Speaking with a lot of musicians lately, I realised there are seven levels of bands. It’s a growth path, where the highest level isn't necessarily the best: my favorite bands are at Level 5. Level 1: Rehearsal Room Heroes Walk through the corridors of a rehearsal studios like a musical anthropologist and press your ear against the doors. This is the only way you’ll ever hear this particular band species, unless you happen to be a relative of one of the members and get to see

Music is everywhere in New Orleans. Originated from the ryhthm&blues, jazz and second line brass bands, funk became a essential part of the city's musical gumbo. The funk tradition is kept alive and well by preserving the legacy from generation to generation. Take for example Dumpstaphunk, formed by Ivan Neville. He is the son of Aaron Neville, and he joined his father along with two uncles — Art of The Meters, who defined New Orleans funk, and Cyril — in the Neville Brothers

The most exciting music out of Italy comes from Calibro 35. The Milan-based band has been releasing original albums since 2008 with a unique blend of cinematic crime-funk, psychedelia and hypnotic grooves. Their immaculate drum breaks and moody grooves using analogue instruments became a goldmine for rap producers. Dr. Dre heavily sampled Calibro 35's track "I Milanesi Ammazzano il Sabato" for the song "One Shot One Kill" featuring Snoop Dogg on his album Compton. Producer Ti