Shut Up About TheSun is the first proper release from the Denver-based progressive funk group, Space Orphan. The album features the band’s “progressive old school” sound, where they nod to the classic funk gods, such as James Brown and The Meters, but not without adding their own modern take. 

Space Orphan came together in early 2015, and has since drawn comparisons to Mothership Connection-era Parliament, Lettuce, and Soulive. Wirtz (frontman/keys) enlisted the help of some close friends to help flesh out the lineup, including Eric Imbrosciano (drums), Taylor Scott (guitar) and Todd Edmunds (bass), who’ve played for Otis Taylor, plus Matt Pitts (tenor saxophone) and Gabriel Mervine (trumpet) of The Motet. “Obviously everyone has their set of influences,” explained Wirtz, “but the common theme with all of us is that it has to be soulful.” 

“The tunes themselves were sort of a balancing act of having something we could knock out of the park, and enough t to take us out of our comfort zone,” added Wirtz. The music is translating well in the live show, as Space Orphan have built a passionate fan baseand have been fortunate enough to land spots supporting George Porter Jr. and Jans Engber’s Funk Fellowship. In addition they’ve also been championed by Hey Reverb, who premiered the“Soul-Train dance floor ready” track “Cuatro de Marzo” and elix, who partnered with the band to share the new album. 

More info can be found online at www.spaceorphanmusic.com, or www.facebook.com/spaceorphanmusic.