A Few of Our Favorite Things: EMEFE

9 years ago

The only thing bigger than EMEFE’s lineup (8 members in total) is their colossal sound, which is a restless, brass-heavy convergence of funk and pop. Their self-titled debut was released in May, and it’s a sonically sprawling concept album based on Jacques Lusseyran’s autobiographical And There Was Light, which chronicles the author’s early life, the experiences of going blind, and his interpretations of light and love during the French Resistance movement. EMEFE’s craft endlessly fun, dance-inducing grooves, and when pressed, they offer up influences that include Fela Kuti, Prince, Talking Heads, and the Beach Boys, which couldn’t be more apparent.

We recently got the opportunity to sit down with these lush melody-makers and pick their brains about what keeps them inspired. Check out the dranks, dogs, and unconventional drummers that help this ensemble do their thang. Also, the band plays Brooklyn Bowl tonight (6/11), more info here.