored songwriting and were unafraid to take a deep dive into life’s most visceral emotions. The result, «Black Light» went on to win critical praise from the likes of The Times, Classic Rock, DIVA Magazine and Echoes Magazine – establishing them as one of the best new funk/soul bands to emerge for a very long time. Since then the band have been busy in the studio writing new music, whilst continuing to build their live reputation, following that gritty funky sound wherever it would take them; through some of NYC’s most respected venues, on tours exploring America’s coasts, and well beyond. 2023 is going to be an exciting year for Dakota Jones and «Sugar Pie» is just the start….

Dakota Jones, «Sugar Pie», are added to my playlist «Sugar Pie» – like it so you don’t miss out on great music. New songs are added regularly on my top 50 playlist.