akousticfunktion.page

Akoustik Funktion

Q & A

Bryan Mahanes responded by email.

Review

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copyright 2002

Band Info.

Akoustic Funktion is:

Dan Lotti--Lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Bryan Mahanes--Lead guitar, harmony
Ben Bennett--Bass guitar
Benji Lee--Drums

Email: [email protected]

CD: 7-song CD available at shows, Millenium, and Cat's Music

Q. What is your style of music?
A: Folk-based, funk-grooved, latin-flavored

Q: What is the origin of the band's name?
A: We began as an acoustic duo that liked to jam, but Acoustic Jam sounded cheesey. Acoustik Jelly was our next attempt. Funktion seemed to be the simple alternative; we needed a name quick because we were getting gigs immediately and it just stuck.

Q: How long have you been together?
A: Since May of 1999

Q: What is your favorite venue to perform at?            Q: What is your favorite song to perform?
   A: Presently, the Windjammer                                 A: Ants Marching or an original entitled "Sunny Days"

Q: What is your favorite CD or record?             A: Well now, Prince is my personal favorite, but both Dan and I are presently listening to Martin Sexton's "Live Wide Open"

Q: What are your favorite things about Charleston?          A: Diversity, support for musicians like us, seawater, friends, gigs, gigs,and more gigs

Q: What are your musical influences?      A: Everything from Prince to 311, Daniel Lanious, Martin Sexton, Dave Matthews, Pearl Jam, G Love and Special Sauce...

Q: Who is your favorite historical figure?         A: Siddartha

Q: What is your favorite food and beverage?    Bryan: Crab Cakes      Dan: Corona w/lime

Q: What is your "guilty pleasure"?       A: Turning up my electric guitar really loud



	OK, so maybe Akoustik Funktion had an unfair advantage, since I went to their show with two civil engineers. After half an hour of listening to my friend Courtney describe the complications of the "Big Dig" in Boston, just about anything else would have been music to my ears. However, I think that I would have thoroughly enjoyed the show under any circumstances. Don�t let the name of the band throw you off--they are definitely more than a couple of guys in Birkenstocks and beards strumming guitars and crooning Simon and Garfunkle. The members of Akoustik Funktion perform a mix of spirited originals and selective covers (from artists like Ben Harper and Dave Matthews). What's more, the singer can actually sing, and even more amazingly, the other band members can harmonize with him! This is a talent often missing from groups of young musicians, and I admired the vocal talents of Akoustik Funktion as much as I did their musical talents. In addition, I was pleasantly surprised when they invited their friend, Chris (Kris?) Allen, up to the stage. Her beautiful voice was a perfect compliment for the music and I would enjoy seeing her play with the band more often. Added bonus: these musicians have to be some of the sweetest guys that we've met yet in the music scene--we appreciate their enthusiasm for our site, and look forward to catching many of their future shows. Akoustik Funktion often play in some of the smaller, more intimate venues, which makes for a perfect evening of hanging out with friends and enjoying some snappy tunes.