Since its creation in 2011 in Lyon, Coffee Tone has established itself as a collective of professional musicians capable of captivating audiences with elegant, lively, and tailor-made live performances. The band has developed a strong musical identity, built around three core styles: Soul, Pop, and Funk. These genres are not just musical styles; they represent the energy, emotion, and festive spirit that Coffee Tone seeks to convey at every performance.
The Roots: Soul, Pop, and Funk
Coffee Tone’s three musical pillars have deep roots in African-American traditions and popular music worldwide:
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Soul: emerging in the 1950s-60s in the United States from Gospel and R&B, Soul is the music of the soul, full of emotion and feeling.
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Funk: developed in the 1960s-70s, Funk is the music of celebration, structured around groovy bass-and-drum patterns and rhythmic guitar riffs that make people dance.
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Pop: a universal and melodic style that connects generations and combines accessibility with emotion.
Groove is central to Coffee Tone’s identity. Drawn from gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, soul, funk, and disco, the groove creates a direct link with the audience, inviting them to dance, sing, and share a moment of celebration.
Soul: pure emotion
Soul is the emotional backbone of Coffee Tone. The band draws inspiration from legendary classic and modern artists:
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Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Donny Hathaway, Chaka Khan, Amy Winehouse
The goal is to convey the intensity and depth of these artists while adding the band’s own personal touch. Every song becomes a living experience that touches both the heart and the body of the audience. Soul brings warmth, feeling, and authenticity to each performance.
Funk: the music of celebration
Funk drives Coffee Tone’s rhythm and energy, giving each performance punch and contagious excitement. Key influences include:
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James Brown, Prince, Earth, Wind & Fire, Kool & the Gang, -M-, The Jackson Five, Chic, Jamiroquai, Bernard Wright
The combination of bass, drums, electric guitar, and brass creates a groove that gets the audience moving immediately. Funk also offers a creative playground for Coffee Tone, enabling medleys and mashups that delight and surprise guests.
Pop: music for everyone
Pop adds a universal and inclusive dimension, allowing the band to reach audiences of all ages. Main inspirations include:
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The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Queen, Oasis, Bruno Mars, Beyoncé, Daft Punk, The Weeknd, Adele, Sam Smith, Stromae, Maroon 5, Coldplay, Gorillaz, OutKast
Coffee Tone also draws from more eclectic sources to enrich its repertoire:
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Rock: Rolling Stones
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Reggae: Bob Marley
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Modern groove-oriented artists: Tingsek, Vulfpeck, Jarle Bernhoft, Jamie Lidell, Tom Misch, Allen Stone
This diversity allows the band to offer a rich, varied, and surprising repertoire, perfectly suited for weddings, private parties, and cocktail events.
A collective of professional musicians
Coffee Tone is first and foremost a collective. Over 20 professional artists share the same musical and human standards, allowing:
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Adaptable formations (from intimate duos to full live orchestras)
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Simultaneous performances at multiple events while maintaining consistent quality
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Cohesion that ensures every show is seamless and memorable
Each musician contributes personality and creativity, giving the collective a unique musical and human richness.
A unique and living musical identity
By blending Soul, Pop, and Funk, Coffee Tone has built a custom repertoire and a strong artistic signature. The band’s musical identity is based on:
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Transmitting energy and emotion
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Creativity in arrangements and mashups
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Cohesion and the human quality of the musicians
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Adaptation to every event
Every concert becomes a living, festive, and emotional experience, staying true to the influences that have shaped Coffee Tone since its beginnings in Lyon.
