2019’s Best New Funk Music

If you’re a fan of funk music, then you’ll want to check out our list of the best new funk music of 2019. From classic sounds to modern grooves, there’s something for everyone.

Introduction to Funk Music

Funk is a genre of music that arose in the late 1960s when African American musicians blended soul music, rhythm and blues, and jazz. Funk created a style that was infectious and had a strong rhythmic groove. The lyrics were often about the struggle of life. Some of the best funk songs are “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder, “I Got the Feelin'” by James Brown, and ” give me just a little more time” by The Chairmen of the Board.

What is Funk Music?

Funk is a style of danceable, rhythmic music popular throughout the 1970s. It can be seen as a combination of soul music, jazz, and R&B. Funk songs are often centered around a strong, catchy bass line played on electric bass or drums. Additionally, funk typically incorporates elements of rock, soul, and often jazz.

The first funk songs began to gain popularity in the late 1960s when artists such as James Brown and Sly and the Family Stone began to experiment with new, more danceable grooves. By the early 1970s, funk had become its own distinct genre with a large following among African American audiences. Funk would eventually go on to influence other genres including hip hop, disco, and electronic music.

The Origins of Funk Music

Funk is a style of danceable, groove-oriented music popularized by African American musicians in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Unlike previous African American genres such as jazz and soul, which emphasized improvisation and complex harmonic structures, funk focuses on rhythmic simplicity and repetition.

Funk songs are often based around a catchy bass line or groove, which is then reinforced by syncopated drumming and percussive guitar or horn riffs. Sparse, call-and-response vocals are another characteristic of funk music, which often relies heavily on wordless vocalizations or chant-like chants to drive the rhythm forward.

The origins of funk can be traced back to the African American oral tradition, specifically the work songs and field hollers of slaves working in the cotton plantations of the Southern United States. These songs typically featured a repetitive call-and-response structure and were used to maintain a steady rhythm while performing tasks such as chopping wood or drawing water.

During the mid-20th century, elements of funk began appearing in popular music styles such as rhythm and blues and rock ‘n’ roll. In the 1960s, bands like James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic helped codify the sound of funk with their infectious grooves and catchy bass lines. Funk continued to evolve in the 1970s and 1980s, with artists like Prince and George Clinton pushing the genre in new directions.

Today, funk remains an influential force in popular music, with its signature rhythms appearing in genres as diverse as hip hop, electronic dance music, and even pop. Thanks to its ever-evolving nature, funk is sure to keep us dancing for years to come.

The Best New Funk Music of 2019

Vulfpeck – “Back Pocket”

Vulfpeck’s “Back Pocket” is one of the best examples of new funk music in 2019. The song is a masterclass in groove, with the band locking into a tight groove that makes you want to move. The song also features some great soloing from guitarist Jack Stratton, who shows off his impressive chops.

Lettuce – “Phyllis”

Lettuce’ new album ‘Elevate’ is out now, and it is Funk AT ITS FINEST. “Phyllis” is a perfect example of this, with its incredible musicianship, catchy hooks, and oozy basslines. This tune is sure to get your head nodding and your feet moving, so do yourself a favor and check it out!

The Meters – “Cissy Strut”

“Cissy Strut” is a song by the American funk band The Meters. Released in 1969, it was the band’s first single and one of their most enduring hits, reaching number four on the Billboard R&B chart and becoming a staple of classic rock radio. The song features a simple, catchy guitar riff and a groove that has been described as “infectious”. It has been covered by numerous artists, including George Clinton, the Beastie Boys, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

James Brown – “Funky Drummer”

James Brown’s “Funky Drummer” is one of the most sampled tracks in history, and it’s easy to see why. The track is a perfect example of Brown’s signature sound: a driving funk groove with a simple, memorable melody. The track was recorded in 1970, but it didn’t achieve its iconic status until it was released as a single in 1971. In the decades since, “Funky Drummer” has been sampled by everyone from hip-hop legends like Public Enemy and Beastie Boys to pop stars like Rihanna and Justin Timberlake.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 2019 was a great year for funk music. We saw a resurgence in the popularity of the genre, with new artists and old artists alike releasing great new music. We also saw some great new technologies and trends emerge, which only serve to make the genre more exciting. We can’t wait to see what 2020 has in store for funk music!

The Future of Funk Music

When it comes to the future of funk music, the sky is the limit. Funk has demonstrated its ability to constantly evolve and remain relevant for decades, and there’s no reason to believe that it won’t continue to do so. As long as there are musicians willing to push the boundaries of what funk can be, the genre will continue to thrive.

That said, there are a few specific trends that seem likely to shape the future of funk music in the years to come. First and foremost, funk is likely to continue its trend toward synthesized sounds and electronic production techniques. This has been evident in recent years in the work of artists like Anderson .Paak and Kaytranada, and it’s likely that we’ll see more of this in the future.

Secondly, funk is likely to become increasingly intertwined with other genres, particularly hip-hop. This is already happening to some extent, but as hip-hop continues to grow in popularity around the world, we can expect more and more artists to experiment with fusing the two genres together.

Finally, we can expect funk music to continue its global expansion. Funk has already found a home all over the world, but there are still many places where it hasn’t taken root yet. As more people become exposed to funk music, it’s only natural that it will continue to spread far and wide.

All in all, there’s no telling what the future holds for funk music. But one thing is for sure: as long as there are people out there making great funk songs, the genre will be in good hands.