The band Kung Fu specializes in the art of electric-fusion mixed with an onstage creation of EDM music. The band will be performing at The Westcott Theater on Saturday. Chris DeAngelis, the bassist of Kung Fu, talked with The Daily Orange about the band’s sound and history.

The Daily Orange: How would you best describe your band’s music?

Chris DeAngelis: I think of it as like fusion-jazz with like rock guitars. Van Halen meets jazz band Weather Report and sprinkled in with the Parliament-Funkadelic. There are so many different elements to it, but it’s kind of fusion rock-funk —­ those three kinds of genres there. Our music isn’t the traditional acid house sound, though. We go in and improvise sections of certain songs and create a pounding “unce” beat. It’s more textural and innovating and less soloing. It’s like everyone is trying to paint on this canvas and underneath is this pulsating beat, but for the most part, pretty progressive funk and funk rock.

The D.O.: How did Kung Fu meet?

CD: It’s been 10 years now. It was a weekly jam session at Stella Blues in New Haven, Connecticut, which is a small bar. It became a Monday night residency and kind of just grew from there. It just branched off into playing bigger shows. We all came from different bands so that’s kind of how it all started. A few band players, including me, still play in The Breakfast. That’s the other band I was associated with. We’re always jumping around playing gigs with different groups.

The D.O.: What is your favorite part of playing in front of an audience?

 CD: The moment where you are able to transcend what’s going on and get out of your head. Just totally being in the moment and trying something new. When you take a risk and it pays off. That’s what I’m going for — I want to get up there and I want to get comfortable. One time at night just like go into some uncharted territory and see what happens. Sometimes it’s good, and sometimes you fall on your face. But when you’re in that moment where you’re just completely comfortable. The crowd is right there with you and can just feel that energy. The moment where everybody’s on the same page, everybody on stage is on the same page. That’s what I go for.

The D.O.: What are some songs that get a good reaction from the crowd?

 CD: “Samurai” is always a good one, and it’s usually one of the closers we do. And “Joyride” seems to get a good dance party going.

 The D.O.: Why did you guys decide to play at the Wescott on your tour?

 CD: We’ve been playing at The Westcott for a number of years now. We love Syracuse and love the room. It’s always good to make a stop at The Westcott playing out. It’s a good vibe and a good hang. I like the surrounding area too. It’s a good time at The Westcott.

The D.O.: Why did you name yourselves Kung Fu?

 CD: It just kind of came about in a conversation. It describes our music. It was very progressive and kind of acrobatic music. It sounds kind of like kung fu. Kung fu is a martial art. It requires discipline and focus. All these things and the idea of becoming a master of something. I think that encapsulates what we’re trying to do out there. We’re playing some pretty tough music and we’re trying to do it with grace and fluidity.

Interview has been edited for clarity.

Published on December 2, 2019 at 12:32 am

Contact Christopher: cscargla@syr.edu | @chrisscargs