Mondo Freaks
Mondo Freaks are a 10 piece Funk outfit 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. Inspired by the crisp Funk and R’n’B sounds of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s as it 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 life into a timeless sound and make it feel more relevant than ever.
Gathering some of the finest musicians from Melbourne’s Soul scene, they include a roster of five incredible vocalists including Jade MacRae, Susie Goble, Francisco Tavares, Aaron Mendoza and Jason Heerah. 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 as well as performing at the iconic Meredith Music, Golden Plains and Panama festivals and at numerous Melbourne residencies
The band started releasing original music again in 2025 with the singles “Bells Are Ringing” (which was remixed by Harvey Sutherland) and “I’m A Fool” both of which have been generating a buzz internationally getting support from tastemakers like Somewhere Soul, Horsemeat Disco and Delicieuse Musique. Those tracks along with their forthcoming album to be released in late 2025 were mixed by the legendary Michael Brauer, who made his name mixing ‘80s classics by the likes of 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.