What’s New in Funk Music?
Funk music has been around for decades, but it’s always evolving. Check out this blog to learn about the latest trends in funk music and how it’s being used today.
Introduction
Funk music evolved out of the Motown sound in the late 1960s, and is a style of African-American popular music that is characterized by a strong groove and often contains elements of soul, jazz, and R&B.
Funk songs are often based on a simple riff or groove that is repeated throughout the song, and the lyrics usually focus on topics such as love, dancing, or social issues. The genre developed in response to the limitations of the Motown sound, which emphasized catchy melodies and polished production values over improvisation and experimentalism.
Funk artists began to experiment with new sounds and production techniques, resulting in a more eclectic and experimental style of funk. This new sound was exemplified by George Clinton’s Parliament-Funkadelic collective, which blended elements of soul, rock, psychedelia, and even disco into their unique brand of funk.
Other notable funk artists from this period include James Brown, Sly & The Family Stone, Kool & The Gang, Bootsy Collins, and Prince. Funk music experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 1990s thanks to bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers and Fishbone, as well as the use of classic funk songs in movies like Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction.
Today, there are many different subgenres of funk music being created by artists all over the world. While some artists are keeping the traditional sound alive, others are mixing it with other genres to create something fresh and new. No matter what form it takes, funkmusic is sure to get you moving and grooving!
The Origins of Funk
Funk derives its name from the Latin word “funke,” meaning musty. The style developed in the 1960s as a syncopated, percussive extension of soul and R&B. At first glance, funk appears to be little more than a groove–a hypnotic, danceable vamp usually built around the bass and drums. But upon closer inspection, funk is a complex web of threads, each with its own history and meaning.
The Evolution of Funk
Funk has undergone a bit of an evolution since it first burst onto the scene in the 1970s. The original style was a mix of soul, R&B, and African rhythms, and it quickly gained popularity for its infectious groove and danceable beats. Over the years, funk has incorporated elements of hip hop, electronica, rock, and even jazz, resulting in a sound that is both fresh and familiar.
Today’s funk bands are keeping the genre alive and well, infusing it with their own unique style and flavor. Here are just a few of the artists keeping funk alive and kicking!
Vulfpeck is an American funk band that formed in 2011. They are known for their innovative use of social media to build a devoted following, as well as their quirky sense of humor. Their music is a mix of classic Funk and R&B with a modern twist, and they often incorporate elements of hip hop and pop into their songs.
Junglepussy is a Brooklyn-based rapper whose music is infused with elements of R&B, soul, and pop. Her lyrics are candid and unapologetic, touching on topics like self-love, feminism, and sexuality. Her unique style has earned her comparisons to Missy Elliott and Lauryn Hill.
Thundercat is a Los Angeles-based bassist who has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Kendrick Lamar, Flying Lotus, and Suicidal Tendencies. His solo work blends R&B, soul, jazz, and funk into a sound that is both atmospheric and grounded.
Funk Today
Funk music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with artists like Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson, and Justin Timberlake incorporating elements of the genre into their own work. But what is funk music, exactly?
Simply put, funk is a style of popular music that is characterized by a syncopated bassline and a groove that is meant to be danced to. The genre originated in the 1960s and was pioneered by artists like James Brown and Sly & The Family Stone.
Funk today is often characterized by a heavy use of electronic instruments and production techniques, as well as a focus on the groove and rhythm over melody. This gives funk a distinctly modern sound while still retaining the elements that made it so popular in the first place.
If you’re looking for something new to Funk out to, check out some of the artists listed below. You’re sure to find something that gets your feet moving!
Conclusion
Funk music has come a long way since its inception in the 1960s. Today, funk is a vital and vibrant genre that continues to evolve and grow. While some funk purists may decry the changes that have taken place over the years, there is no denying that funk is still a powerful force in music today. Thanks to its strong beats and catchy hooks, funk continues to win over new fans every day.
