New Orleans’ modern torchbearers of funk, Dumpstaphunk returns to the fray today with their new single “Let’s Do It” out now on all digital platforms. An infectious gumbo of collective empowerment, the song marks one of the band’s final recordings with late bassist Nick Daniels III and is Dumpstaphunk’s first studio release since his April 2024 passing.
Ivan Neville shares of the new single: “This song expresses the concept of 'We' is more powerful than 'Me.' If we combine our strengths, talents and ideas we can accomplish more. It’s also one of the last songs written and recorded with our brother and co-founder Nick Daniels III, who passed away last spring. As we celebrate his life with this song, we move into a new era of Dumpstaphunk so… Let’s do it!!”
“Let’s Do It” takes off with bright, percussive horns and sticky basslines that reel in the listener from the jump. Keyboardist Ivan Neville and bassist Tony Hall trade off lead vocals throughout the opening verses, followed by multi-harmony choruses that coalesce into a powerful groove. A third of the way in, the gospel-like voice of the late founding member and bassist Daniels proclaims “I’m good, together we’re great,” in a poignant moment for fans.
Other special guest vocalists include long-time friend and Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Ani DiFranco, and Dumpstaphunk’s newest addition Viveca Hawkins. Infectious horn arrangements by band members Alex Wasily on trombone and Ashlin Parker on trumpet, with additional appearances by Brad Walker on tenor saxophone and Stephen Lands on trumpet, weave throughout the song to create one of Dumpstaphunk’s most poignant singles to date.
“Let’s Do It” follows Dumpstaphunk’s recent live album Live At The 2023 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which released August 22, 2024 and commemorates one of Dumpstaphunk’s most memorable performances at the festival that started it all. The band’s most recent studio album, Where Do We Go From Here, was named one of Offbeat Magazine’s 50 Best Albums of 2021 and garnered national praise for outspoken songs like “Justice”, which NPR said “combine[s] good times and a hot, sweaty sensuality with social and political commentary.”
Dumpstaphunk will embark on an exciting 2025 tour schedule in support of the new music, with more releases set to drop throughout the year. Fans can look forward to a national U.S. summer tour with Trombone Shorty and JJ Grey & Mofro, as well as a New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival performance on the Acura Stage in direct support prior to alternative rock legends Pearl Jam on May 3. Stay tuned for more music and touring news announcing soon.
2025 Dumpstaphunk Tour Dates
Feb. 23 • Atlanta, GA • Steamhouse Lounge Oysterfest
Feb. 28 • New Orleans, LA • Tipitina’s Uptown
March 7 • Live Oak, FL • Suwannee Amp Jam #1
March 21 • Boca Raton, FL • The Funky Biscuit
March 22 • Venice, FL • Venice Blues & BBQ Music Festival
May 3 • New Orleans, LA • New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
May 4 • New Orleans, LA • Tipitina’s Uptown
June 7 • San Diego, CA • The Rady Shell *+
June 8 • Los Angeles, CA • Greek Theatre *+
June 11 • San Francisco, CA • Masonic Theater *
June 13 • Eugene, OR • Cuthbert Amphitheater *+
June 15 • Airway Heights, WA • Northern Quest Casino *+
July 12 • Chicago, IL • The Salt Shed *+
July 17 • Buffalo, NY • Artpark Amphitheater*+
July 18 • Portland, ME • Thompson's Point *+
July 20 • Boston, MA • MGM Music Hall at Fenway *+
July 25 • Allentown, PA • Archer Music Hall *+
* with Trombone Shorty
+ with JJ Grey & Mofro
About Dumpstaphunk
Over the past 17 years, Dumpstaphunk has cemented its reputation as a highly respected next-generation New Orleans musical institution – the type of band whose live performances have attracted sit-ins from legends like Carlos Santana, Bob Weir, George Clinton, Dave Matthews and members of Phish. Alongside original core members Tony Hall and the late Nick Daniels III – and the newer additions Alex Wasily, Ashlin Parker, Deven Trusclair and Viveca Hawkins – Ivan Neville and Ian Neville (the sons of Aaron Neville and Art “Poppa Funk” Neville respectively) have built upon their family’s iconic NOLA legacy as they’ve transformed Dumpstaphunk into the city’s pre-eminent 21st-century funk-fusion export. Critical acclaim and undeniable musicality resulted in recent career highlights like their July 2019 opening gig for the Rolling Stones on their home turf at the New Orleans Mercedes Benz Superdome, and as well as supporting Dave Matthews Band in 2023.
Modernizing and reinvigorating the Neville/Meters family groove has been one of the driving forces of Dumpstaphunk since the band spontaneously formed during New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 2003. Born on the Jazz Festival stage, and descended from Neville and Meters family bloodlines, these soldiers of funk ignite a deep, gritty groove that dares listeners not to move. Their performances combine ingenious musicianship through complex funk, rock, and jazz arrangements accompanied by soulful melodies and Big Easy traditions.
