How to Create Space-Age Funk Music from the 1970s
Contents
Here’s how to create the perfect space-age funk sound from the 1970s.
Introduction
Space-age funk is a genre of music that emerged in the 1970s. It is characterized by its use of synthesizers and other electronic instruments, as well as its cosmic, psychedelic themes. If you’re a fan of this style of music, or if you’re simply curious about how it’s made, read on to learn how to create space-age funk music from the 1970s.
The Birth of Funk
Funk is a style of music that was popular in the 1970s. It is a type of African American music that has elements of soul, jazz, and rhythm and blues. Funk is a style of music that is often characterized by a groove that is created by the interaction of the bass and drums. The word “funk” can also be used to describe a style of dance that is associated with this type of music.
James Brown and the Godfather of Soul
In the 1960s, James Brown was one of the most popular soul musicians in the country. His songs were emotional and energetic, and his live performances were legendary. He was also a master of showmanship, and his on-stage antics – including his signature moves, the “James Brown dance” – became a key part of his act.
In the 1970s, Brown began experimenting with a new sound that would come to be known as “funk.” This new style incorporated elements of soul, R&B, and jazz, and featured a heavy groove that was perfect for dancing. Brown’s band, The J.B.’s, was at the forefront of this new sound, and their records – including “Cold Sweat” and “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” – became huge hits.
Brown himself became known as the “Godfather of Soul,” and funk would go on to become one of the most popular music genres of the 1970s. Thanks to James Brown, funk is still alive and well today – so get up offa that thing and dance!
Sly and the Family Stone
Sly and the Family Stone was an American band from San Francisco, CA, active from 1966-83. The band was led by singer-songwriter and producer Sly Stone, and featured his sister Rose on vocals and keyboards, brother Freddie on bass guitar, Larry Graham on drums and vocals, Cynthia Robinson on trumpet, and Jerry Martini on saxophone.
The band’s music combined elements of soul, R&B, rock, funk, and psychedelia to create a unique sound that was influential in the development of funk music. They were one of the first bands to use multi-layered soundtracks with multiple instruments playing simultaneously. They were also one of the first to incorporate elements of improvisation into their music.
The band had a number of hits in the late 1960s and early 1970s, including “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” “Stand!” “I Want to Take You Higher,” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).” Sly Stone was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.
Parliament-Funkadelic
In the 1960s and 1970s, a new style of music called funk began to emerge. This style was characterized by its heavy bass lines and drum grooves, which were often inspired by African rhythms. The most influential band of this genre was Parliament-Funkadelic, whose members included George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, and Bernie Worrell.
During their peak years, Parliament-Funkadelic released a number of iconic albums that are still considered classics today. These albums included “Funkentelechy Vs. the Placebo Syndrome” (1977) and “One Nation Under a Groove” (1978). They also had a number of hit singles, such as “Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)” and “Flash Light” (both from 1977).
While Parliament-Funkadelic is no longer active, their influence can still be heard in many modern funk and hip-hop artists.
The Funk of the 1970s
In the 1970s, a new type of music emerged that combined elements of soul, pop, and R&B. This new genre was called funk. Funk was a very danceable type of music with a strong groove. The lyrics were often about social and political issues. Some of the most popular funk bands of the 1970s were Parliament-Funkadelic, James Brown, and Sly and the Family Stone.
The Funkadelics
The Funkadelics were one of the most influential and important bands of the 1970s. Not only did they pioneer a new style of music, they were also able to cross over into the mainstream with their hits “One Nation Under a Groove” and “Standing on the Verge of Getting It On”.
The band was led by George Clinton, who was also a key figure in Parliament-Funkadelic, another influential group from the same era. The Funkadelics were known for their long, improvised jams, which often incorporated elements of psychedelic rock and soul. They also frequently used electronic instruments and disco rhythms, which helped to create a truly unique sound.
While the band’s popularity has faded in recent years, their impact on music cannot be denied. If you’re a fan of funk or disco, then you owe a debt of gratitude to the Funkadelics!
Bootsy’s Rubber Band
The 1970s was a decade defined by funk music. James Brown’s “Funky Drummer” is arguably the most influential drum groove of all time, and it laid the foundation for an entire generation of musicians to explore the genre. One of the most important bands to emerge from this era was Bootsy’s Rubber Band, led by bassist/vocalist Bootsy Collins.
Bootsy’s Rubber Band was one of the first funk bands to really experiment with the sound of the genre, and they did so by incorporating elements of space-age music into their sound. This gave their music a truly unique flavor that was unmatched by any other band at the time. They also had a great sense of showmanship, which helped them stand out from the rest of the pack.
If you’re looking to create some space-age funk music of your own, here are some tips to get you started:
1. Start with a solid groove. The groove is everything in funk music, so make sure it’s tight and driving.
2. Incorporate elements of space-age music into your sound. This can be anything from weird synth sounds to cosmic effects.
3. Make sure your vocals are soulful and catchy. Bootsy Collins is a master of this, so take some inspiration from him!
4. Add in some visual elements to really bring your performance to life. Bootsy’s Rubber Band were known for their outrageous stage shows, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
George Clinton
George Clinton is an American musician, singer, songwriter and record producer. His music career began in the 1950s with the doo-wop group the Parliaments, which he formed in Plainfield, New Jersey. He led the group through several name changes, including Parliament-Funkadelic, before settling on the name Parliament in 1974. Clinton has been credited as one of the most conceptual and innovative musicians of his generation, bringing elements of soul, funk, rock and roll, psychedelic rock and science fiction together.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you want to create Space-Age Funk music from the 1970s, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Use of electric instruments and a lot of reverb will give your music the otherworldly feel that is characteristic of the genre. Be sure to also incorporate a healthy dose of groovy bass lines and soulful Vocals to really capture the spirit of Space-Age Funk.
