new funk

The Funky Evolution: From Disco to Digital

New funk, a groovy offspring of the 70s disco era, burst onto the scene with a fresh, syncopated beat and a rebellious attitude. While it shared the funk’s signature rhythmic swagger, new funk embraced a more electronic, futuristic sound, weaving together synthesizers, drum machines, and digital effects.

A History of the Groove:

• Disco’s Legacy: The late 70s saw a rise in the popularity of disco, with its pulsating basslines and infectious rhythms. New funk, born out of this vibrant atmosphere, embraced the essence of disco, while experimenting with electronic instruments and a more sophisticated sound.
• P-Funk’s Influence: The innovative work of Parliament-Funkadelic, led by the eccentric George Clinton, provided a major inspiration. Their music fused funk, psychedelic rock, and a distinct science fiction narrative, paving the way for new funk’s adventurous spirit.
• The 80s Boom: The 1980s witnessed the explosion of new funk, thanks to groundbreaking artists like Prince, Rick James, and Herbie Hancock. They effortlessly combined their funk roots with synth-pop, rock, and electronic elements, creating a vibrant soundscape that captured the zeitgeist.

Funny Facts about the Funky Ones:

• Prince’s Purple Reign: Did you know Prince’s first album was called “For You” but he insisted on changing it to “Prince”? A true believer in self-branding!
• Rick James and the Cocaine Connection: Rick James, infamous for his raunchy stage antics, famously declared “I’m Rick James, bitch!” He also had a well-documented addiction to cocaine, even smuggling it aboard his private plane disguised as “powdered sugar”.
• Parliament’s Galactic Funk: George Clinton, the flamboyant frontman of Parliament-Funkadelic, once wore a sequined costume resembling an alien, complete with antennae! He even claimed to have “invented” the “future” and “psychic funk”.

New Funk Today:

While the 80s saw the peak of new funk, its influence continues to resonate in contemporary music. Artists like Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, and Thundercat draw heavily on the genre’s soulful melodies, dynamic rhythms, and playful experimentation.

So, put on your dancing shoes, crank up the volume, and get ready to groove to the future of funk!