Boogie-funk 10-piece Mondo Freaks releases self-titled debut album
Formed by the rhythm section of in-demand session bassist Luke Hodgson and drummer Graeme Pogson (GL / The Bamboos) who were also both long time players with Harvey Sutherland, Mondo Freaks are the next outfit ready to break out internationally from the world renowned Melbourne soul scene, which has acts currently riding high like Hiatus Kaiyote and Surprise Chef.
Inspired by the crisp funk and rnb of the late ’70s and early ’80s as they eased out of disco, Mondo Freaks stand apart with their live instrumentation and a focus on vocals and great songwriting. Creating something beyond just instrumental grooves their sound transcends mere homage and without any knowing winks, Mondo Freaks breathe new life into a timeless sound and make it feel more relevant than ever.
The self-titled album was produced by Hodgson and Pogson but was mixed by multi Grammy winner Michael Brauer who is known for working on recordings by the likes of Coldplay, Springsteen, Dylan, McCartney and Rolling Stones. But Mondos reminded him of the rnb records he started out working on in the late ’70s / early ’80s, which had huge influences on the band such as Change, B.B. & Q. Band, Was (Not Was), Gwen Guthrie, Grace Jones, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Pleasure, Cheryl Lynn, Cerrone, Jones Girls, Kid Creole, Teddy Pendegrass, Morris Day and many more..
Gathering some of the finest musicians from Melbourne’s soul scene, the band include a roster of five incredible vocalists including Jade MacRae, Susie Goble, Francisco Tavares, Aaron Mendoza and Jason Heerah.
Mendoza (formerly from world renowned Melbourne act Electric Empire) adds his sweet vocals to “Won’t You Decide” while Tavares “stretches it like elastic” on the Cameo-esque Funk track “Pumped!”. Jade MacRae shows why she is one of Australia’s best soul voices of the last decade with her lead vocals across six of the album’s tracks.
Formed originally as a concept band, equipped with an ever-evolving setlist of late ’70s and early ’80s funk classics, their journey has seen them invited to be the backing band for the Australian tours of such US soul music luminaries as Leroy Burgess (the producer and artist behind boogie and disco favourites Black Ivory, Logg, Aleem, Inner Life, and Universal Robot Band) and the iconic Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King.
The album has been a true labour of love for all members of Mondo Freaks, stretching over a long period. It was recorded and put together in the middle of the painful lockdown that Melbourne suffered but the result was a true vindication of passion, perseverance, talent and friendship.
Luke Hodgson recalls: “Living in Melbourne/Naarm, we experienced some of the longest lockdown periods in the world. Anything pencilled into the calendar was canned. After 4 straight lockdowns, a magic window was clear, and we nabbed 2 weeks at Sing Sing Studios to track. A thrill for everyone, to be honest: playing music live with our mates, in our favourite old school way; everyone in the one room, reacting to each other, capturing the moment, committing to tape. Eventually I reached out to mixing hero Michael Brauer to work on the record and sent him the first few songs. One morning, I woke up to an email: ‘Good lord, I love these songs. I’ve been waiting for years to mix music that brings me back to some of my happiest days mixing pop rnb at MediaSound Thank you’. Tick of approval, he could feel the soul in our stuff!! With long standing friendships, we (all Mondos) have been in different bands, recorded on so many sessions and played countless shows together in all sorts of combinations. There’s a deep musical connection here. After the blood sweat and tears of the album process, when I listen to the record, all I hear is the spirit. The fun, love & joy we managed to bottle”.
‘Mondo Freaks’ out on LP / Digitally on October 17th 2025 via Every Star Records
