Melting Pots

Written by: Cait Elizabeth - April 2019
Edited by: Travis Ryan

INTRODUCTIONS

At its heart, Melting Pots is a diverse fusion band. The power trio James Chiarella (vocals/bass/writer), Tom Gallagher (drums), and Andrew Friedman (guitar) leans heavily into funk, rock, and blues sounds. Often mixing it up by adding in guest players on keys or horns, the Melting Pots get their name from the inherently eclectic nature of their music. Songs like “Recognize” feature haunting vocals reminiscent of classic ‘50s crooners, while others such as “Get a Little” have more of a ‘60s rock and roll vibe. James began Funktion Jungle in 2008, which went through some changes and switched direction to focus on “more danceable tunes”. In 2015 the band was rechristened as Melting Pots. The band’s continued evolution in sound was aided by the recent addition of guitar player Andrew Friedman, whose name you may recognize from our Aron Street article.

As many musicians tend to agree with, their favorite songs to play are the newest additions to their catalog. The most recently written songs are still fresh in reflection of where they are at in life. “‘Redstone’ is our newest recording and it was written at a time where I was evaluating where I am in life and my reluctance to let time get the best of me,” James explains. They plan on debuting a brand new song called “Elevate” during their feature at Equilibrium Booking’s open mic at The Velvet Lounge on April 16th. James describes it as being “great for dancing” and having “a Red Hot Chili Peppers/Jamiroquai feel to it.”

TOURS & SHOWS

The Melting Pots can frequently be found playing alongside their friends in MJT and Cuttin’ Cotton, whose keyboardist Matt Godfrey often joins them on stage. The band has done a few smaller tours including a trip out to Nashville. Setting out for a week in August and slated to play a different venue every night, they got off to a rough start when their departing flight from NY was delayed. They managed to make up the time, get their rental gear, and make it to the venue (a place called South, on Demonbreun Street in Nashville…badass) on time for a great gig. Melting Pots were also showcased at a venue called Charlie Bob’s, where they were welcomed with open arms. They made fast friends and found themselves in an ideal situation for artists on the road: hanging around a big table full of fellow musicians at a backyard party where they played music all night.

While you can often catch Melting Pots at local spots such as Bobbique’s, The Velvet Lounge, Tap and Barrel, and Katch at Venetian Shores, their favorite New York spot is The Bitter End. They were as excited as always to grace their stage just this April.

SUBSCRIBE & SUPPORT

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Bandsintown
Meltingpotsny.com
Meltingpotsny@gmail.com

INSPIRATION & INFLUENCES

Melting Pots draws inspiration from all kinds of funk, rock, blues and Latin styles. Mixing bits and pieces of different genres and techniques, the band has carved out a sound that is truly their own.

I want to shout out to everyone who is keeping the original music scene alive. We need more ideas and people pushing the envelope so we can create a real music culture again. To my band mates new and old, you’ve all given perspectives that have molded the sound for Melting Pots today. To my big brother Anthony thanks for buying me my first bass and telling me not to play guitar, I fell in love with bass because of you.
— James Chiarella (Melting Pots)