Speedometer are a UK funk and soul band formed in 1998, originally starting out as a four-piece playing classic funk material by The Meters and The J.B.'s in clubs across southeast England. They expanded their line-up in 2001, adding horns and vocalists, and began developing the deep, instrumental funk sound that became central to their music.
Their first single, “Soul Safari,” appeared on New York's Soul Fire Records in 2000, followed by a series of limited 45s and their first albums on Blow It Hard Records. Over the years, Speedometer have worked with a wide range of soul and funk artists including Martha High, Sharon Jones, Lee Fields, Marva Whitney, Eddie Bo and Sir Joe Quarterman.
Their music draws on classic funk while incorporating soul, Latin funk, Afrobeat, Northern Soul and psychedelic influences. The band have toured internationally, including performances across Europe and Japan, and have released eight studio albums.
With their combination of original material, 7-inch releases and collaborations with established soul and funk vocalists, Speedometer have become an important part of the modern funk and soul revival.
