Karate Boogaloo • POPUP!

Karate Boogaloo is at the heart of Melbourne's thriving instrumental "cinematic soul" scene.

The band's roots are firmly planted in a "DIY" soul aesthetic; Henry Jenkins, Hudson Whitlock, Callum Riley, and Darvid Thor have been playing funk together since the school playground. Coming together while still pre-teens in high school, the four friends absorbed the style of great instrumental small combos like Booker T & The MG’s and The Meters. Armed with these influences and their signature quirky sense of humour, they developed over the years a shared musical language born from countless hours spent together as both friends and musical partners.

A staple of the Naarm (Melbourne) underground scene for over ten years, the band has consistently honed its craft, building a rich catalogue infused with its unique touch of eccentricity. This is evidenced by their "KB’s Mixtapes" series (three volumes now highly sought after), their three original albums (Carn The Boogers in 2020, Hold Your Horses in 2024, and the upcoming Access All Areas), as well as their collaboration with American vocalist Danielle Ponder; all elements that attest to their lasting contribution to the rise of the Melbourne / Naarm "cinematic soul" sound.