In this new entry in our ‘Diamonds In The Rough’ category, we would like to introduce you to Dino Velvet’s The Funk Disciples and the brand new album titled Out Of Dodge.
In a musical landscape often dominated by negativity, controversy, and fleeting trends, The Funk Disciples offer something refreshingly different. The project led by Buffalo-born artist, producer, and songwriter Dino Velvet (The FunkDoctor) has officially released its highly anticipated new album, Out Of Dodge, available now on streaming platforms worldwide.
Released on June 13, 2026, Out Of Dodge marks the second full-length album in two years from The Funk Disciples and serves as a bold statement of artistic growth, musical exploration, and unwavering positivity. Blending New Funk, Amapiano Soul, Afro-pop, and Contemporary R&B, the album delivers a vibrant listening experience designed to uplift, inspire, and move audiences both emotionally and physically.
At its core, Out Of Dodge is an invitation to leave behind the stress, noise, and distractions of everyday life. Drawing inspiration from the classic phrase meaning it’s time to move on from a difficult situation, the album embodies a spirit of forward motion and renewal. Each track serves as a reminder that music can still be a source of joy, connection, and healing.
Throughout the project, listeners will hear echoes of funk’s golden era, the warmth of classic soul, the infectious rhythms of Afro-inspired music, and the sleek sophistication of modern R&B. Yet Out Of Dodge never feels trapped in nostalgia. Instead, it bridges generations of sound, honoring musical traditions while embracing contemporary production techniques and fresh creative perspectives.
All production on the album was handled by The Funk Disciples, featuring Dino Velvet (The FunkDoctor), making the project a deeply personal artistic achievement. More than three years in the making, Out Of Dodge represents the culmination of extensive experimentation, refinement, and dedication to crafting a sound that feels both familiar and forward-thinking.
The journey to this release has been decades in the making. A native of Buffalo, New York, now residing in Santa Cruz, California, Dino Velvet comes from a family deeply rooted in music. Performing since the age of five, he spent years fronting live bands as both a vocalist and percussionist before transitioning into music production and digital recording. His lifelong passion for exploring genres and mastering production tools eventually led him to develop the signature sound that defines The Funk Disciples today.
In 2025, Dino introduced audiences to his creative vision with the debut album Just Groove Baby!, a self-contained project that showcased his groove-centric songwriting and polished production style. Rather than rushing to capitalize on that momentum, he spent the following year sharpening his songwriting abilities, expanding his musical vocabulary, and establishing his own independent record and publishing label; laying the groundwork for the ambitious scope of Out Of Dodge.
The album’s diverse sonic palette reflects a wide range of influences, drawing inspiration from legendary innovators and genre-defying artists including Prince, Ephraim Lewis, Jacksoul, George Duke, PM Dawn, Leon Bridges, Lucky Daye, Jalen Ngonda, Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Meshell Ndegeocello, and David Bowie. Those influences can be felt throughout the album’s seamless blend of groove, soulfulness, experimentation, and emotional authenticity.
With Out Of Dodge, The Funk Disciples continue to carve out a unique space in contemporary music, one where feel-good energy, musicianship, and meaningful artistry coexist. It is an album that celebrates movement, embraces optimism, and reminds listeners that great music has the power to transport us somewhere better, even if only for a moment.
For fans of modern soul, funk revivalism, Afro-fusion rhythms, and contemporary R&B, Out Of Dodge is more than just a collection of songs; it’s an experience.
Out Of Dodge by The Funk Disciples is available now on all major streaming platforms.
Listen below: