Vol. 7 No. 42New Jersey · Future rockEst. 2012 · Always free
funkadelic astronaut
Live Nyack Neighborhood Porchfest 2026
Time to Save the Universe
NJ trio ft. Ryan Gavin, Kevin O’Neill, and Sam Luba blast off
Future rock
Ryan and Kevin started the band as high school friends in 2012, and the lineup locked in when Sam joined in 2017. Since then they have taken their sound to stages across the Northeast, sharing bills with some of their own favorites: The New Deal, Dopapod, Kung Fu, Consider the Source, Space Bacon and Solar Circuit.
That sound is funk wired to electronics: a deep pocket from the rhythm section, synths and keys that take chances, and room to stretch out live.
Their new record, Time to Save the Universe, came out in 2026, following Mission Control (2021), Magrathea (2018), Emergency Exit (2017) and Impact (2013).
Three friends. One orbit.
Ryan GavinKeys
Ryan co-founded Funkadelic Astronaut in 2012 with longtime friend Kevin O’Neill.
Blending music and technology, he brings an adventurous touch to the keys, taking chances and helping steer the trio into unexpected territory.
Kevin O’NeillDrums
A naturally gifted drummer, Kevin has played with Ryan for nearly two decades, since high school, long before Funkadelic Astronaut had a name.
Behind the kit since day one, he’s a steady presence and more brother than bandmate.
Sam LubaBass & vocals
Sam joined Funkadelic Astronaut in 2017, completing the band’s current lineup.
On bass and vocals, his songwriting and musical sensibilities solidified the band’s sound, giving the grooves their hooks and the jams somewhere to land.