For Valenti Thomas or Valenti “Funk” Thomas as he’s commonly referred to, music bears more than just a passive interest. Innately for the talented artist — every chord, every rhythm, every keystroke, is an intimate revelation into his soul. The self-taught musician turned funk aficionado passionately wore and still dons many hats — arranging, producing, writing, and accompanying alongside many of the best in music that Dallas has to offer.

Whether a wunderkind to some or an anomaly to others, the musical gifting of the Irving, Texas native are unquestioned. Exhibiting the ability to play the keyboard, bass guitar, and his true love, the drums – the multi-faceted musician cloaks his artistry among his many talents. Crediting a wealth of influences by musical trailblazers Prince, James Brown, George Clinton and others, Valenti’s passion for “delivering the funk” is deeply embedded within his DNA.

In moments of transparency, Valenti has often admitted that “the grooves [of funk]” would talk to him. From the feel good vibes of Prince to the head-bobbing tunes of George Clinton, the freedom in “real music” is where Valenti’s creativity heightens. These same grooves were ones that led him from earlier stints with Scott McCurry and Melody Memory, to his now current involvement with the award-winning Dallas-based Effinays – a funk reggae band largely popular in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex.