funkstep

Funkin’ the Future: A Funky History of FunkStep

FunkStep, a genre born from the unlikely fusion of funky grooves and breakneck tempos, has a history as wild and unpredictable as its sound. Imagine the swagger of James Brown meeting the breakneck speed of drum and bass, and you’ve got the essence of FunkStep.

The Roots of the Funk

This genre traces its roots back to the 1970s, where funk ruled the airwaves. Artists like Parliament, Funkadelic, and Sly & The Family Stone laid the groundwork with their infectious rhythms and hypnotic grooves. They were the pioneers, pushing the boundaries of musical experimentation and paving the way for a generation of musicians.

Enter the Breakbeat Revolution

Fast forward to the 90s, and drum and bass was exploding onto the scene. With its complex rhythms, intricate breakbeats, and basslines that rattled your bones, it was a sound that captivated a generation. Artists like Goldie, LTJ Bukem, and Roni Size were pushing the limits of what electronic music could achieve.

The FunkStep Fusion

The meeting of these two musical titans, funk and drum and bass, was inevitable. The result was FunkStep, a genre that embraced the funk’s infectious grooves and married them to the breakneck energy of drum and bass.

Early Pioneers:

• The Prodigy: This UK band blended funk with breakbeats in the early 90s, paving the way for FunkStep. Their iconic track “Firestarter” is considered a cornerstone of the genre.
• Pendulum: This Australian group emerged in the early 2000s, blending funk influences with powerful drum and bass. Their song “Hold Your Colour” was a global hit.
• Knife Party: This duo, formed by two members of Pendulum, continued the FunkStep legacy with their innovative and energetic tracks.

Funky Facts:

• The Prodigy’s Keith Flint, known for his fiery stage presence, was a champion motorbike racer before finding fame in music.
• Pendulum’s Rob Swire, a self-proclaimed “funk nerd,” was a fan of 70s funk bands from a young age.
• Knife Party’s Gareth McGrillen once said, “We make music for people who like to get their asses kicked.”

The Future of FunkStep

FunkStep continues to evolve, influenced by contemporary electronic music and a growing community of artists. The genre is a testament to the power of musical fusion, where the infectious grooves of funk meet the breakneck energy of drum and bass, resulting in a sound that is both nostalgic and futuristic.

So, crank up the volume, get your dancing shoes on, and let the funkStep revolution take you away!