Endy Chen is a record digging maniac, inspired by his collection that is growing every day. Endy has founded Groove Bunny Records / Daily Vinyl / Records&Barber wave / 1asia since 2013. He has endless passion for developing his sound via rare groove culture as a DJ. Spending much of his time and energy digging into Asian Pop/Fusion tunes and experimenting his rocket science in different club scenes with exciting feedback.

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

Antonio Carlos Jobim – Wave (1967) 

I’ve never had the experience of a nighttime cruise, but I can imagine this timeless bossanova song (or the whole album) would be a nice choice for looking at the sky, stars and sea, slow drinking, or just whilst asleep on the boat.

2.  What’s your favorite tune to chill?

Judy Ongg – 溫暖你的心 (1993)

This magical, compilation-only song was made in 1993. The singer Judy Ongg (翁倩玉) was born in Taipei but soon moved to Japan, then became an official Japanese citizen. It is performed in Mandarin, accompanied by many great, Chinese traditional instruments like Erhu, Dizi, Da-gu. The production is excellent. The lyrical vibe is basically “When you listen to this song, please remember my love for you, please keep warm in your heart with this song”, super touching… I used to play this at 3am in the club after the CDJ had stopped and suddenly has that silent moment, people just enjoy the track, slow dance and smile to each other… it’s a rare thing I will never forget.

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

Hiromi Iwasaki – Conversation (1978)

I can’t image ever having a better night than this one. Slow driving with your honey and this song playing would be a sweet, lovely thing to do… turn the light off and let the street lights float.

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

The New York Disco Orchestra – It’s True (1978)

One of the best Disco tunes I ever heard, one of the very few tunes which I will only play on vinyl and only at the right, happy moment: I want people to enjoy this tune with the best vibe. Passion percussion all the way, powerful sexy vocal, beautiful keyboard solo, wild E-Guitar which just makes people on the dance floor go mad (not the edit version). This 7mins long, romantic Disco monster will make your dreams come true.

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

Toshi Kubota – Till She Come (2000)

So, during my high school years I was fully into RnB, mostly Chinese tunes, that was the time of all CD. Since then, during college… about 2004, the internet changed everything with many streaming website. I remember I listened to this Japanese RnB master’s album all night again and again in a net cafe near my college on a weekend.

Chris K is a Soul & Funk lover from Cologne Germany, based in Zurich. His path to Soul & funk started in the 90s by recording Hip Hop tunes from US broadcasting stations with his tape deck. When Hip Hop became more and more popular and sound got worse, he started to investigate on the samples that were used to produce those good old school Hip Hop jamz. So he discovered bands like the Isley Brothers or One Way. Owning these records became an obsession. After finishing his studies, Chris moved to Vienna and started mixing with a friend that had the same musical influence. Later on, his profesional career brought him to Lausanne (CH) and now Zurich, where he is establishing himself, with his knowledge for Mellow Soul Sound from the late 70s and early 80s. Along with 2 friends, he is running two party series named Fruity loops ( w GREG from Lausanne) which is more Brazil sound influenced and Raw Jamz (w Blaster B from Lausanne) which is more focusing on 80s Funk dancefloor fillers.

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

Mariya Takeuchi 竹内 まりや  – “Plastic Love” (1984)

As I am also into old Japanese cars, this one is perfect to the engine, feeling my nice and sporty 1977 Toyota Celica accelerating and on the other hand getting something authentic out of the speakers. Even if I do not speak Japanese it’s giving me the perfect ride. “Plastic Love” is a typical Japanese production of that time – super clean and to the point sounding like a solid US production.

2.  What’s your favorite tune to chill?

Lowrell – “Mellow Mellow Right On” (1979)

This song is bringing the sunshine to your living room, car, office, wherever you are. Perfect to spinwith my protable vestax handytrax close to the lakeside to support the beach feeling.

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

Valentine Brothers – “Don’t break My Heart” (2012)

There are plenty of gems I could pick but with age, I’m getting more and more into smooth soul funk tunes. But this one is giving me a perfect mood having a glass of wine and to get closer. Beat and vocals create this perfect harmony.

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

Captain Sky – “Don’t Touch That Dial” (1982)

A typical 80s club jam, that is directly animating to get your ass on the dancefloor, heavily influenced by P-funk of the late 70s combined with the mixing skills of Nick Martinelli, who was responsible for a lot of successful Discofunk & RnB acts in the early 80s such as Loose ends & Fat Larrys Band to name a few.

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

Michael McDonald – “I Keep Forgettin'” (1982)

An AOR classic ! This song was sampled by Warren G’s  for the track “Regulate”, the perfect link between oldschool hip hop and this soulful vibe I like to keep for my sets. In addition, its reminding me my teenage years, when I thought that Warren G invented an incredible G Funk Classic without knowing that this tune transferred already 15 years earlier the CALI spirit to the world.

Clive Gardiner is a musician/songwriter/producer, former DJ, playlister and soul/funk aficionado from Southall, West London best-known for being part of OG Rare Groove duo MCKENZIE & GARDINER. Their 1983 12” single “FROM TIME” became a sought-after slice of 80’s Boogie many years later, and it was re-pressed in 2011 by Boogie Time Records. The popularity of “FROM TIME” was a surprise for Clive and his lifelong friend Earl McKenzie. “In 2005, Ed Ruiter of Danceclassics emailed me asking for an interview. He explained the original 12” was trading for high prices – up to US$200 – and he wanted to learn more about the song and our story for his website (now closed). We were delighted and humbled that people remembered our single many years later. Several collectors and music fans contacted me online asking if we had made any other songs. Yes we did, but these were unfinished demos. Were they good enough to release ? I uploaded some onto Soundcloud as a test, and the reaction was positive. So I worked with Tony Massera to carefully remaster, and formed my own label Headstretch Records to release a 12-track digital album SONGS FROM TIME – THE LOST DEMOS in 2013 distributed by State51. In 2014, an 8-track vinyl version was released by Saph Records which sold out straight away.” Clive wrote, played and produced another Britfunk single “COMPLETELY” by MICK MULLANE in 1988 before spending many years working in the music industry for BMG Music in Asia Pacific and for UK streaming pioneer WE7 which was bought by Tesco. Clive and Earl are active again musically, and plan to release new MCKENZIE & GARDINER songs in 2020. Get on with it Gents !!!!

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

The System – “You Are In My System” (1982)

One of my all-time faves from artist/producer heroes of mine. This was so far ahead of its time it still sounds fresh today. The perfect combination of tech meets soul. Play it loud on repeat and drive fast. You’ll hear something new every time. I play my The System Mixtape to death !

2.  What’s your favorite tune to chill?

Lillo Thomas – “Let Me Be Yours” (1983)

Silky Smooth Sophisticated Soul produced by the talented Paul Laurence. Inspired by him and Kashif and their writing and arrangements, I wrote to Hush Productions with a demo. To my amazement, a Hush exec called Zach Vaz contacted me when visiting London to give me personal feedback and advice. It meant such a lot for a young beginner from London that someone from such a prestigious company would take the time to do that. This track has all the Lillo trademarks – I love the lush vocal textures, engaging chord changes and driving bass. Total class. Great to see Lillo and Paul are back making music in 2020.

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

Jonnie Baby – “Special Things” (1986)

I used to make ballad mixtapes for my friends and for house parties, so to choose just one song for romancing is near impossible. I’ll go with this little known midtempo gem from John Kenneth Williams aka Mikki Bleu. It’s the only single he released as Jonnie Baby, and I fell in love with it from first listen. It was hard to find and I remember searching US import stores across London. I finally tracked it down and travelled for 2 hours to grab the last copy. I still have this treasure.

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

Starshine – “All I Need is You” (1983)

This is a monsta which I’ve played out forever ! Guaranteed to floorfill. The bigger the speakers the better it sounds ! Maybe the best Slave/Steve Arrington tribute ?! The bass is sublime, the synth gets under your skin, the unique vocal is distinctive, the mix is seductive – one listen is never enough !

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

Cameo – “It’s Serious” (1977)

Cameo are Funk Royalty and this groove anthem from their debut album is magnificent and irresistible ! Hearing this and watching The Commodores and Average White band play live in the same year as schoolboys changed our lives forever !!! #BlesstheFunk

Follow Clive

Bandcamp: https://mckenziegardiner.bandcamp.com

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/clivegardiner

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A southern California transplant by way of Seattle, music has long been the first language of this peculiar personality. Initially inappropriately touched by the boogie that emanated from the now legendary gathering known as Funkmosphere a decade ago; things would never be the same. Mind blowing sounds combined with the otherworldly movements, inspired by said sounds, shed light on a potential possibility not often pondered: to be a dj. Thoughts & visions of synchronized syncopation due to synthesized sounds, a somber soliloquy to those who suffer from synesthesia. Encountering like-minded individuals, funk became the focus but not the final formation of what was to come. Becoming a unit of kindred spirits existing to enamor and enlighten eardrums, these individuals took up a mission. A mission with one overall purpose: to ACTIVATE LA!

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

Steve Arrington – “Hump To The Bump” (1985)

A song that I initially scoffed at because it just sounded like the bassist was practicing scales. Then the hook slapped any semblance of disrespect out of me, and I opened my eyes to the truth: this may very well be one of the funkiest songs to be committed to tape. Steve fell into every groove, pocket, and or vibe that the track provided. A synth xylophone solo? Absolutely! The simplicity becomes hypnotizing. The chorus only appears twice, being extended the 2nd time. This creates an addictive listening practice, twice isn’t enough. I need more. Before I know it, I’ve repeated the song 3 or 4 times. Steve knows how to dispense his audio dope. Plus, there’s a guy in the music video with nunchucks, which always garner extra points in my book.

2.  What’s your favorite tune to chill?

Masayoshi Takanaka – “Tears of the Sun” (1983)

A guitar virtuoso that slid into boogie, Takanaka struck gold on this b-side. Lamenting over heartbreak, likening his pain to a ‘crying guitar’; you can still feel the sun shining on you through all of his hurt. Crashing waves and seagulls are rightfully part of the arrangement. A nice contrast of somber lyrics with a buoyant backing makes for an excellent composition. The unlikely combination makes me feel Takanaka took Amuzement Parks suggestion to ‘groove your blues away’ to heart. An infectious mix of melancholy madness.

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

Joyce Kennedy – “Looking for Trouble” (1984)

When Leon Sylvers the III is at the helm, you just sit back and enjoy the ride. Joyce’s vocal performance is to the point that it seems effortless. Sets a nice ‘suggestive’ mood.

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

Roubaix – “Ain’t Nobody Better” (1984)

I’m pretty sure the name is pronounced ru-bix, but the uncertainty adds an element of mystery that strangely adds to my fondness of the record. The one and only track by this artist as far as I can see. This is a perfect tune for a grand opening/grand closing: let it be known who and what you are. If you’re never heard from again, your m.o. was doccumented. This feels like more of a mantra than an introduction. He’s trying to convince himself & his love interest that he is the ONE. The unbreakable boogie that drives the track will have the listener feel like the #1 choice themselves. Several involuntary collar pops may take place while listening to this one. The one and only track by this artist as far as I can see (Ruben Fairfax has writing credits on multiple Al Green albums, but this appears to be his only release as an artist).

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

Zalmac – “I Get Down” (1982)

An ’07 funkmosphere staple. Hearing this always transports me back to that small space with the red glow. Great memories. Magic by Side-on is a close runner up.

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Benny Badge is a DJ, record producer and director of Secret Heat Music studio in Melbourne, Australia. He has released dozens of boogie-influenced records by artists including Silver Linings, Freekwency, Nite Class, Blue Avenue Band and Splendour. In 2013 Benny launched Gulf Point Records, releasing his own productions and signing likeminded artists Sugarz, Olmos and Alexey Lanvin. In 2018 he also curated a 10 episode Gulf Point series for TRNSMT radio and is a regular co-presenter on Kiss FM Melbourne’s Bionic Boogie Radio Show. As a DJ and live performer Benny has toured extensively, playing seminal parties including; Funkmosphere (LA), Sweater Funk (SF), Wet Play (Manchester), Brilliant Corners (London), La Marbrerie (Paris), Canvas (Amsterdam), Cassiopeia (Berlin), Denis Simachev (Russia) and Aoyama Hachi (Tokyo). As of 2019 he continues to perform with Silver Linings live trio and plays record for peace and contentment!

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

Ardijah – “Your Love Is Blind” (1985)

INew Zealand’s slickest 80s soul group were Ardijah. A pal tipped me to their debut album, which had the standout “Forever And A Day”, a smooth ’87 groove sung by the band’s leading lady… but it’s this earlier recording of the same track that has me shifting back into third and closing one eye. With tough percussion, brooding male vocals and a totally NZ film clip atop some cliffs, “Your Love Is Blind” is the version you want on your midnight run.

2.  What’s your favorite tune to chill?

Herbie Pabst – “Reach Out (For Your Life)” (1986)

Some records are just special from the moment you hear them. This one entered my world through a box of ex-distributor stock, on private label Blue Earth. Once I’d recovered from the thrill of the ‘RAH Band meets Ned Doheny’ vibe, the song’s positive message became something of an anthem for me. So I “reached out” to Herbie, who still does music, art and photography, and was stunned to learn that Blue Earth Vinyl is back after 33 years and a repress of this record is just around the corner. You can read his story in the video comments below. God I love records.

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

Carl Anderson – “<How Deep Does It Go” (1990)

I mean Carl Anderson just generally. At the collective peaks of Disco, Boogie, Smooth Jazz and Quiet Storm he was there, looking like a million bucks and recording bedroom anthems like it was nobody’s business. As a talented singer/actor, the voice of love also played the role of Judas on stage for over two decades. If that’s not all the juxtaposition you can handle, you could take a little longer choosing your Carl and let that bath go cold…

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

Ken Chaney- “Ready For Your Love” (1985)

My word! I found this in a dollar lot last year and have been burning calories to it ever since. Ken Chaney gives it 150% the entire 9 minutes and still finishes with gas in the tank. I’ve been regularly closing parties with this pitched down to -6 and it’s STILL the fastest track of the night! BB doesn’t usually break a sweat but this peak weapon has my vote.

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

Sherrick – “Just Call” (1987)

An all-timer by one of the best, F. LaMotte Smith aka Sherrick. My sister bought me this record for my 17th birthday and it’s endured all this time as one of my favourites, with a little Kashif and Luther homage throughout. Whilst the hifi sound palette is fun and Michael Stokes’ production is as tight as ever… I can’t help thinking it just wouldn’t have worked if anyone but Sherrick was up front. This album was solid listening through my teenage years and no doubt a defining moment in my musical and personal origin story.