An Interview With... Weekend Plans

All you need to know about eight piece Richmond based hip hop funk collective Weekend Plans. 

Here at Middle Eight we are keen to showcase up and coming artists who are working hard to make themselves heard.

Recently we spoke to Justin Ott from Weekend Plans, an eight-piece hip hop funk collective based out of Richmond, Virginia.

Every now and again, very rarely, you hear something like you've never heard before. Fusing elements of hip hop, soul, jazz, and funk, Weekend Plans are utterly unique.

Their debut album State of Nine was released back in 2019 and fulfils the bands self-proclaimed promise to "love to groove and make your body move".

Particular highlights, 'Get With You' draws you in with silky smooth Gregory Porter-esque vocals before exploding into an 90s hip hop rap track. Whereas 'Gravy' delivers a long, swelling brass intro with electronic elements throughout in the background leading to a classic funk groove.

Find out more about the band below!

Who are you and where are you based?

We are Weekend Plans, based out of Richmond, Virginia.

How would you describe the music you make?

Our sound is created by blending a combination of sounds that each of us grew up with. Whether it be Jazz, 90's Hip-Hop and R&B, Funk, etc. We also believe music to be a universal language that can heal. We make our music groove, so your body will move!

How did you first get into music?

The majority of our group started playing their instrument in middle school band. But as we all know it starts way before that. For some of us it was a certain song or seeing a performance when we were young. Others have special connections with a person or memory regarding music. When music speaks to you, you can't help but listen and what to give back your own voice to the conversation.

Who are your main musical influences?

Count Basie, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Prince, Steve Van, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Earth Wind & Fire, Chaka Khan, No BS Brass Band, Butcher Brown, Jacob Collier

Which artist do you currently have on repeat?

Jacob Collier, Thundercat, MF DOOM, Sammy Rae

What are your plans for the future?

Continue doing what we love, which is creating and recording our music. Then going out and playing for our fans, or as we refer to them, our WP Family. Our shows are a safe place where you can come and let go of all the stress going on in the world and dance like it's the weekend. The WP Family is continually growing, and we hope it continues to do so, we invite you to come as a friend and leave as a part of this family!

Weekend Plans new single will be released on the 5th February! You can keep a look out for that and more news on their Instagram and give them a listen here!

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Want to get involved? Get in touch!