Emerging Artists to Watch: Jukebx Bring Funk & Soul to Brighton
Brighton-based project Jukebx are bringing the golden era of funk and soul into the modern age with their latest single, ‘You’re the One’.
Jukebx began as a duo with a shared passion for funk and soul music, drawing inspiration from some of the genre’s most influential artists while developing a contemporary sound of their own.
“We started as a duo, ‘The Duke and Luke’, and wanted to write music which harkened back to the times of Motown and the Funk Brothers but with a modern feel.”
Since forming, the Brighton-based project have released four tracks over the past two to three years, steadily developing their sound and building their live presence.
As emerging artists, Jukebx draw inspiration from some of the most iconic names in funk and soul music, with Marvin Gaye, Roy Ayers and CHIC among the artists influencing their sound. Combining these classic influences with a contemporary approach, they are creating modern funk and soul music that pays homage to the genre while looking firmly towards the future.
A Song About Unrequited Love
Jukebx’s latest single, ‘You’re the One’, explores the familiar experience of loving someone whose feelings aren’t returned.Rather than focusing solely on heartbreak, the track captures the lingering feeling of being unable to move on, pairing its emotional subject matter with their soulful, groove-led sound.
“‘You’re the One’ is inspired by the idea of unrequited love and telling it from the perspective of a man who had fallen for someone but she had moved on. Even though she has made her feelings clear, he can’t get her out of his head.”
The emotional theme of the track is one that Jukebx believe listeners can connect with, exploring the longing, heartbreak and difficulty of letting go that can come with unreturned love.
“‘You’re the One’ tells the story about something we all feel at some point in our lives. Love for another that isn’t returned.”
The band describe the track as “a song that feels like it was written in red ink and plastered all over the walls to remind us of the ones we lost.”
From Brighton Duo to Live Band
Earlier this year, Jukebx performed their first full-length live band set in June, expanding their original duo setup into a larger ensemble and bringing their funk and soul sound to the stage.
“We have so far released 4 tunes over the last 2/3 years and aim to put a full-length live band set which we did in June earlier this year.”
The performance marked an important step for Jukebx as they continue to establish their identity both as recording artists and a live act.
With another live gig currently being organised for the coming months, the project are looking to build on this momentum and become increasingly involved in the Brighton live music scene.
The group are also keen to get involved with local jam sessions, creating opportunities to meet other musicians, perform in new environments and showcase their new music.
“We have also thought about getting involved in local jam sessions, which we’d be keen to attend and showcase our new music.”
As emerging artists, Jukebx are using these live opportunities to develop their sound and connect with audiences beyond their recorded releases.
Jukebx – Emerging Artists to Watch
With four releases, a growing live setup and a sound rooted in funk and soul music, Jukebx are beginning to establish themselves within Brighton’s music scene.
Their combination of classic funk and soul influences, contemporary songwriting and ambitions as a live band makes them an interesting new addition to the music community, offering a fresh take on the sounds of a legendary era.
With ‘You’re the One’ now out and more live performances on the horizon, Jukebx are one to watch within Brighton’s funk and soul scene, as they continue to develop their sound and presence within the Brighton live music community.