PHAT YAKI

Though musicality has become sparse within the contemporary landscape, San Fernando Valley-made group Phat Yaki embraces intricate multi-instrumentalism and sonic exploration.

An amalgamation of their idols Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers, and Michael Franks, their feel-good and nostalgic catalog is strewn with jazzy soundscapes, funk, and soulful cuts inspired by chordal harmony.

After assembling at Champs Charter High School of the Arts at the suggestion of their music director, Lazer, Ethan, and Jon began churning out still-evolving offerings before adding Josh to the mix. Christened by their mentor and accomplished music instructor Jeffery Byrd (Lionel Richie, Jill Scott, The Clark Sisters), their moniker Phat Yaki is a reference to their stellar soundscape and a multicultural food dish once prepared by their ancestors.

Striving to balance intellectual harmony and feel-good grooves, the Los Angeles-based band graduated from Champs in 2016 and enrolled in CalArts to elevate their original soundscapes. Their well-crafted compositions soon grabbed the attention of former Warner Brothers Records VP and current TuneGo President Alison Ball and resulted in the band’s record deal with Hidden Beach Recordings.