Studio Funk

Another piece of footage released from the vault! Some more insight into the wonderful career of Isy Martin. The Budweiser Showdown competition, additional songs he wrote, reflecting on life and sharing wisdom - all to share!

Released from the vault! Mr Big Happy shares the time he connected and linked up with some of the members of 'Sparkle City Band' to work on a collaborative project to reissue their ultra rare 45 'Day By Day'. Alongside that we discuss the origins of his DJ crew - 'Parish Council' and how they form together like Voltron!

To celebrate the recent release of their self-titled debut album - 'Milk Talk', we have some unreleased footage unlocked from the Studio Funk vault. In this episode, Milk Talk share some insight of the makings of the 'Ah Be Rue' music video, discuss the process of mixing Japanese and English lyrics...plus more!

Welcoming back to the podcast, we have Sam Don to share and discuss his latest release, Just A Touch (Athens of the North, 2023) — the new compilation focusing on underground U.K Soul. Together, Aswad and Sam discuss the term ‘Street Soul’ and what it means to them, the culture, the impact it created in a short space of time. Sam shares the inspiration behind the project, working closely with artists to resurface these rare, and sometimes lost and forgotten music.

Join us on this exciting episode featuring Cool Raul, a DJ and record collector hailing from Oakland, Bay Area. Known for his keen eye for unique and rare records, Raul takes us on a thrilling journey as he unveils some hidden Gospel 45s from his prized collection. As a part of Studio Funk, we are thrilled to have him on the show, where he sits down with Aswad for an exclusive showcase of his rare finds. These gems are not to be missed, and it's a special treat as this episode was previously available only to our loyal Studio Funk Patreon supporters. Consider it a complementary bonus episode to the Tone B. Nimble show.

A special show which was sitting in the unreleased folder until now. Towards the end of last year, Aswad caught up and sat down to talk with Pittsburgh’s finest producer — Buscrates. On the show they go to great lengths to talk about his forever growing career. Starting with the earlier days through to what’s next on the horizon. Together they take deep dives to discuss hardware and software and how Buscrates approaches his workflow when working in the lab. Alongside that they talk about other activities which keeps him busy — Twitch and Serato Kitchen.

Last show of the year and it’s a special one. Aswad sits down and catches up with Earl McKenzie and Clive Gardiner about their latest release on CQQL Records — Timestamp. The definitive edition and collection of their cherished and beloved music recorded from the early 80s. Remastered and reissued with love is how we describe it. As tradition dictates, the last show is a recap highlighting music of the year. Expect a good dose of new releases alongside favourites from the year.

Breaking the record for having the longest running time of recording an interview — 3.5 hours! Two of Aswad's favourite people, Hair Kid and Q.I who are behind the amazing modern funk duo from Japan — Milk Talk. Their first ever interview which goes over and beyond! Over the last few years, Milk Talk have been consistently releasing incredible modern funk, synth / city pop music. On the show they go to great lengths to discuss about their chemistry and collaboration. We go behind the scenes to discuss how their records are put together, and talk about their recent tour in Tokyo. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, as there is plenty more uncovered. And knowing how much we recorded, let’s just say this is part 1 of their feature 😊

This month on Studio Funk we welcome curator, DJ, the man of leisure — Miche. Over the past years Miche has been contributing heavily to the funk and soul scene in the U.K. From being a leading music programmer of London’s number 1 listening bar Spiritland, through to working and collaborating with various artists, musicians and DJs he is now entering his next chapter — releasing his new compilation on world renown record label, Mr Bongo; With Love Vol.1. Here on Studio Funk we get an exclusive preview and insight behind the highly anticipated project.

Mr Big Happy is one the great collectors on the scene who is actively seeking under the radar, obscure and lesser known funk and soul music. He pro actively does this whilst gathering insight directly from the artists and shares behind the scenes information related to the release. On the show, Aswad and Mr Big happy talk about why it’s important to him, and what drives his passion for collecting and sharing these relics of great music. Together they recorded nearly 2 hours of conversation — so let’s just say it’s been a long time coming for them to have a good chat. As you can expect the show is curated with music, and includes a soul 45s tribute mix for our special guest = the perfect summer podcast.

On this months show we have author, producer, Grammy Award nominee — Jon Kirby. Jon Kirby was the Associate Editor at Wax Poetics (2007-2010) and currently provides A&R, Research and Development for The Numero Group. On the show we go to great lengths to discuss the first discoveries of UTB/Andre Gibson and how their friendship led to an on-going partnership. Plus the beginnings of the ‘Ultra High Frequencies: The Chicago Party’, history and experience surrounding Chicago and what it truly means to be working for a great organisation like the Numero Group. To wrap up the show, a tribute mix is included showcasing some of the great music featured on the Numero Group releases where Jon’s direction is applied.

Here at Studio Funk we are super stoked to have the wonderful Andre Gibson on this months show. The multi talented musician, singer and songwriter of Universal Togetherness Band. As you can expect we have a lot to discuss including the history surrounding the band, how it got started, early memories and performing on the notorious TV show, The Chicago Party at the CopHerBox II (1982). We also talk about Andre’s desire to continue to making music and his recent album ‘Movin On’. Plus the collaboration with The Numero Group to publish the unreleased material of Universal Togetherness Band many years later. It’s a full packed show and if that wasn’t enough we wrap up the episode with a Studio Funk Chicago Party featuring music by Jesus Wayne, Donnell Pitman, Universal Togetherness Band and many more!

Gospel Disco, Boogie & Soul special with collector, DJ and curator - Tone B. Nimble. Aswad and Tone get together to discuss his passion and the stories behind his latest music series ‘Soul Is My Salvation’. A series that showcases private press Gospel records that’s he’s discovered over the years. We take a deep dive into Gospel music, sharing music from Tone B. Nimble compilation series, Soul Is My Salvation and other notable artists & musicians from the spirit lifting genre. The show features a full roster of great artists and musicians including Mary Love Comer, United Spiritual Singers, Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark, Mckinley Sandifer, Fay Hill and many more!

Aswad sits down with the wonderful talented Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Producer and Arranger — Isy Martin. Isy has an extensive history and story regarding his beginnings as a musician. Performing from a very young age, Isy Martin has worked with many artists including Marvin Gaye, Willie Hutch, Ray Charles, The Jackson’s, The Gap Band, Rufus, Norman Whitfield and the list goes on! Together, Aswad and Isy discuss and reflect on his past and also modern day activities with his latest release of ‘Rug Burns’ on Prime Time Records and Tapes and working with XL Middleton, Zackey Force Funk on the Modern Funk rework of his 80s cult boogie funk hit. As you can expect it’s a packed show with gems of story telling, new music, notable classics and a tribute mix to tie the bow.

First episode of 2022 featuring the wonderful DJ/curator, Sam Don. Those of you might be familiar with Sam Don who is responsible for producing the great Lovers Rock/Soul compilation series — For The Love Of You (Athens Of the North). Sam Don and Aswad discuss the inspiration for the project and how it came to fruition. They also discuss the importance and significance of reggae music, and the influences of soul music into Lovers Rock. To wrap up the show, Aswad provides a tribute mix to give Sam Don and the Lovers Rock genre the send off they deserve.

Exclusive interview with the man from Chicago, Head & Founder of Star Creature Universal Vibrations — Tim Zawada. Aswad and Tim discuss the beginnings of Star Creature, the memories and releases over the years. Including recent projects such as the 2020 compilation; Attack Of The Chicago Boogie — how the project came together, the passion and drive to work with Chicago legendary artists. They also talk about recent releases including the new album by M Hook - New River, and share some insight of releases that’s yet to come! Alongside the interview, Aswad serves a tribute mix for Tim & Star Creature — 45 min set of 45s of the Star Creature imprint, featuring personal favourites & classics from the forever growing discography of 7” records. Also included in the show, new releases from Maya Killtron, Format-440, Fantasy 15, Lucky Mereki and many more!

For the very first time to appear on a podcast are the 80s Brit Funk legends, McKenzie & Gardiner. Together they discuss to great lengths about their background, friendship and the insight around their cult record 'From Time'. Working with Streetwave Records, and the creation of the sub label ‘The Sound Of London’ and the recordings of the wonderful lost demos which surfaced many years later! Plus an exclusive preview of their up and coming music coming out on CQQL Records & Avant Garde Records. Also on the show, a catch up with Montreal’s favourite Walla P, to discuss the latest with Prime Source. Aswad also plays some new releases which is currently in heavy rotation, and a tribute mix for our guests to wrap up the show in Studio Funk tradition.

Latest show of Studio Funk features Mofunk Records first lady, Moniquea. Aswad and Moniquea get together and discuss her recent releases and album, Los Robles & Washington. They also talk about her recently launched show on Dublab - Jammin’ Croquettes and the fantastic tribute mix, Speaking From Experience. The show also features new music from Soul Supreme, XL Middleton, Amalia, Frankfurt Funk, ALINA to name a few!

Late last year Toby Glider a.k.a Liquid Pegasus released his phenomenal album; Novelty on CityBaby Records . This was listed as one of Aswad's favourites of 2020 and was one of the most notable releases across the board. On the show Aswad and Toby Glider get together and discuss about the makings of the album, influences, Japanese 80's culture and even the notorious artwork created by Chris Hopkins + more! The show also features new music from a talented roster including Frankfurt Funk, Madd3e, Big Jacks, Kutcorners, Angela Apigo and Soul Supreme.

Another instalment of Studio Funk features the dynamic duo Saucy Lady and U-Key from Star Creature records. They sit down and discuss their new EP Delirious and cover some of the great releases in the past, including Honey Sauce Band and the Supanova album. A show full of great conversations, music and even some beatboxing. Aswad, also catches up with Walla P about Prime Source, they reflect on the past month and give a sneak peek at some of the exciting things to come!