Paddlebots was born out of a college friendship between Kortez Buckner and Haruki Hakoyama – two remarkably different individuals who came together through a shared love and vision for music. Haruki’s upbringing in the world of jazz and the gospel/pop/soul influences that made up the soundtrack of Kortez’s life have coalesced into a sound that brings the best of these sensibilities together.  

In collaboration with their immensely gifted friends Andy, Dom, Mike, Zakariya, Ethan, Adam, and Conor, Paddlebots has forged a unique sound combining the accessibility of soul and pop with the sharp musicianship of funk and jazz that can be referred to simply as “Progressive Soul-Pop”.  

Paddlebots seeks to bring good feels and great vibes through their music, and nowhere is this more present than during their electric live performances. Groove-heavy rhythm backing horn-driven melodies over soulful vocals - it’s a recipe that is as unique as it is undeniable.