If you walk into a venue expecting a standard four-chord indie set, you’re in for a massive, probably sweaty, surprise. Britton and the Sting doesn't just play music. They host a "funk liberation" ceremony that feels like a cross between a 1970s Southern tent revival and a high-fashion Brooklyn warehouse party.
Honestly, it’s hard to pin them down. Is it gospel? Yeah. Is it rock? Absolutely. Is it a political statement wrapped in a bassline so thick you can feel it in your molars? Every single time. At the center of this storm is Britton Smith, a man who describes himself as a "Black Gay Mega Pastor." He isn't interested in your traditional pews or judgment. He's interested in your freedom.
The Man Behind the Movement
Before Britton and the Sting became a fixture of the NYC underground and international tour circuits, Britton Smith was a Broadway powerhouse. You might recognize him from Be More Chill, Shuffle Along, or After Midnight. He’s a Tony Award winner, not for a specific role, but for his work with the Broadway Advocacy Coalition (BAC). He’s the guy who looks at a system—whether it’s the theater industry or a religious institution—and asks why it’s so damn restrictive.
Smith grew up in a traditional religious environment in Texas. That upbringing left marks. It gave him the soaring vocal range and the "testimony" style of performance, but it also gave him a lot to dismantle. He’s talked openly about how his identity as a Black queer man didn't fit the box he was given. So, he built a new one. Actually, he didn't build a box; he built a stage and called it "The Sting."
What Exactly is "Funk Liberation"?
When you hear the term "funk liberation," it sounds like marketing speak. It isn’t. For this band, funk is the tool used to break through the "bullshit" (Britton’s word, not mine) that we carry around. The music is designed to be visceral.
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The lineup has featured killers like musical director Josh Dawson, Eli Menezes, Daniel Winshall, and Josh Roberts. Then you’ve got the vocals. We aren't talking about backup singers. We’re talking about powerhouse artists like Tiffany Mann and Amber Iman standing side-by-side with Britton. It’s a community, not a frontman and some hired guns.
The Anthem: "Let’s Get Drunk and Go to Church"
If there is one song that defines the Britton and the Sting experience, it’s "Church." The lyrics are a paradox. "Let’s get drunk and go to church" isn't an invitation to a bender—well, not just that. It’s a call to let go of the rigid, "polite" version of yourself. It’s about finding the divine in the messy, the authentic, and the loud.
Their EP, Live at Nublu, caught the attention of everyone from Vanity Fair to The New Yorker. Even NPR’s Tiny Desk team flagged them as a top pick. Why? Because you can’t fake the energy they put out. It’s raw.
Why Britton and the Sting Matters Right Now
We live in a time where everyone is "curating" their lives. Everything is filtered. Britton and the Sting is the antithesis of that. When they performed at the Juneteenth Jubilee or their REVIVAL residency at Rockwood Music Hall, the goal was simple: recharge.
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Britton often says that happiness is work. It’s not something you just wake up with. You have to remove the layers of systemic weight and personal doubt to find it. The band acts as a catalyst for that removal.
Some people find the mix of genres confusing. One minute it’s a soft, prayer-like melody, and the next, it’s a heavy rock riff that sounds like James Brown had a run-in with Led Zeppelin. But that’s the point. Human emotions aren't one genre. Why should the music be?
Real Projects on the Horizon
The momentum isn't slowing down. As we move through 2026, Britton is deep into a few massive projects:
- The Album: Return to MAMA (released early 2026) is the culmination of years of "water talk" and ancestral exploration.
- The TV Series: A scripted series is in development that follows a Black queer mission to create sanctuary spaces.
- Little Island Commissions: Experimental theatrical concerts that blend nature, water, and humanity.
How to Experience the Magic
You don’t just "listen" to this band. You participate. If you’re lucky enough to catch a show at The Apollo, Joe’s Pub, or during a tour with artists like Sammy Rae & The Friends, here is how to handle it:
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1. Leave the ego at the door. The band thrives on audience communion. If you're standing in the back with your arms crossed, you're missing the point.
2. Listen to the "Sting." Pay attention to the moments of testimony. Between the high-energy funk, Britton often drops gems of wisdom about self-love and accountability. It’s not a lecture; it’s a shared realization.
3. Watch the community. Notice how the band interacts. There is no hierarchy. It’s a group of seven humans in community, and that energy is infectious.
Britton and the Sting reminds us that the "sanctuary" we’re all looking for isn't a building with a steeple. It’s the space we create when we’re brave enough to be ourselves. It’s sweaty, it’s loud, and it’s arguably the most honest thing happening in music today.
Actionable Next Steps:
To truly understand the "Funk Liberation" movement, start by listening to their breakout single "Burn" followed by the live version of "Church." If you're in New York, keep an eye on the Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) or Rockwood Music Hall schedules, as they frequently return for residencies. For those outside of NYC, follow Britton Smith’s updates on the Broadway Advocacy Coalition website to see how their art and activism intersect in real-time.