Brit Soul Archives

Pick Your Tunes - Ep. 11 featuring Modern Funker Sven Atterton

Pick Your Tunes #11

03/08/2018

80's Boogie, 80's Funk, 80's Soul, Brit Soul, Modern Funk, Record reviews, Synth

It all started when Sven was 17 years old. After persevering on drums he accidentally found himself playing bass with his High school trio one night in their weekly after school rehearsal. He quickly noticed he felt more at ease with the electric bass. The group soon agreed the swapping of instruments and went on to perform in various school performance evenings and events.

Sven practiced on the Bass everyday, mainly learning songs by ear and writing grooves on an 8-track Fostex recorder. it was roughly a year After pursuing Art and media studies at the local college Sven realized he could no longer ignore his hunger and love for music. In 2002, Sven enrolled at Colchester Institute where he studied for two years in music theory, production and performance. After completing the course he still craved for further education on both his instrument and the music industry.

In 2004, Sven enrolled at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts where he studied for four years and graduated with a diploma in performance electric bass. He studied with the likes of Marty Walsh (Super Tramp, Neil Diamond, Donna Summer). He also had one on one private tuition with some of Berklee’s renouned bass faculty like Anthony Vitti, (The Platters, Sammy Davis Jr). and Lenny Stallworth, (Roy Hargrove, Maceo Parker). Sven got to meet some of his all-time favourite influential musicians such as Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, ‘Francis Rocco Prestia and Chick Corea.

His debut EP ‘The Cove’ released on Omega Supreme Records in 2015 is the demonstration of Sven’s unique ability to create atmospheric funky music.

1. What’s your favorite tune to cruise at night?

Answer: Rodney Franklin – “Stay On In The Groove” (1984)

I love cruising to this one, The chords allow the scenery to float by to a steady mid tempo beat. I usually play instrumentals versions to really appreciate the groove of songs. you can’t deny that bass line, make sure the subs are up!

2. What’s your favorite tune to chill?

Answer: Eric Serra – “Deep Blue Dream” (1988)

This track was taken from the movie Big Blue, a beautiful movie with a great sound track.
Eric Serra is great at writing film scores and making music for film. I love the fretless bass on this track, the whole tune is beautiful and always transports me to swimming in the sea.

3.What’s your favorite tune for a romantic evening?

Answer: Eric Leeds – “The Dopamine Rush” (1991)

Theres nothing better than a real log fire, some wine and a good Saxophone track, and of course some good company.
I think this track was originally written by Prince, featuring him on Bass. There is another version where he signs. I love Erics playing, settle flute riffs, catchy horn line, tight bass, Perfection

4. What’s your favorite tune to shake your body down to the ground?

Answer: Michael Sterling – “You” (1986)

I love jigging to this one, Michael Sterling really seems to drive the groove to this track. The chords are beautiful, lots of space to allow room for the guitar comping. this always gets my toe tapping.

5. What’s the tune that gives you instant nostalgia?

Answer: Steve Miller Band – “Shangri Lah” (1984)

I remember my dad playing this a lot when I was younger. I think this record was quite ahead of its time back 1984. The use of samples and drum machines together with live drums always sounds great to me. The break down in this tune is great, I love the syncopation of Steves productions.

Follow Sven:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/svenattertonmusic

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/sven-atterton

Official website: http://svenatterton-music.com

Pick Your Tunes #10

02/14/2018

Pick Your Tunes

80's Boogie, 80's Funk, 80's Soul, Brit Soul, Modern Funk, Record reviews, Synth

First Touch is a DJ Team and Music Production Group, best known for their Boogie and Disco Productions.

These guys are influenced by HipHop, Soul and House Music. First Touch is one of Germany’s best-kept secrets when it comes to soulful Music. Ranging from Boogie, Disco, Modern Soul and Electronica, these folks have been quite active internationally instead of focusing on releases for the German market. This might be due to the fact that the group’s founders reside in two different cities – Mannheim and Berlin, or because such contemporary music scenes tend to expand globally instead of collapsing locally.

Founded in the mid-2000s, the breakthrough has come about within the last two years with the release of the Knockout EP on Omega Supreme Records; broadcaster Boiler Room featured the track “Beweg Dein Körper” on multiple channels. At this juncture, First Touch was already experiencing a good deal of success and, as the group started making its mark by publishing new material characterized by its own original sounds, requests quadrupled overnight.

1. What’s your favorite tune to cruise at night?

Answer: Keith Patrick – “Night To Remember” (1986)

Exactly the right thing to cruise around in the neighbourhood at night from the mood and pace.The song has something of a laid back vibe, but is somehow still driving forwards. The only thing missing is the right weather to ride with the windows down, you can only do this during the summer here in Western Europe.

2. What’s your favorite tune to chill?

Answer: Breakwater – “Love Of My Life” (1980)

As soon as the first seconds of the song are playing, you can feel how everything relaxes. Very nice, harmonious production with a catchy hook. The voice fits perfectly to the song. You feel like you’re in a bubble and forget everything around you.

3. What’s your favorite tune for a romantic evening?

Answer: Mtume – “You Are My Sunshine” (1984)

We are big fans of slow jams. If you spend a nice cozy evening with your partner and this song is on the mood is set. From the production rather minmalistic and open to give the vocals room. The bassline is played so smoothly, done by a serious Pro! Mtume has more gems from this category. Maybe we should dare to do a production that goes in this direction, right?

4. What’s your favorite tune to shake your body down to the ground?

Answer: Bar-Kays– “Do It (Let Me See You Shake) (1982)

An absolute Synthfunk bomb! We listened to the entire LP over and over and played it in the club. There is no one sitting around there when the song is playing. In our opinion this is Electro Funk in perfection.

5. What’s the tune that gives you instant nostalgia?

Answer: Cameo – “Hangin’ Downtown” (1984)

Incredible tune that uniquely reproduces multiple moods within 5 minutes. Reminds us of the times when we started digging and sucking in the entire catalog of Cameo, plus the classic Group Home Sample, which puts you right back in the mid-90s.

Most people speak lately about our original Album from 2009 that is now returning for the first time on Vinyl on Star Creature. Well, the story is short: there were labels reaching out over the years, but nobody delivered a result so we are even more happy that our timeless material finally receives an outlet. The overall quality got better as we got our hands again to mix down all tracks, besides this we added an unreleased Bonus track. We are even happy to dedicate this piece to our friend Freeze la Roc who passed away meanwhile, he was an original Boogaloo and Pop-Lockin Bboy of a kind. Never forget. Up next we have a couple of Remixes in the pipeline, for example a Jazzfunk Remix of Thomas Siffling´s – Flow. Through the Summer you will see some more unexpected projects come up, stay tuned and take it easy.

Follow First Touch

Official website: http://www.firsttouchmusic.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstTouchMusic/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/first-touch

Pick Your Tunes #9

02/07/2018

Pick Your Tunes

80's Boogie, 80's Funk, 80's Soul, Brit Soul, Cadencé Records, Modern Funk, Record reviews, Synth

Nickee B is a producer from Lyon, France. From an early age, he got introduced to 80′s Funk/R&B which clearly appeared to him as a musical revelation. This growing passion for 80′s grooves naturally led him to engage himself in music production in 2009 with influences such as Nick Straker Band, BB & Q Band, Kashif, Second Image or The Limit. Nickee B’s style is easily recognizable: heavy beats, powerful basslines, catchy melodies and a a major dose of synths !

Nickee B recently produced Cadencé Records latest single Heather Haywood ” Party Tonight/Give It Up” 7 inch which has now become a collectable item. Nickee B’s debut LP will soon be released on both vinyl and digital on Cadencé Records.

1. What’s your favorite tune to cruise at night?

Answer: The Walkers – “Whatever Happened To (The Party Groove)” (1983)

Produced by Camelle G. Hinds, who also worked for Central Line and produced Kadenza’s “Livin’ In A Back Street”, so you know where you’re stepping into! Nice bassline, happy chords, young male vocals, typically my kind of Brit funk. I really love to listen to it at night, on the highway.

2. What’s your favorite tune to chill?

Answer: First Love – “A Mystery To Me”” (1982)

Lowtempo, smooth and groovy, for me it’s the perfect song to chill, to let your mind wander a little bit. Everything on this song is an invitation to chill. I love how the instruments came one after the other, like they don’t want to interrupt each other.
When you work from 9 to 5, you need coffee, a good boss, and this song to relax after your exhausting day !

3. What’s your favorite tune for a romantic evening?

Answer: Bryan Loren – “Falling In Love” (1984)

This is the kind of song I know by heart! I really love cheesy lyrics, with a melody between Rnb, Funk and Pop ballad. I love this kind of romantic, love song. The first time I heard it, I immediatly felt emotions. I love the lyrics, and Bryan Loren sing it perfectly. It’s simple but everyone can understand these lyrics. My tip : Take your crush for a ride and play this song. 100% of chances she falls in love!

4. What’s your favorite tune to shake your body down to the ground?

Answer: UK Players – “Love’s Gonna Get Ya” (1983)

Everything in this wonderful tune is saying “GET UP AND DANCE”. The bassline is soooo powerful, it’s like your bestfriend who try to convince you to go with him on the dancefloor, you can’t ignore it! The melody is simple, but efficient, and the vocal is brilliant, a young male voice as I love! I remember when Kashif from Lyon played it in a local party, I started to loose my mind and still haven’t found it back since then….

5. What’s the tune that gives you instant nostalgia?

Answer: WQBC – “Love Me Anyway” (1986)

This song really brings me back in my High School’s years in the 2000’s.
I can see myself, 15 yo, waiting for the bus to arrive, listening to my Walkman with the same tape that I was listening to again and again.
And you know, everytime I’m listening to WQBC, I expect to hear Zenda’s “The Waiting” just after ‘cause it was tracklisted like that in my tape ! The saxophone’s solo is simply brilliant, and the bassline (I think it was a DX7) is easily recognizable. I really love that…

Pick Your Tunes #8

01/30/2018

Pick Your Tunes

80's Boogie, 80's Funk, 80's Soul, Brit Soul, Modern Funk, Record reviews, Synth

Bass Player and multi instrumentalist, Teddy started to play music in 1992 with different bands where he experienced different styles, but always in search of the groove. As a lover of the 80’s, there’s nothing more appealing to him than the sound of an analog synth, a moog bass, the slap bass or a funky groovy guitar riff ! Teddy does not like his music to be labeled as “Modern Funk”, his only objective is to provide the exact sound of the early 80’s with no modern influences.

His most recent projet is his debut instrumental LP “On Point” on Spanish label Neon Fingers released in only 500 copies.

1. What’s your favorite tune to cruise at night?

Answer: Alex Bugnon – “Love Season” (1988)

The best song for crusing down the boulevard at night. the musical theme takes you to another dimension, from the first second, with just 3 notes.The piano tells a beautiful story and I lose all sense of time during my driving.

2. What’s your favorite tune to chill?

Answer: Marc Sadane – “One Way Love Affair”” (1981)

I love the emotion that emerges from this track, the guitar and the bass playing the same melody, the silences, which means a lot to me, because silence is music too. And the beautiful voice of Marc Sadane, a classic !

3. What’s your favorite tune for a romantic evening?

Answer: Cherrelle Feat Alexander O’Neal – “Saturday Love” (1986)

Probably the best, the most beautiful duets male / female in the Funk history, no doubt about it ! Incredible and catchy chorus signed Jam / Lewis, special mention to Alexander Oneal who always gives me goosebumps when he starts singing.
If all goes well, no one can resist you if you play this track for a romantic evening !

4. What’s your favorite tune to shake your body down to the ground?

Answer: Leon Haywood – “Tenderoni” (1984)

All my favorite ingredients are in this awesome tune !
I’ve already listened to this track 50 times in a row, the beginning of the song drives me crazy and when the beat goes on….i’m boucing up and down, the guitar captivates me, the slap hypnotizes me, and the brass section is so groovy and powerful, I love this track so much !

5. What’s the tune that gives you instant nostalgia?

Answer: Don Blackman – “Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide” (1982)

This sound brings me back directly in 1984/85, one of the first funky sound I remember listening to on tape. I still remember my old walkman ! The musical level is very high and at the same time seems so simple and easy. I had the chance to see him live a year or two before he passed away, and it will remain unforgettable. This song has changed many things in my life, I bought my first bass guitar a few years later and hooked me on music.

Pick Your Tunes #7

01/22/2018

Pick Your Tunes

80's Boogie, 80's Funk, 80's Soul, Brit Soul, French Boogie, Modern Funk, Record reviews, Synth

Philippe BOUTHEMY known as MAGOO is a singer/songwriter inspired by American black music (SouL, R&b and above all Funk), and more particularly the sound of e 80’s that he particulary likes.

Then, he became the singer of a Funk band.

“We performed in pubs in our local area. These were my beginnings as a singer, and it is at this time that I really found my style. Until then I was a simple musician often hidden behind my roots. I moved to the front of the scene and I immediately loved it, then I discovered the feelings which the song aroused in me, which was a turning point. Finally, I started to compose, initially by seeking a little bit of me, in various styles, then gradually I moved naturally towards what I preferred, Funk from my childhood!”

Magoo was the musical director, and keyboard player for three years of “La Grande Nuit De La Funk”(Lyon, France) accompanying with his band artists such as Gayle Adams, Roney Canada, The Ladies of Skyy, Total Contrast, The Cool Notes, Yvonne Gage, Phyllis St James, Loni Gamble and Gee Bello.

Discography:

– “Magoo“ – debut album (Boogie Times Records, 2010)

– “Funktime” EP (Boogie Times Records , 2010)

– “Can’t Get Enough” (Boogie Times Records 2012)

– “The Way You Make Me Feel” (Funkysize Records, 2013)

1. What’s your favorite tune to cruise at night?

Answer: Mayer Hawthorne – “Her Favorite Song” (Oliver Rmx) (2014)

It’s always so hard to choose only one song, because it depends on my mood so much. But this one came first in mind. I used to drive back home at night every week end (and every night during the summer) after my gigs , sometimes totally exhausted, and this song helped me to stay awake many times!

I love the atmosphere, perfect for a night cruising. The associations between the singer Mayer Hawthorne and Oliver (Vaughn Oliver and Oliver Goldstein, two amazing beatmakers and remixers) matches perfectly. By the way, the sound quality is amazing, as all the Oliver’s productions.

2. What’s your favorite tune to chill?

Answer: Suzanne Ciani – “Birth Of Venus” (1982)

I like old electronic music as Klaus Schultz, Tangerine Dream, Jean Jacques Perrey… It helps me to clear my mind after having spent several hours practicing piano or composing songs. Suzanne Ciani is a synthesizers wizard and one of the electronic music pioneers. I could choose any other track of her “Seven Waves” album, which this tune come from. She brings some sensuality and feminity into a kind music which often sounds cold.

3. What’s your favorite tune for a romantic evening?

Answer: Midnight Star– “Slow Jam” (1983)

One of my favorite slow jams. Still hard to make a choice, but this one sounds great. Maybe for some people it will sound cheesy, is romanticism old fashionned today? It seems that types of slow songs doesn’t exist anymore and I regret it.

4. What’s your favorite tune to shake your body down to the ground?

Answer: Cerrone – “Ain’t No Party Like A Monday Night” (2016)

One of my fav from the last Cerrone album. A collaboration between Cerrone, Skalp, Dabeull and Kezsia whitch matches perfectly. Funky synths riffs lead the track. This song makes me lose my mind!

5. What’s the tune that gives you instant nostalgia?

Answer: Michael Jackson – “The Lady In My Life” (1982)

Written by the great Rod Temperton. When I’m listening to this jam I’m an 7 years old child on summer holidays. This one brings me back to my childhood more than the others from the Thriller album. I used to listen this album with my brother and my sister. It was our “summer soundtrack” (in 1983 or 84 I guess..), but I remember I listened to this song when I was on my own, during the evenings, until the last hearable note into the fade out! Much later I could appreciate the interpretation of all those amazing muscians (Paul Jackson, David Paich, Louis Johnson, Jeff Porcaro etc…) and Michael Jackson’s vocal performance which is admirable too.

Pick Your Tunes #6

01/16/2018

Pick Your Tunes

80's Boogie, 80's Funk, 80's Soul, Brit Soul, Modern Funk, Record reviews, Synth

OURRA is the pseudonym of South Coast UK based Modern Brit-Funk musician & producer Simon Tappenden. Vintage Drum machines, Synths, Slap Bass, Muted Strats, and an obsessively self indulgent production style make the OURRA sound. You must check out his latest release on Chicago based label Star Creature Records!
Boogie, Jazz-funk, Electro Soul, Brit-Funk, Disco, Jazz and 80’s pop music all made an effect on OURRA through influential artists such as Earth Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, Shalamar, Level 42, The System, Alexander O’Neil, Prince, Soft Cell, Cameo, Roy Ayres, Hall & Oates, SOS Band and many others. Also an 80’s Funk 12″ collector and Dj. Hit him up for remixes too!

1. What’s your favorite tune to cruise at night?

Answer: Level 42 – “The Pursuit Of Accidents” (1985)

I’m a lifelong fan of this Brit Funk band – they were, and still are a huge musical influence for me. As soon as heard them in the mid 80’s, I knew I wanted to make music myself – this one regularly used to be my night-skate headphones track out under the streetlights.

2. What’s your favorite tune to chill?

Answer: Jon Gorr– “It’s No Lie” (1983)

I picked this up when PPU re-issued it a few years back. I love everything about this track and it never fails to melt me, no lie.

3. What’s your favorite tune for a romantic evening?

Answer: Legacy – “Don’t Waste The Night” (1985)

I was very tempted to say Alexander O’neal’s “If You Were Here Tonight”, and for sure all my selections have equal alternatives, but there’s something that just gets me in this recording.. Maybe the twist in the tale at the end makes it not so romantic, but it certainly conjures up the feelings. Knowing I wanted this track as my answer, I had to record and upload it to youtube myself as there weren’t any good sounding versions

4. What’s your favorite tune to shake your body down to the ground?

Answer: Shalamar – “Over And Over” (1983)

What a track! Perfection in Soulful Boogie Funk right here. The bassline, the synths, the VOCAL!!! – it kills me every time and never fails to shake everything I have.

5. What’s the tune that gives you instant nostalgia?

Answer: Jaki Graham – “Round And Round” (1985)

What an amazing time for music… Remember when ‘chart’ music was this good? Its a real shame it’s gone now. This is nostalgic for me as my Dad would play this loudly and regularly at home and it takes me straight back. Also, this was the glory days of Top Of The Pops here in the uk and this captures it perfectly. As a kid it was glamour, fun, style, energy and slightly cheesy (everything I love) but check out that keyboard rig :-0 This particular video genuinely brings a tear of nostalgic joy to my eye everytime. The best.

Pick Your Tunes #5

01/08/2018

Pick Your Tunes

80's Boogie, 80's Funk, 80's Soul, Brit Soul, Modern Funk, Record reviews, Synth

Sladjana Lauermann also known as “AciLove“ on Mixcloud, loves Soul music since she was twelve years old and collect records from the same time on. Grewing up in the 80’s explains why she got into this kind of music.

“When i hear the sound of an electric piano, I feel like it pushes me back in years when I began to recognise music deeper, I feel free and harmonical as when I was a young girl.”

My mixes on Mixcloud are always done with vinyl records and made by myself. I chose a few tunes for you.

1. What’s your favorite tune to cruise at night?

Answer: Eric Gamble – “Caught In The Act ” (1989)

Smooth song to drive at nights and not that fast for an overdose ….as i like it!

2. What’s your favorite tune to chill?

Answer: Prime Time – “I Owe It To Myself” (1984)

“I Owe It To Myself” from Prime Time Album “Flying High“. I thought twice because selecting this one as Walla P picked a tune from this same album last week the forme but I can chill best to this song and that’s why I chose it !

3. What’s your favorite tune for a romantic evening?

Answer: Snooky – “True Love” (1985)

Ohhh there’s a lot of them , but I chose one of my current faves, which is Snooky –True Love on 7“ Resent Records produced and arranged by Kevin Mc Cord.

4. What’s your favorite tune to shake your body down to the ground?

Answer: The Dramatics – “Luv’s Callin’” (1986)

After a hard working day it makes me come down and relax as i love it most to dance my body to the ground.

5. What’s the tune that gives you instant nostalgia?

Answer: Change – “Hold Tight” (12” Version) (1981)

I wanted to select a rare one to promote myself a little, but I couldn’t do it, because this song is always my all time favorite, a top tune and always in my heart forever !

Pick Your Tunes #4

12/26/2017

Pick Your Tunes

80's Boogie, 80's Funk, 80's Soul, Brit Soul, Modern Funk, Record reviews, Synth

L.A. born singer and songwriter Joanna Rose has shaped her sound with the soundtrack of her roots: Motown, Funk, Soul, Salsa and Jazz.Music has taken Rose from the stages of Europe back to the heart and cultural vibrancy of her hometown. Rose’s most recent work includes collaborations with Modern Funk artists such as the Egyptian Lover, Spence (Austin Boogie Crew), Nickee B, and Ghost(Spectrum Records).

Joanna Rose - Modern Funk

1. What’s your favorite tune to cruise at night?

Answer: Dâm Funk – “New Knock” (2012)

The quintessential track for cruising the streets of LA is by Dam Funk. Deep chords and futuristic synths set the mood to savor the sounds of crisp Los Angeles nights. (B side all night long)

2. What’s your favorite tune to chill?

Answer: Raw Silk – “Do It To The Music“ (1982)

“Music’s hypnotizing”. Head back, fingers snapping, toes tapping, body moving from left to right, YES please. – Do it to the music!

3. What’s your favorite tune for a romantic evening?

Answer: Crazy P – “Never Gonna Reach Me” (Hot Toddy Remix) (2009)

This. Song. Is. Sexi. Period.I’m enthralled by the smooth, hypnotic bass line, deep pulsing tribal harmonies. Then there’s that Rhodes, baby! Perfect layers of guitar, cosmic synth sounds and heavy vocal reverb are just the right mix for a sultry dose of romance.

4. What’s your favorite tune to shake your body down to the ground?

Answer: Brian Ellis feat Egyptian Lover – “Love Is” (2014)

This beat is just nasty! Hard claps, wormy west coast bass lines, and of course the iconic vocoder of Egyptian Lover. Because after all, love IS, just a game.

5. What’s the tune that gives you instant nostalgia?

Answer: Deniece Williams – “Free” (1976)

I am instantly transported to a place of mystery every time I listen to this beautiful piece of music. The intro showcases the tender warmth of the Rhodes (my favorite instrument) accompanied by bright, colorful, percussive chimes. For me, the magic truly happens as soon as Niecy delicately starts to sing, “Whispering in his ear, my magic potion of love…” followed by lush harmonies which are sheer musical ecstasy…. “I want to be freeeeee, and I’ve just got to be meeeeee.

Pick Your Tunes #3

12/16/2017

Pick Your Tunes

80's Boogie, 80's Funk, 80's Soul, Brit Soul, Modern Funk, Record reviews, Synth

Jeff White from Chicago, co-founder of Live24/7 Net Radio, is one of Chicago’s best kept secrets. Jeff’s motto is putting good music to use and that is evident when you hear any of his sets. He is a serious collector, and has been DJing since 1981. Jeff has always played that early Garage/Disco sound, even when it was frowned upon by some of mainstream establishments.

We put him to the test with this new format to find out what are his favorite tunes!

1. What’s your favorite tune to cruise at night?

Answer: Sanctuary – “I’m Going To Love Him” (Instrumental) (1983)

My favorite tune to cruise to at night. This is a song that I will play in the summertime with the windows down in the car and cruise from the south side of Lake Shore Drive to the north side of Lake Shore Drive.

Get it on Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/Sanctuary-I-Am-Going-To-Love-Him/release/1725748

2. What’s your favorite tune to chill?

Answer: Marvin Gaye – “What’s Going On” (1971)

This whole lp still stand the test of time. A serious chill record.

Get it on Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/Marvin-Gaye-Whats-Going-On/master/66631

3. What’s your favorite tune for a romantic evening?

Answer: Chapter 8 – “Ready For Your Love” (1979)

This song sets the mood in many it speaks for it’s self.

Get it on Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/Chapter-8-Chapter-8/master/335178

4. What’s your favorite tune to shake your body down to the ground?

Answer: Shirley Lites – “Heat You Up” (Melt You Down) (1983)

Get it on Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/Shirley-Lites-Heat-You-Up-Melt-You-Down/release/152824

5. What’s the tune that gives you instant nostalgia?

Answer: Sylvester – “Over And Over” (1977)

This song was written by, Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson. Either you were on the receiving end of love or vice versa.

Pick Your Tunes #2

12/01/2017

Pick Your Tunes

80's Boogie, 80's Funk, 80's groove, 80's Soul, Brit Soul, Modern Funk, Record reviews, Synth, Vinyl collection

Walla P is well known as one of funk’s modern ambassadors, thanks to his expertly-curated selections and passionate demeanor. The Montreal native stands behind Voyage Funktastique, a global brand that encompasses a monthly live event, a weekly radio show and a record label. Armed with a profound love of all things funky, Walla shares his passion through rare grooves and dance moves, as he journeys effortlessly from classic to modern funk. The Music Is My Sanctuary collaborator has broadcasted his vibes to audiences in Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Lyon, Brussels, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, shared the stage with DâM-Funk, Kaytranada, Pomo, Onra, Peanut Butter Wolf & Breakbot, spread the Funk through adverts with Clarks Originals & Adidas. He’s been invited to perform on Boiler Room and at festivals such as Piknic Electronik, POP Montréal, NXNE, C2 Montréal, M For Montreal & Montreal International Jazz Festival.

We put him to the test with this new format to find out what are his favorite tunes!

1. What’s your favorite tune to cruise at night?

Answer: Turquoise Summers – The Loneliest Groove (2014)

I picked this song because it was on repeat mode while I was flying over Los Angeles back in 2014, when I had the opportunity to play at Funkmosphere. It’s the perfect night groove; you forget the sense of time and space, you’re gliding through clouds and it makes me feel like I’m in a weird science-fiction movie. This is a super tight production, from the bass line to the synth leads…and them futuristic congas = instant escapism into space.

Get it on Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/Turquoise-Summers-Shades/master/741508

2. What’s your favorite tune to chill?

Answer: The McCrarys – “Love On A Summer Night” (1982)

A jazz-funk classic, the great Wayne Henderson contributed to this wonderful gem. I can just sit back, relax, and have a glass of cognac or pastis.

Get it on Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/McCrarys-Love-On-A-Summer-Night/master/216353

3. What’s your favorite tune for a romantic evening?

Answer: Pee Wee – “Be My Girl” (1982)

This is my Lover’s ultimate anthem, I know al the lyrics and usually point out all the women in the place while singing it on the microphone. I remember hearing it for the 1st time on DâM-FunK’s Stones Throw mix back in 2009. Cheap record, but not for a cheap date.

Get it on Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/Pee-Wee-Be-My-Girl/master/86954

4. What’s your favorite tune to shake your body down to the ground?

Answer: Tony Jackson – “Steppin’ Out On The Groove” (1983)

By far one of my favourite record, this jam can shake a whole crowd within the first minute; pure 1983 vibes, infectious synths, booming bass line and feel good horns.

Get it on Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/Tony-Jackson-Steppin-Out-On-The-Groove/master/196919

5. What’s the tune that gives you instant nostalgia?

Answer: Prime Time – “I Want Somebody Tonight” (1984)

This song, just like the rest of this album (Flying High), has always been bringing back memories of when I started to dig deeper into the boogie catalogue back in the mid-2000’s.

Get it on Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/Prime-Time-Flying-High/master/300116

Pick Your Tunes #1

11/15/2017

Pick Your Tunes

80's Boogie, 80's Funk, 80's Soul, Brit Soul, Modern Funk, Record reviews, Synth

Ruben Allen, also known as SaiR, born in the inspiring city of Porto-Portugal, becomes deeply serious about the drums since an early age, after being part of different bands and projects as a drummer he starts to develop the interest in other instruments like guitar, bass and especially keys, the ability to record his music on his own becomes the main focus. A serious 70’s and 80’s funk and soul fan but the passion for jazz drives him to learn music theory, mainly jazz piano, along the way he becomes a synthesizer enthusiast and they become the heart of his music. His self-title EP released by Omega Supreme Records becomes his greatest milestone.

Sair-modern-funk-producer

1. What’s your favorite tune to cruise at night?

Answer: B.T. EXPRESS -“Have Some Fun” (1980)

I had this album in my car for a long time and this was one of my favorite songs, the one I always played on short car courses at night so nowadays I kinda relate both things, also, what could be better than listening to a song that tells you to have fun while you’re cruising at night?!

Get it on Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/BT-Express-1980/release/559083

2. What’s your favorite tune to chill?

Answer: Willie Hutch -“In & Out” (1982)

This song was on a short playlist I did many years ago and I used to spin it everytime I got home from work, today for me it’s a must to relax, smooth but uplifting.

Get it on Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/Willie-Hutch-In-And-Out-Brothers-Gonna-Work-It-Out/master/66721

3. What’s your favorite tune for a romantic evening?

Answer: Brass Construction -“Easy” (1983)

This is a beautiful instrumental music, smooth chords and a joyful melody that’s takes your spirit high. I don’t know why it’s called “Easy” but it sure makes me takes things easy and go with the flow.

Get it on Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/Brass-Construction-Conversations/release/9008558

4. What’s your favorite tune to shake your body down to the ground?

Answer: Brick -“Daze” (1976)

Groove, sax, flute, shouts and the “party on” lyrics, this song combines it all making the perfect recipe to get you to boogie on the dancefloor.

Get it on Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/Brick-Dazz/release/303612

5. What’s the tune that gives you instant nostalgia?

Answer: THE BARK-KAYS -“Shine” (1976)

This songs has a very epic feel to it in melodic terms, but most important, it contains an important message that makes me feel nostalgic and kinda spaced out, “There’s a shine in everyone; you got to let it through”

Get it on Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/Bar-Kays-Light-Of-Life/master/66088

Top Shelf – Episode 8 | Heather Haywood

06/11/2017

Artist interview (Top Shelf)

80's Soul, Brit Soul, Cool Notes, Funk, Top shelf

TOP SHELF is video show created by the Boogie80 team that aims to build a bridge between music from the past and the new generation of artists, DJs and record collectors.This show features interviews of 80’s artists, DJs, vinyl collectors and Modern Funk producers.

This 8th episode features an interview of Heather Haywood, member of the legendary Brit band The Cool Notes.