Contemporary Funk 310 Items

In their second release, the Ancient Cosmonauts are adding new flavors to their already genre-bending style combining funk, soul and jazz.
"Higher", the title track of the band's debut EP, adds hard-hitting drums and a pumping bass line to the bands' signature "wall of sound" horns, fluid congas and urging female vocals. This makes you think of latin / funk rock and 90's crossover, even there is no guitar on that track at all. The flip side "Sweet Season" pays tribute to Black Jazz Records legend Doug Carn, adding all the soul jazz and psychedelia the band restrained itself from on the A-side. The jubilant vocal duet blooms on earthed, sonorous horn lines and is complimented by a bluesy trombone solo.

mess/age is the music of Kyoto-based friends Khan Brown and Ohhki. Formed in 2021, their unique sound was developed by chance with a circuit bent karaoke machine. Now combine that with logic beats, familiar breaks, Casio tones and their signature echo poetry, and you have songs that will be stuck in your head for a lifetime. We have warned you about "Hi Wo Kaou."!

For 30 years, Osaka Monaurail has been on a global mission to preach the gospel of the book of soul. And now Japan’s greatest little funk orchestra is back with not just one but two brand new burners that will put a strut in your walk and make you feel the hairs standing up on your neck. More than a decade after their collaboration with James Brown’s Soulsister Number One Marva Whitney, the group has once again teamed up with a singer – L.A.’s alluring and uniquely expressive Casey Malone.

Together, Malone and the tightly-drilled 10-piece band led by singer, keyboardist and producer Ryo Nakata breathe new life into two monster hits of 1960s soul; “Do You Really Want To Rescue Me,” written by James Brown and his saxophonist-collaborator Nat Jones and first recorded by back-up singer Elsie Mae; and Fats Domino’s “Whole Lot of Lovin’.” The Monaurail’s hard-driving interlocking rhythms, their short melodic and rhythmic phrases, and the bluesy harmonic vocabulary help to make these two pieces quintessential funk, complemented by Malone who, much like jazz icon Billie Holiday, uses her voice as an expressive musical instrument, bending and glissing notes like a horn player, commanding attention not with forcefulness, but with reluctance.

These two new singles came about at the behest of Ubiquity’s founder Michael McFadin who had been busy coming up with ideas on who to pair with Malone after the release of her debut single “Hey Amerika.” He reached out to DJ Pari, Marva Whitney’s former manager and producer, who made the connection with the mighty Monaurail – and the rest, as they say, is history. “When I heard about the opportunity to cut some tunes with the legendary Osaka Monaurail I was over the moon,” Malone says. “It was truly an honor to share sound waves with the band.”

Osaka Monaurail and Casey Malone went on a singular mission to come up with the tightest collaboration in recent years between Japan’s top funk export and one the genre’s new protagonists based in the funk’s homeland. Without a doubt, here is indisputable proof of that achievement. Play these jams to any permanent pressed squares in your cribs or dancefloors, and watch them turn into jive dancin’ live wires!

For 30 years, Osaka Monaurail has been on a global mission to preach the gospel of the book of soul. And now Japan’s greatest little funk orchestra is back with not just one but two brand new burners that will put a strut in your walk and make you feel the hairs standing up on your neck. More than a decade after their collaboration with James Brown’s Soulsister Number One Marva Whitney, the group has once again teamed up with a singer – L.A.’s alluring and uniquely expressive Casey Malone.

Together, Malone and the tightly-drilled 10-piece band led by singer, keyboardist and producer Ryo Nakata breathe new life into two monster hits of 1960s soul; “Do You Really Want To Rescue Me,” written by James Brown and his saxophonist-collaborator Nat Jones and first recorded by back-up singer Elsie Mae; and Fats Domino’s “Whole Lot of Lovin’.” The Monaurail’s hard-driving interlocking rhythms, their short melodic and rhythmic phrases, and the bluesy harmonic vocabulary help to make these two pieces quintessential funk, complemented by Malone who, much like jazz icon Billie Holiday, uses her voice as an expressive musical instrument, bending and glissing notes like a horn player, commanding attention not with forcefulness, but with reluctance.

These two new singles came about at the behest of Ubiquity’s founder Michael McFadin who had been busy coming up with ideas on who to pair with Malone after the release of her debut single “Hey Amerika.” He reached out to DJ Pari, Marva Whitney’s former manager and producer, who made the connection with the mighty Monaurail – and the rest, as they say, is history. “When I heard about the opportunity to cut some tunes with the legendary Osaka Monaurail I was over the moon,” Malone says. “It was truly an honor to share sound waves with the band.”

Osaka Monaurail and Casey Malone went on a singular mission to come up with the tightest collaboration in recent years between Japan’s top funk export and one the genre’s new protagonists based in the funk’s homeland. Without a doubt, here is indisputable proof of that achievement. Play these jams to any permanent pressed squares in your cribs or dancefloors, and watch them turn into jive dancin’ live wires!

Polistrumentalist, composer and producer Alex Puddu (Al Dente/Schema Records), also known for his collaborations with Edda Dell'Orso (Maestro Morricone's legendary vocalist,) Joe Bataan, Lonnie Jordan from L.A funk band War, and Gene Robinson Jr of Breakwater, and who boasts a solo discography of 17 albums, including the three original volumes of the red light soundtracks of Danish films" The Golden Age Of Danish xxxography.

He debuts for the first time with a new double single sang in Italian language, with two tracks "Pullover Grigio" and Texas Blonde", proposing a new sound that draws us into the Italian funk pop music of the late 70s and early 80s and into the pop/indie melodies of the new Italian scene, up to electronic sounds (as Calcutta, Fulminacci, Fra Quintale, Marco Castello and Nu Genea have done), between soul and disco, which are part of Alex Puddu's unmistakable production style. Don’t Miss It!

2020 first release from PPU laid way back to japan. undeniable electric soul from image cluv pioneer ryu tsuruoka. your talkbox vacation summertime anytime all the time tune.

RSN is a producer, DJ and musician from Athens - Greece. his upcoming album "Strange Eyes" is his 4rth one, but also his debut on Agogo Records. this single features the song "Black Sky" feat. Thaliah in the original version and a pretty great rework by Amerigo Gazaway.

Mestizo Beat is a Los Angeles-based band blending the styles of Afro-beat, Afro-Cuban, Funk, and R&B. Their debut release for Colemine is a fiery cover of Mongo Santamaria's "Featherbed Lane" and is sure to set dance floors on fire!

Orgone is back with more heavy funk from the West Coast. A dark mood and deep groove set the tone for a Funkadelic-like sort of vibe. Both tracks featuring Adryon De León.

It may seem strange how excited we are about this 45 and the forthcoming LP considering it's an instrumental organ trio, but this group has some major buzz going up in Seattle. Ever since KEXP featured two live sets, the group has been gaining momentum. So they make their debut with this badass little 45, with the LP coming in February! Killer organ funk a la The Meters and Booker T & The MGs. Super in the pocket, tight and dirty drums, everything you want in an organ trio.

Jungle Fire present their new 7inch “N.U.S.A.U. / La Kossa” on Colemine Records. Channeling the same heavy afro-latin vibes that made their first couple of 45s so in demand. Uptempo with super heavy drums and percussion, "N.U.S.A.U." is going to light up the dance floors! You're gonna need doubles of this one.

“Make It Happen” is a positive, uplifting, track filled with in-your-face brass, dirty wah guitar, and group vocals that fans of “Sly and The Family Stone” will fall in love with. Make it happen, is a conversation with yourself, don’t wait till it’s too late, you got to do, to make it happen. You’ve got what it takes, but that’s not enough if you don’t try. With vocals that start low, but reach highs you don’t think possible, “Make It Happen” gives you no choice but to dance, sing and clap along, and most importantly to take their advice and “Make It Happen”.

The Sleepers RecordZ is proud to introduce Jolie Davenport to the world of modern funk music. The Austin, TX-based vocalist brings you two synth-centric hitters, both produced by the backbone of the Sleepers label, Ivan Makvel. In the course of just two tracks, Davenport covers all of the prerequisites for a well-rounded modern day boogie excursion. "Runaway" is made for the dance floor and isn't shying away from its polished, pop sensibility. The chorus is an earworm waiting to get pleasantly stuck in one's mind, gliding perfectly over frenetic bass notes and synth brass chords. "Like That," penned by modern funk mainstay Moniquea, balances the party by taking it to the streets. Makvel's production here is better suited for a cruise down the boulevard in a 60's-era Chevy rather than the club, yet it's also certain to incite involuntary movement the moment you press play. As always, Sleepers brings you these two tracks in physical form via limited edition color vinyl 7" - only 150 copies pressed.

The austrian musician and Live-Act / DJ Lukas Poellauer has been establishing a distinct production style with recent releases and remixes on Luv Shack Records, Fine Coincidence, Fortunea Records and Schönbrunner Perlen, melting classic house with airy, catchy melodies and mature songwriting.

“I Don’t Care” is the name of his first single for an upcoming release on Luv Shack Records and features the austrian funk Band Mary Jane´s Soundgarden and the piano player Valentin Zopp. The vastly featured musical talent of the Band makes the track oscillate between tight, club ready production and earthy, live-jazz café vibes, with the hazy voice of singer Tanja Peinsipp at its core.

For his second track Lukas Poellauer teams up with legendary singer Hubert Tubbs of "Tower of Power" fame. Tubb´s remarkable vocal timbre perfectly contrasts the light footed instrumental, as he sings about "When A Groove Is In Control". The actual groove itself is reduced and rather laid back, but Lukas Poellauer manages to bring in both dramatic and quirky overtones with a plethora of mallet, brass and string melodies.

On the flip, Patrick Pulsinger & Sam Irl deliver a fabulous dub rendition of “I Don’t Care” with a mad wobble bassline and classic reggae stabs, sitting comfortably between Grace Jones’ electronic tango and the hazy studio wizardry of dub emperor Lee Perry.

Luv Shack´s very own Space Echo put their spin on “When A Groove Is In Control”, opting for a cold and eerie vibe with the help of digital bell pads and a tight, stripped down four to the floor groove.

Rounding off the package, we have the Pulsinger & Irl Dub Instrumental which really makes the fantastic arrangement and mix shine even more.

The Dutch six piece put their heads together to create two laidback tunes full of atmosphere and organic magic that blend just the right amount of spontaneity and song craft. The band have honed their sound at home and on stage with sold-out shows in and around Amsterdam, including as support act for bands such as Jungle By Night.

The A side track Loud N’ Stuff is one of those special moments when all the elements just fall into place, coming together in a hungover haze of new wave disco jams and dancing at their studio space in Haarlem. On the flip, Pada Pada combines tropical rhythms and percussion with lush chord progressions to perfectly soundtrack those cocktails by the pool on a wavy summer eve. Both tracks were recorded with Nic Mauskovic, with additional passes on the mixer for dubs and delays, to give the tracks an extra spacey sheen.

LeSale is back with the Synchronized EP, which marks his fifth solo EP on Luv Shack Records. The title track is LeSale´s first foray into boogie-funk, featuring lyrics and vocals by Kathy Diamond, one of the great voices of the early nu-disco era and former singer of the duo Kdms, as well as tape mixing by vienna based studio wizard Sam Irl. “Synchronized” comes in 4 versions; the classic vocal mix featuring the full vocals by Kathy Diamond, the instrumental mix which is stripped of the vocals entirely, the extended dub mix, featuring arrangement and additional overdubs by Sam Irl, concentrating on the bare,funky essence of the track and finally a special remix by Ooft!. The Ooft! remix lays a club foundation for “Synchronized", taking it to proto house territory with a sparse use of original vocals and additional drums, synth leads and pads. As a bonus original track, we get “Superfluid", an upbeat elektro-funk journey

Up next in the Omena remix series we got Dee Tree from Minsk and four sparkling and effortlessly soulful re-makes from FloFilz, Harry Wolfman, Saine and Lipski. All bringing a beautiful and soulful touch to the bands soul-flecked originals.

Record Store Day 2020 Release.

The Nashville crew are back with another slab of top shelf vintage tinged funk. The limited 500 pressing, dinked 45, is their 6th seven inch record to date. This time showcasing a superb horn section, with a sleazy bass permeating the groove.

‘Stay In Your Lane’ bursts through with a dramatic cadence of slick guitar, aggres- sive bass, subtle wah-wah, and a soulful bridge section. Smooth and cinematic

library style funk at it’s finest. ‘Measly Peace’ shows off a hypnotic groove, with tight drums, and lush chords, with a driving rhythm reminiscent of a 70’s cop show theme, but with some new age flair.

Impressing dancefloors and vinyl bars since 2010, anyone familiar with their previ- ous releases will be happy to add this one to their crates. Another killer 45 from the stellar as ever, Magic In Threes.

Special Valentine's release - this one's for the lovers baby!
Fresh off the sequel to Bobby, Caserta and co welcome Teddy to the BB family. With another iconic voice spread out on 2 distinct mixes, Caserta is a firm believer in the “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” approach.
The A Side takes you under the stars of a rooftop disco on a warm summer night. With live bass and triumphant horns this mix is sure to have you feeling right into the wee hours. Speaking of the wee hours, when that time approaches you can flip her on over to the B Side for the ‘Bassment Dub’. The repetitive bassline and hard drums are sure to take you right until sun up!

L.A. Nights, their new EP on Hi & Fly is a new milestone in the band discography, setting it to a next level. The title track is a cover of the famous Yasuko Agawa’s track (itself based on Light of the world’s “London Town”) inspired by strong Zapp and West-Coast influences. Fat basslines, tight horn riffs and funky talkbox parts galore!
“Break Droppin’” and “The Battle” are infectious medleys played by the band with an extended line-up including extra brass, strings and percussions. In “Breaks Droppin’”, you’ll find a carefully selected mix of cuts, ranging from the Hawaiian Hal Bradbury’s “You win, I Lose”, to Julius Brockington’s “This Feeling (Freedom)”, passing through CTI and other sampler friendly tracks.
“The Battle” is a b-boy style up-tempo selection, mixing Latin influences with some classic battle cuts and evolving to a Disco finish, with a cover of the great Brothers’ break “Under the Skin”. It is 10’ long, the beats & percussions are heavy and the extended band is in top condition. It won’t let some rest to your feet for sure!
Last but not least, it's also the comeback of Hi & Fly, a French diggers' reference since 2000. So, one reason more to have a listen… Enjoy!

Homer Steinweiss has an incredibly storied career in music that started when he was just a teenager. He's drummed for nearly every "retro soul" group that mattered and his distinctive stickwork helped blend the raw-but-receptive soul sound back into the mainstream via the likes of Amy Winehouse & Sharon Jones. He's now one of the most in demand drummers in the world, playing with Jonas Brothers, Clairo, Solange, Adele, and Bruno Mars to name a few. With his debut solo release Ensatina, Homer is stepping to the forefront as both musician and producer. His new record is a reection of who he is now and a testament to how struggle often brings about a needed change. In 2020 Homer had to reckon with considerable emotional turbulence; at the same time that his band Holy Hive broke up, a personal relationship of 20+ years fell apart putting Homer in an uncertain place mentally. The fallout was signicant enough for him to seek professional help. "I was going through these super manic highs and then very depressive lows," Homer describes. "And being in all that, it's just so tough to imagine that the other side is there, that it'll be ok." But, with time, professional help, and support from friends and family, Homer made it through and has been forever changed. This album is a product of that period of his life. The rst song from these sessions, "Now That It's Over" perfectly sums up Homer's triumph through those tough times. It's a song of changing perspective and contemplation with haunting vocals from Hether and Flikka. "Paul (Castelluzzo_ aka, Hether), as a friend, saw me through these highs and lows," Homer points out. "I only had the one line, 'Now that it's over, I'm alright,' but he felt that lyric so much that he wrote all these sections and lyrics and basically completed the song. It was like he was writing to me." Hether also features on album standouts "Deep Sea", a modern love song, "Start Select", a juxtaposition of inspiration and melancholy, and "Forever and Ever and Ever and Ever" which is an incredible contemporary take on the B side soul ballad. Homer uses his innate gift for bringing seemingly opposing energies together on "Racecar Driver", pairing the vocals of Hether & long time friend and collaborator KIRBY to make a genre challenging banger. KIRBY also graces the album opener "Rollin'", an airy, warm-weather invoking song that her raspy voice perfectly compliments. He puts his drumming front and center on "So Get Up!", a bottom heavy infectious track that MINOVA's vocals turn into an instant hit that is sure to smash speakers. On "Wishing Well" & "Hide It Behind the Light I'm Shining Through" Homer is joined by girl named GOLDEN, who's unique voice effortlessly nds the pocket in each tune. The man on trumpet, and fellow Big Crown label mate Dave Guy, puts his incomparable playing on the album closer "Goldie" which Homer says is the part of the movie where the credits roll. Making this album was a refuge for Homer and it put him back on track. Ensatina is a glimpse into the different energies and inuences that make Homer tick. To say he was always much more than a drummer would be an understatement, and this rst solo offering is just the beginning of his next chapter.

Right Of Me' is an incandescent and refined excerpt, like the entire new concept of the album 'Peaceful Sound For Broken Minds' due out on 28 Feb 24. The plan of Salvo Dub from Catania aka Go.Soul.Map does not stop here - we are in front of an artist with an exceptional creative phase, a hothouse of sparkling ideas that flow out in continuous streams like the lava of Etna in its full eruptive activity.

As with 'Pushing', 'Right Of Me' is always presented in a Nu-disco key, super Dance in a formula full of Pop and Soul enriched by keyboard sounds. Salvo comments on how proud he was of this track, which is certainly the strongest track on the whole album, and it is no coincidence that it was chosen as the second single. The performance and refined voice of Derane Obika complete the work, her lyrics touching a deep state that explores the relationship with one's self and faith.

In conclusion, we can say that in a world where artificial intelligence will only numb our creative stimuli, there is no shortage of creativity here and at the same time, more unique than rare, Go.Soul.Map. remains firmly anchored to its roots beyond passing fads in a space of pure simplicity and creative essence alongside its friend Derane Obika.
Don't miss It!!!

Jungle x Library grooves on this latest Cold Diggin’ release introducin’ the Dude!
Limited one-off pressing, black vinyl, colored silk screen print.

Soul Crooner David A. Tobin is no stranger to the game. The singer, songwriter and one of the Cool Million vocalists was born and raised in the NYC neighbor state New Jersey aka Brick City, which ever since had a massive influence on the US music scene. “Go Back And Make It Right” comes as a freshly mixed soulful Boogie tune, straight from Rob Hardt’s studio console. Positive and uplifting vocals embedded in a driving and crispy production that will open hearts and fill floors. As always on the Sedsoulciety Recordings white line it features the DJ friendly Dub Version, already a proven concept, on the flipside. This new release on Sedsoulciety Recordings is an unreleased exclusive vinyl 45

Soul Crooner David A. Tobin is no stranger to the game. The singer, songwriter and one of the Cool Million vocalists was born and raised in the NYC neighbor state New Jersey aka Brick City, which ever since had a massive influence on the US music scene. “Go Back And Make It Right” comes as a freshly mixed soulful Boogie tune, straight from Rob Hardt’s studio console. Positive and uplifting vocals embedded in a driving and crispy production that will open hearts and fill floors. As always on the Sedsoulciety Recordings white line it features the DJ friendly Dub Version, already a proven concept, on the flipside. This new release on Sedsoulciety Recordings is an unreleased exclusive vinyl 45

On the Line is a fresh collaborative release between west coast and east coast Canadian artists Jonny Tobin and Maya Killtron, kicking off the beginning of 2024 in a memorable way. The song features a satisfying blend of soul, 80s funk, and yacht rock. Undeniable grooves come together with Jonny Tobin’s lush and funky production work, and Maya Killtron’s soaring vocal stylings elevate the track to a whole other level. On the Line will appeal to lovers of modern funk and beyond! The Light In All Of Us is a brand new instrumental track from acclaimed jazz fusion/funk keyboardist and producer Jonny Tobin. His production blends elements of dance music, modern jazz, and funk, with Jonny’s signature writing style - catchy synth melodies, uplifting chord progressions, and a dash of improvised solos. This colourful mix of aesthetics helps to set the track apart from other instrumental beat-based releases, and Tobin’s usual sense of musical optimistic shines through clearly in the music.

Limited to 150 copies.
Two killer breakdance bangers by Germany's funk champions on one 45.

The brand new exclusive studio cut 'Breaker' is a fierce b-boy battle anthem - imagine an electro track performed on organic instruments, like only the Mocambos would do it. Cracking drums, a relentless bassline, a Hohner Clavinet through a stereo phaser and tuned cowbells are topped with a horn section featuring gralla, a Catalan double reed horn with a siren-type sound, ready to ring the alarm.

Featured on the flip side is their stunning cover version of Shannon's 'Let The Music Play', standout track from their much celebrated live album 'Scénarios', now available on 45 to the great delight of all DJs.

Two of the acts boldly leading Texas music into the future have now delivered a second chapter of their groundbreaking collaboration, further extending the region's sonic possibilities. Singer/songwriter Leon Bridges, from Ft. Worth, and trailblazing Houston trio Khruangbin have joined forces for the Texas Moon EP, a follow-up to 2020's acclaimed Texas Sun project. While the five new songs are clearly a continuation of the first EP, they also have an identity all their own _ Bridges calls it "more introspective," while Khruangbin bassist Laura Lee says it "feels more night time." When Texas Sun was released, AllMusic called the results "intoxicating" and Paste noted that "their talents and character go together so well." Now comes the next stage _ a set of songs that touch on themes like love, faith, and death while exploring new dimensions of inventive, hypnotic grooves. Significantly, both parties' musical directions were clearly affected by their time working together. Khruangbin's most recent album, Mordechai, moved their own vocals much further forward, a change they readily admit was a direct result of working with Bridges. Meanwhile, since these recordings began, in addition to his genre-defying album Gold-Digger's Sound, Bridges has put out several other challenging, shared tracks, including work with John Mayer, Lucky Daye, and Jazmine Sullivan. Texas Moon represents a genuine and rare achievement, with two of the most respected and innovative acts of their generation truly collaborating to create something new. "As far as an essentially instrumental band, these guys are kind of the top for me," says Bridges. "I'm honored to have been the first singer that they've incorporated in their music." "It feels really special to me," says Lee. "It's not Khruangbin, it's not Leon, it's this world we created together."

Serbia's Disco Fruit crew has been putting out lush sounds that take in funk, breaks and soul influences on top of their bread and butter disco grooves for years now. This time they welcome back a label regular, Loshmi, who has put out plenty of edits here before now. His new one 'Dark Night' is a 60s-tinged high speed spy theme with funky brass and bristling drums all overlaid with rock-styled vocal yelps. The instrumental on the flip is a more paired back but just as hustling groove.

Another essential pair of instrumental grooves from Sababa 5 and Batov Records, perfect for the beginning or end of the night.

Right after the beautiful album ” The Aquarius Years”, Cali-Soul queen Tiombé Lockhart is back again on Mother Tongue with a special follow up. “Sexy Suzy on a Sunday” receives two cosmic treatments from jazz-star Christian Scott and Intergalactic Don Carlos Niño. Expect to be transferred into another (Soul) galaxy!

Come Inside b/w Sorrow Tears & Blood is the first single from the Chico Mann album "Double Life". The guitarist/producer is back at the helm with a fresh set of tunes under his "Chico Mann" moniker since his 2013 '80s electro-funk and boogie album "Magical Thinking". Founding the hard rock meets West African funk outfit Here Lies Man during his hiatus, his new effort seamlessly melds his dual musical personas which is inherent in the title of the album.

Starting out as a collaboration with bassist JP Maramba, "Come Inside" soon became one of the high points and an integral part of their live show with its frenetic energy. Conceptually, the music is an expression of the chaos and fast pace of modern life while extending an invitation to leave the door open to a new way to interface with the world that is more balanced and values authentic experiences over materialism.

On the flip, Fela Kuti's "Sorrow Tears & Blood" gets the psychedelic treatment. Being the first song from Fela's catalog that he'd heard, he was immediately hooked on the groove and power of the underlying message "The takeaway from that song for me is that it's of the utmost importance to ground myself in music and creative expression as a form cultural resistance. Therein lies beauty and determination in the face adversity."

produced by Rick Rubin & Paul Epworth