liquidfunk

Liquid Funk: A Journey Through the Jazzy, Groovy Waters

Liquid funk, a subgenre of drum and bass, emerged in the mid-1990s, blending the breakneck speed and intricate rhythms of its parent genre with the smooth, soulful sounds of jazz and funk. It’s like a heady cocktail of breakbeats, soulful melodies, and a healthy dose of groove.

From Jungle’s Roots to Liquid’s Flow:

Liquid funk arose as a response to the more aggressive, “jungle” side of drum and bass. Pioneers like LTJ Bukem, Photek, and Goldie (who, ironically, was once a wrestler!) started experimenting with smoother sounds, incorporating influences from jazz, soul, and ambient music. The result was a more melodic, accessible sound that resonated with a wider audience.

Funny Facts:

• Bukem’s “Horizons”: It’s said that the iconic “Horizons” tune by LTJ Bukem, a liquid funk anthem, was born from a simple experiment in his studio. He accidentally hooked up his keyboard to the wrong input, creating a unique and mesmerizing sound that became a liquid funk signature.
• Photek’s Secret Weapon: Photek, a pioneer of liquid funk’s more experimental side, used to create his beats by meticulously sampling old vinyl records. He once confessed to using a broken record player as his main production tool, a testament to his ingenuity and resourcefulness.
• Goldie’s “Heart of Gold”: Goldie, known for his gruff exterior, once revealed in an interview that he secretly loves Disney movies and considers “The Lion King” to be his favorite. This surprising revelation sparked a wave of memes and added a touch of whimsy to the image of the hard-edged drum and bass veteran.

The Liquid Funk Legacy:

Liquid funk’s influence continues to resonate in modern electronic music, inspiring countless artists and shaping the soundscape of genres like nu-jazz and future jazz. While the genre has evolved and expanded, its core principles of melody, soul, and groove remain timeless. So, put on your dancing shoes, get lost in the lush soundscapes, and let the liquid funk flow.