Funkster

Oldschool Sound

2012-02-26T10:34:00.004+02:00

Richard Earnshaw feat. James Vargas – Inside & Out (Main Mix)

"Inside & Out" is a beautiful soulful jam originally released in 2006 by Duffnote Records. Richard on the keyboards and production and Mr. Vargas on the sax is an unbeatable combination. Of course we also mustn't forget about Matt Gray's outstanding performance on the bass and the funky guitars courtesy of Tom Mills.

DJ Chus pres. the Groove Foundation – That Feeling (Original Stereo Mix)

Buy on Beatport - Download Preview

Going even further back to the year 2002, only a couple years after Defected was founded, this track gets released. It's got a big percussion section, a funky sax and such a groovy bassline – everything a classic oldschool track needs. The speech sums up everything just perfectly: "You know what it's all about, that feeling we have. That feeling that's been gone for way too long, yeah. Just sit back, close your eyes and re-memorize. We gotta return to that feeling."

Heartbeat

2012-02-18T22:23:00.001+02:00

Childish Gambino – Heartbeat (Justin Faust Remix)
Download via SoundCloud

A lot of seriously big names have been releasing some seriously hot bootlegs and other free tracks lately, but here's one to top them all. The man behind nu-disco hit "Girl Talk" remixes Childish Gambino's "Heartbeat" with stunning results. As most of us already learned from Armand Van Helden's classic "Full Moon", disco-powered house music and hip-hop can really work beautifully together.

Jackin' The Audio

2012-02-12T18:04:00.000+02:00

Soul Central vs Bob Sinclar – I Feel For The Strings Of Life (Audio Jacker Mashup)
Download via SoundCloud | Audio Jacker on Facebook / SoundCloud / Twitter

Funky and disco house producer Audio Jacker, hailing from the UK, has been banging out tunes on Tasty Records and Hed Kandi since 2008. I've been a big fan from the very beginning and I'm glad to see that he's finally starting to get the attention he deserves. Mashing Bob Sinclar's "Feel For You" and Soul Central's "Strings Of Life" together works really well, and with that added groovy house part, this is a must have.

A Voodoo Situation

2012-02-02T11:45:00.002+02:00

Enough with traditional disco house. Let's do some nu disco!

Geisha Twins – Love Situation (DJ EQ 5x5 Remix)
Buy on Beatport | Download preview | DJ EQ on SoundCloud / Facebook

As I was going through Stardust Records' releases on Beatport I found this gem. Big 80's synth stabs, a lot of happy chopping, a lot of variety, and a catchy vocal hook. It's something for everyone and does justice to the style Stardust is known for. The remix was released more than a year ago, but this does not diminish its freshness.

DiscoSocks – Voodoo
Buy on Beatport | Download preview | DiscoSocks on SoundCloud / Facebook

Thanks to Fatty Roscoe for sending me this one. Voodoo is a funky track from head to toes. I immediately fell in love with that groovy-ass bassline which adds such a slick touch to the entire production. Also a lot of chopping and cutting going on in here spiced up with a variety of synths. This one was released a couple weeks back on Houserecordings.

The Louder The Better – Night & Day
Download via SoundCloud | The Louder The Better on SoundCloud / Facebook

I featured The Louder The Better about a month ago, and now they're back with another free banger. A bit slower than the other tracks in this post, but still very funky and playful with that guitar-heavy sample. Big up to these guys for sharing their stuff for free. I would've paid for this.

Dance All Night!

2012-01-27T14:43:00.001+02:00

DJ Zimmo – Dance All Night
Download via SoundCloud

This week's funk explosion is brought to us by DJ Zimmo from the UK. This guy has been DJing for over 15 years and has now taken up producing as well. "Dance All Night" is a banging disco/funky house track with lovely old-school drumwork, a catchy sampled riff and a feel-good vibe to die for. It's also free!

Disco-roll multiplier: 4x

Love Trip

2012-01-21T13:29:00.003+02:00

Oliver Twizt – Love Trip (Olav Basoski Remix)
Buy on Beatport | Download preview via Mediafire

This fresh Olav Basoski remix was released just last Monday on Spinnin Records. The track is dominated by a huge bass sound playing a very basic disco line – not that being basic is a bad thing in any way. Breaks in the breakdowns, straight-forward disco house after the drop. This one will surely make your feet move!

Olav Basoski – New Day
Buy on Beatport | Download preview via Mediafire

And because I simply can't get enough of Olav at the moment, here's another track. Released almost a year ago on Defected and my favourite Basoski track so far. It's a very sunny disco house track with great female vocals. One of my favourite tracks of 2011 as well.

Our disco-roll continues.

Olav Basoski on Twitter / SoundCloud

Disco's Payback

2012-01-15T11:03:00.000+02:00

Funkster is on a disco-roll!
Today I have a beautiful edit for you by Mr. Alexandre Louvré as well as perhaps the best mash-up I've ever heard courtesy of GonZo.

Kool & the Gang – Get Down On It (Alexandre Louvré Edit)
Download via SoundCloud

Get your groove on with this fresh sounding edit of a classic by Kool & The Gang. It doesn't vary much from the original (that's why it's an edit, duh) but fatter drums, filtering, chopping and looping have been added to give it that extra spice.

David Guetta vs Wonderland Band – Paradise Bitch
Download via SoundCloud

Mad props for GonZo, who has been doing these "Disco's Payback" mash-ups in order to "bring back the old funky disco vibes to the parties and dancefloors" as he said himself. I never would've thought that a Guetta track could ever be turned into anything good, not mention something as great as this. It's almost like the vocals were made for this track if it wasn't for all that auto-tune. Nonetheless, it's a spectacular mash-up that every Guetta-hater can surely enjoy.

Click here to see all the other GonZo reboots

French Disco

2012-01-08T13:11:00.001+02:00

The Louder The Better – Everybody
Download via SoundCloud

Although I don't fully agree with the principle suggested by the name of this house act, I really like the feel-good disco vibes of their music. The Louder The Better is a project of Los Angeles-based producers Andrew De La Fuente and Edward Avila, who have been active for about a year now on SoundCloud bringing funky originals, remixes and edits. It's time for these blokes to get discovered!

The Louder The Better – You Know
Download via SoundCloud

JACKIE

2012-01-03T16:39:00.001+02:00

I first heard of him on Kreap's "Housebreak" EP where he delivered a kick-ass funky house remix, and I'm guessing 2012 will be huge for this Polish funky/filter house producer. His tracks have a distinct Daft Punk vibe featuring big jacking basslines, french-style sample-mangling and some of the most solid and fresh-sounding drumwork around. Let me introduce to you, Jackie.

I'm not sure whether these tracks are the complete mixes or just previews because they have fade-outs, but they're out there for free download anyway. It doesn't harm the average listening experience, but for DJ's these versions aren't so ideal.

Jackie – Gym Master VII (Makin' Sweat in 2012)
Download via SoundCloud

Jackie – Coolin' Vodka
Download via SoundCloud

Jackie on SoundCloud / Facebook / Twitter

Oldschool Action

2011-12-30T12:00:00.000+02:00

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Mekkah, Stephen Granville – Race Of Survival (Original Sonz of Soul Mix)
Download Preview | Buy on Beatport / Juno Download

Originally released perhaps even as far back as in 1995, this tune delivers some exquisite oldschool house action reminding me a bit of a couple David Morales remixes. Now re-released by Soul Love with a lovely soulful remix from Sean McCabe (below) this is something definitely worth checking out!

Mekkah, Stephen Granville – Race of Survival (Sean McCabe Remix)
Download Preview | Buy on Beatport / Juno Download

Disco For The Holidays

2011-12-25T13:32:00.002+02:00

Luther Vandross – Never Too Much (Funkhameleon Disco Love Remix)
Download via SoundCloud | Funkhameleon on SoundCloud / Facebook / Twitter

Disco came back to town (although it never actually went anywhere) as another Finn, Funkhameleon, put out a disco house version of Luther's classic "Never Too Much". Expect big basslines, funky guitars and enchanting vocals courtesy of Mr. Vandross.

I Love Nuggets

2011-12-20T13:00:00.000+02:00

House Republic, Richard Grey – Nuggetz (Original Mix)
Buy on Beatport / Juno Download - Listen on YouTube - Download Preview (192kbps)

Did someone say awesome? Oh no wait, it was just this track I was listening to. I can't believe how I missed it more than a month ago when this was released by Ego, but here it now is. Also, seems to be a bit hazy who the actual artists here are behind this one, but Beatport says it's House Republic and Richard Grey so I think I'll just go with that. At least it has something to do with both of them.

On to the track then. The more I listen to it, the more I fall in love. It's got a definitive disco vibe with very catchy vocals and some of the funkiest guitars around. The drums are more modern than usually in these kind of tracks, although not too techy (luckily).

Show your support and buy it, let's bring this kind of music back!

Basoski Madness

2011-12-17T15:06:00.000+02:00

Niels Van Gogh & Daniel Strauss feat. Ashley Slater – Stop the Time (Olav Basoski Remix)
Buy on Beatport / Juno Download | Listen on YouTube

Dutch DJ/producer Olav Basoski is truly a veteran on the dance music scene. He released his first tracks (under a different alias though) back in the late 80's and has been active ever since. I know him best for his funky house tracks, and here's one that doesn't fall short of exceptional.

Released the first time in May 2011 by Hed Kandi, and having been re-released several times after that by Ministry of Sound and Hed Kandi again, tells what kind of a banger this track was – and still is of course. The overall sound is very polished and modern but the background loop brings a lovely oldschool disco vibe to the track. Pay attention to the funky drumwork and enjoy the superb drive after the drop.

Feet-movin' delicious.

Disco In The Form Of Koe

2011-12-11T16:49:00.001+02:00

Electric Light Orchestra – Evil Woman (Koe Bootleg Edit)
Koe on Facebook / SoundCloud

Koe aka Tomek Cegielski is a Polish funky and disco house producer slash DJ with a bunch of lovely tunes on his SoundCloud and releases on some pretty big labels. His newest track, released just two days ago, caught my special attention. It's a disco-injected house edit of ELO's classic "Evil Woman" with lovely stringwork and an instant-dance vibe. Everything just works with this banger, and fortunately, being a bootleg, you can get it for free via Koe's Facebook! (Or by clicking on the name above).

Funkster Regulars

2011-12-03T14:42:00.001+02:00

Let's take a look at what's been happening around some of the regular artists we've blogged about on Funkster.

Richard Earnshaw
JD73, Miss Modest – Love Will Save The Day (Richard Earnshaw Mix)
Buy on Beatport | Listen on YouTube — Released by Z Records in November 2011
Classic Earnshaw: smooth beats, lovely rhodes, crisp vocals – as a bonus on this one there's a beautiful jazzy sax solo.

Another nice jam from the same release:
JD73, Nate James – Written In The Stars (Cool Million Remix)
Buy on Beatport | Listen on YouTube — Released by Z Records in November 2011
True disco, happy to hear music like this being still released. Thank you Joey Negro of Z Records.

Wattie Green
Wattie Green – The Prophet
Buy on Beatport | Listen on YouTube — Released by Coyote Cuts in October 2011
Very much like Wattie's "Fly Away", incredibly smooth sounds and piano melodies. Great track for sitting back and relaxing.

Wattie Green – Black Betty (Credit Card Mix)
Buy on Beatport | Listen on YouTube — Released by Coyote Cuts in October 2011
A feet-mover. Male vocals, orchestral samples, an overall funky vibe.

Sonny Fodera
Sonny Fodera – Holds Us Together
Buy on Beatport | Listen on YouTube — Released by Beatdown in November 2011
A deep and soulful track, like the recent productions by Mr Fodera have been. Doesn't mean anything negative though!

Kreap
Somebody - Oskar (Kreap's Damn Right Disco Mix) (mp3)
Listen on SoundCloud / Listen on YouTube — Released by himself in November 2011
Kreap had quite an uploading spree a week ago or so, uploading some of his old work. This one caught my attention in particular. Kreap is once again executing a very clean and polished disco sound. Loving it!

Kreeping Once Again

2011-11-27T22:52:00.000+02:00

Kreap is no stranger to us here on Funkster. Fatty Roscoe blogged his wonderful "Foster The People" remix a month back, and now this australian disco mastermind has released a new rocking EP called "Housebreak". The release is packed with lovely jacking french house beats along with a couple indie dance remixes, which remind me of what funky house used to be back in the good days. Enormous love and respect for that to the artists and Stardust Records! My favourites are these three, but be sure to check out the other tracks on the release as well. Best title of the year would go to track #2.

Kreap – Housebreak
Buy on Beatport | Listen on SoundCloud
Released by Stardust Records in November 2011

Kreap – Housebreak (Original Mix)
Beatport / SoundCloud / YouTube

Kreap – Chimp Fucked In The Elevator On The Way To The Food Court (Original Mix)
Beatport / SoundCloud / YouTube

Kreap – Housebreak (Jackie Alfresco Remix)
Beatport / SoundCloud / YouTube

Awesome Beats (and Stuff)

2011-11-24T17:15:00.000+02:00

Luminaire – Cut/Paster EP
Download on SoundCloud / Mediafire

Luminaire describes himself as an "English dude who likes to make beats and stuff", and well, who wouldn't like to make such awesome beats. His free EP "Cut/Paster", released merely a week ago, contains five feet-moving instant-like tracks, three of which I'd like to draw special attention to. Listen to the tracks in the player above.

She / Dream Lowe / Disfunction
Stylewise these three a very similar to each other. They all have a relatively slow four-to-the-floor drumbeat accompanied with a catchy sample including some kind of vocal. "Disfunction" features a lot of chopping, and is the most powerful one out of the lot. "She" and "Dream Lowe" are more feel-good tracks, to which you'll have no problem dancing to though. If I we're to pick a favourite, it would probably be "Dream Lowe", but the others would come very close in the race. All-in-all, a smashing EP, and the fact that it's free just adds to the wonderfulness.

Being yet rather undiscovered, the future looks bright for this funky beat-enthusiast. I'm eagerly looking forward to more!

Alright!

2011-11-21T13:43:00.001+02:00

Higher Ground Movement – Alright (Brever's Extended)
Brever on SoundCloud | Listen on YouTube

I couldn't find much info about Higher Ground Movement, but I did learn that they're put together of artists from the Finnish UMO Jazz Orchestra. Although the message of this tracks seems to be somewhat religious and it's classified as "gospel house", the groove is so fat and funky that I don't even pay attention to the lyrics. This track seriously needs more attention and love!

The remixer, Jake Kilpiö aka Brever, is one half of Brever&Bakchos, Finnish house producer duo, who released a magnificant EP featuring Max'C titled "I Miss You" about a year ago including a great set of remixes by various producers.

I'm eagerly waiting for new stuff by either Brever&Bakchos or just Brever himself, God knows what they'll come up next time (pun intended)!

KOOBRA

2011-11-16T17:43:00.001+02:00

Finnish house act Koobra just released their second EP with four rocking tracks. "Nighrunning EP" was released on the (also Finnish) Nightrunners- label, where the likes of Lenno, Bright Shades, StardonE and Adam Bozzetto have already appeared on their EP's. This labels looks very promising, and "Nightrunning EP" is a great addition to their already magnificant selection of releases. To me the following tracks stood out.

Koobra - Nightrunning
Buy on Bandcamp | Listen on YouTube

Nightrunning is dominated by a heavy distorted guitar riff layered with 80's-esque synth stabs. Some catchy male vocals and funky synths here and there provide the icing for this tasty cake.

Koobra - Give You Up
Buy on Bandcamp | Listen on YouTube

And then onto my favourite track on this release. When I heard "Give You Up" for the very first time I was instantly in love. I have a serious weakness for rhodes and when this is combined with an uplifting vocal loop, a big funky bassline and other lovely melodies spread around the track, my happiness can't be measured.

All in all, this release sounds very 80's, and of course there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. Although I didn't like the other two tracks as much as these, make sure that you also check them out on Bandcamp. Who knows, maybe they'll take your fancy.

The Essence of Dopeness

2011-11-11T16:35:00.001+02:00

Go Go Bizkitt! feat. Shawn Elliot - Flunk (Hey Hey)
Listen on SoundCloud / YouTube

Just uploaded a couple of hours ago, this Go Go Bizkitt! free-for-download jam is pretty much as fresh as it gets. "Flunk" is the dopest free track I've heard in a long time. Expect a major feel-good funky house beat layered with male rap vocals on top of it. I absolutely love it – this will be on repeat for a considerable amount of time now.

Long Titles, Funky Rhodes

2011-11-06T10:22:00.000+02:00

Cookie Monsterz and Michelle Weeks - Spread Love (Richard Earnshaw Peoples Classic Remix)
Buy on Beatport | Listen on YouTube
Released by King Street Sounds in April 2010

Another classic Earnshaw remix. Soulful house with a definitive feel-good vibe. This one features catchy female vocals, funky synths and – of course – a set of fat rhodes. If you've ever heard a track by Richard, you know what to expect, but in no way is that a con.

Ben Westbeech - Something For The Weekend (Joey Negro Z Mix)
Buy on Beatport | Listen on YouTube
Released by Strictly Rhythm in August 2011

And then a little something for the weekend, which actually is almost over already. "Well planned" you remark sarcastically? Well it's still a kick-ass track that can also be enjoyed on other weekdays. This one's a bit jazzier and deeper than the Earnshaw's remix, this time with male vocals and rhodes that are slightly funkier. One of my Joey Negro favourites.

Hippin' in da house

2011-11-01T21:31:00.000+02:00

Jackin Box - Big Mama
Buy on Beatport / iTunes | Listen on YouTube
Released by Funk Mansion in October 2011

Hip house. I've never really dived into this genre, mainly because the tracks usually are too hip-hop for my taste. But this one! Oh this one is gold. The vocals work remarkably well with that super-funky bassline and lovely drumwork. Even if you're not into hip house at all, you'll probably dig this one. There's not a word describing the feeling that arises inside of me at 2:30.

Big & Funky

2011-10-28T17:22:00.000+03:00

Alex Kenji, Frederico Scavo - Just 4 You
Buy on Beatport | Listen on YouTube
Released by Hotfingers in August 2011

I really hope this sound will make a comeback soon, 'cause I've greatly missed these kind of tracks with a nice warm summery mood instantly making you feel good. Just 4 You features a vocal hook, a funky bassline and big breakdowns – the party is guaranteed. Mad love to Kenji and Scavo for this track!

Kosmetique - III (Kaspar Kochker Remix)
Buy on Beatport | Listen on YouTube
Released by Stardust Records in October 2011
The second big funky house banger comes from Stardust Records. Here we (of course) also have a very funky bassline, but this time instead of just a vocal melody there's also an sax and a funky guitar! The kick drum and drumwork too might seem a bit annoying first, but once they blend in the mix with all other elements the track starts working very nicely.

P.S. Fun fact: these tracks are almost equally long!

Shine Fish Knows His House

2011-10-24T19:12:00.000+03:00

Shine Fish vs. Lisa Millett - I'll Be Good (Bootleg Remake)
Released in February 2011 | Listen on YouTube

Shine Fish vs. Marc Evans - The Way You Love Me (Bootleg Remake)
Released in November 2008 | Listen on YouTube

I present to you: two of the tightest remakes (or more like remixes though) of these house classics by Finnish house mastermind Shine Fish. You can instantly hear that this guy knows his percussion. The drum sets are very coherent and firmly complement the overall groove. Secondly you'll hear that this guy also knows a thing or two about making groovy basslines. In both tracks my favourite moment is when the bass comes in, really gluing the track together. There are plenty more tracks by Shine Fish than just these, check out the links at the bottom of the post.

Shine Fish has been busting out feel-good house tracks since 2007, although at a rather varying (and mostly sparse) density. Unfortunately, the last year or so has been very quiet, but on the brighter side, we still have all his earlier productions which don't tend to wear out easily.

I regularly wonder why this dude isn't already world-famous. Shine Fish's talent is obvious to everyone who has heard his work and I'm yet to hear a track by him that I don't love. On the other hand, his still modest popularity also offers an upside: all of this tracks are free.

Shine Fish @ SoundCloud
Shine Fish @ Mikseri.net (Finnish music portal)
Shine Fish @ klubitus.org (Finnish clubbing site)

Serial Thriller

2011-10-22T17:11:00.002+03:00

Serial Thrilla - Hit The Club
Buy on Beatport | Listen on YouTube
Originally Released in April 2011 by Tasty Recordings

Serial Thrilla - Its Your Turn
Buy on Beatport | Listen on YouTube
Originally Released in November 2009 by Tasty Recordings

Tasty Recording's Serial Thrilla just released their first album/compilation "Dance To It" a couple months back featuring many of Serial Thrilla's tracks from the past years. These two are the ones I hadn't heard of before, but all of the tracks are worth checking out nonetheless.

Serial Thrilla have always been loyal to their style: a sampled disco loop with vocals repeating the name of track and a nice and funky set of percussion. And these tracks do not come short of this description. Put on the music and get discotized!

Took A Sip Of Something Poison

2011-10-18T18:02:00.005+03:00

Foster The People - Helena Beat (Kreap's Disco Fiasco Mix)

Kreap @ SoundCloud / Facebook

Kreap is such a don. I'm always religiously waiting for a new track from this Melbourne-based producer as he never fails to deliver the funk with his sexy disco gems.

This track is no different. Kreap takes the vocal from Foster The People's indie pop anthem and builds an awesome French House meets Nu Disco track around it. Groovy drums, filtered samples and a hook that very cleverly pays homage to Duck Sauce, what more can you ask for?

He also just released a brilliant new original track on Homebreakin, stream it here and go get it on Juno.

Forever

2011-10-14T18:04:00.005+03:00

Sonny Fodera – Forever
Buy on Beatport / Juno Download / Traxsource
Released by Beatdown in February 2010

I don't know how I missed this back in early 2010 when it was released, because this release is funkin' awesome! But better late than never, I present to you: Sonny Fodera's 4-track EP "Forever". Every track is as funky as it gets, I mean listen to those damn basslines!

"Bringing It Back" is the deepest track on this release. It features a very soulful and uplifting vibes solo, which really takes the track on to the next level. "Forever" is a vocal-loop-driven funkster with perhaps the funkiest bassline on the EP. My favourite, "Take Her Home", dominates with its catchy (some might say "groovy") bassline, a really nice set of drums and a great guitar riff, that Sonny saved for the last minutes of the song. Finally, the EP ends with "Near To Me": a very soulful track with beautiful rhodes and female vocals by Alyson Joyce – just the way I like my soulful house.

1. Bringing It Back // YouTube
2. Forever // YouTube
3. Take Her Home // YouTube
4. Near To Me (feat. Alyson Joyce) // YouTube

When Canadians Go French

2011-10-09T11:00:00.000+03:00

Mix Chopin - I'm Gonna Get You
Buy on Beatport | Listen on YouTube
Released by Shiny Disco Club in June 2011

"I'm gonna get you, I'm gonna get you, baby." This has been worming around in my ear for quite some time now.

Master of the basslines, Canadian Mix Chopin, never fails to deliver french house bombs. This track is at least as beautiful as the girl in the cover and at least as summery as that beach.

Midnight Marauders - Nowhere Fast
Download on SoundCloud | Listen on YouTube
Midnight Marauders @ SoundCloud / Facebook

This producer duo from Canada describe their style as electro-funk, and this track truly fulfils that portrayal. This banger could be classified as house with a french touch peppered with big sample-chops and funky synth-work. It's a shame that they're not better known (at least not on SoundCloud) but I'm sure they'll pick up speed fast as they've just recently started releasing their productions on the site – for free. There's no good excuse for not downloading this track.

Some Wattie a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

2011-10-06T18:22:00.002+03:00

Wattie Green - Fly Away
Buy on Beatport / Juno Download | Listen on YouTube
Released by Coyote Cuts Recordings in May 2011

Another instant Wattie Green classic with his trademark funky fat drumwork and enchanting jazzy piano melodies. I've had this on repeat for some time now and it's still far from getting old. That bass riff in the breakdown at 3:46 makes me infinitely happy every time I hear it.

Wattie Green - It's That Soul
Buy on Beatport / Juno Download | Listen on YouTube
Released by TriCircle Recordings in September 2011

As a bonus I present to you one more solid Wattie Green banger. Released just last month this track is still very fresh (although "Fly Away" can't be blamed of old age either). "It's That Soul" is a bit deeper in style than "Fly Away" but don't let that bother you, I promise you won't be disappointed in any way.

Go get 'em!

Soulful Injection

2011-10-02T14:39:00.003+03:00

Groove Junkies - In The Zone (Dave Doyle Remix)
Buy on Beatport | Listen on YouTube
Released by Morehouse Records in February 2011

I've got two very funky soulful remixes for you today. First one is Dave Doyle's remix of "In The Zone" by Groove Junkies. With a funky yet soulful bass-line, joyful mood and soft rhodes this smooth jam is definitely worth getting for every soulful house enthusiast.

Grant Nelson feat. Cathy Battistessa - Black Water (Rob Hayes Remix)
Buy on Beatport | Listen on YouTube
Released by Swing City Records in July 2011

Next up is this tune with – if possible – an even funkier bass-line. This one also has more disco than the previous and is spiced up with extremely nice female vocals. Released just a couple months back, it's still a very fresh track. Enjoy!

White Isle Memories

2011-09-30T22:59:00.001+03:00

Tom De Neef - White Isle Memories (Original Mix)
Buy on Beatport / JunoDownload | Listen on YouTube
Released by Defected in September 2011

I had never heard of Tom De Neef before, but after some research turned out that this Belgian DJ/producer has released his first track in '97 and DJ'd for Hed Kandi already in 2001.

White Isle Memories is his latest release featuring a very mellow chord progression, beautiful breakdowns and an overall nostalgic mood. I can't get enough of this track, it locks my mind in to some kind of reminiscent state every time I listen to it. White Isle Memories is released on Defected, and oh how glad I'm about that. Good to hear a more classic house sound coming from such a huge label instead of the modern trendy house music. Maybe times are changing back to the classic and funky house style? One cannot but hope.

Comeback! (this time seriously)

2011-09-30T19:29:00.001+03:00

If you're following this blog, I must apologize for not posting anything for such a long time. Studies came in the way and consumed much of my time, but now Funkster is slowly coming back with at least one post per week for a start. A lot has happened in the funky/disco house scene, so I have a lot of catching up to do!

We're searching for new bloggers too, so if you're into funky dance music, leave a comment here.

Comeback!

2011-05-25T10:11:00.000+03:00

I Know It (Original Mix)

Buy at Beatport
Released by Pornostar Records in 2011

Suit Up (Original Mix)

Buy at Beatport
Released by Dirty Soul in 2011

Funkster does a comeback as the summer is approaching with these two funksters from Finland. More funky house coming up soon! Remember to show your support on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TimoEtHector

In Time

2010-10-18T11:02:00.003+03:00

Richard Earnshaw

In Time (Richard Earnshaw Club)

Listen at YouTube

Good Love (feat. Eric Dillard)

Listen at YouTube

Worthy (feat. Jocelyn Brown)

Listen at YouTube

In Time (Grant Nelson Remix)

Listen at YouTube

Buy at Traxsource.com | Released by Groovefinder Records in August 2010

These are definitely the housiest and best tracks from the fresh Richard Earnshaw album "In Time", but of course all others are worth checking out too if you're into lounge, chill out or soulish music. Rhodes, funky guitars, fat percussion and "In Time" even features a great saxophone solo. Thank you Richard!

Tasty!

2010-09-29T12:20:00.001+03:00

Serial Thrilla - We Got The Groove

Listen at YouTube

Serial Thrilla - This Feeling

Listen at YouTube

Discotron - Stand Up

Listen at YouTube

Buy at Juno Download | Released by Tasty Recordings in 2010

Tasty Recordings delivers again. The style hasn't changed, it's still the same, awesome disco influenced jacking house.

+ as a bonus I have a free track from SoundCloud:
Bit Funk - 9 Iron I haven't got the words to describe the beauty of this one. It's magic! Enjoy!

Secret Service

2010-09-18T17:21:00.003+03:00

Secret Service feat. Workidz - Street Sounds

Listen at YouTube

Secret Service - Coming Out

Listen at YouTube

Buy at Juno Download | Released by Secret Service Germany in 2008

Two of my favourite Secret Service tracks that I discovered in the summer.

Addicted to Groove

2010-09-15T15:35:00.001+03:00

Groove Technicians vs Volatile feat. Alexis - Player

Buy at BandCamp

A real nice soulful track from my favourite soulful house producers on SoundCloud, the Groove Technicians. You can buy the track for only £1 on their own BandCamp, which means that all of the profit will go to them!
If you like it, also check out their other tracks!

Audio Jacker: The Album

2010-09-12T09:50:00.000+03:00

Audio Jacker - D 4 Damager

Listen at YouTube

Audio Jacker - Jackers 5th Symphony

Listen at YouTube

Audio Jacker - This Music

Listen at YouTube

Audio Jacker - Pump Up The Volume

Listen at YouTube

Audio Jacker - Dont Push Me

Listen at YouTube

Buy at Juno Download | Released by Tasty Recordings in June 2010

Audio Jacker has really been on fire lately. I mean name a house producer who has made a full-length album? Yeah, this guy, and to respect that I have collected my favourites from that album here. In my opinion the best track is D 4 Damager, that beautiful sampled background, those jackin' beats and that funky rap make it something distinguished. But again, the other ones aren't far either. Hot stuff.

Over You

2010-09-09T20:09:00.005+03:00

Warren Clarke feat. Kathy Brown - Over You (Main Mix)
Buy at Juno Download (#14) | Released by Defected in 2001
Listen at YouTube | Spotify

This track is amazing, really needs special attention. I found this gem in Spotify as I was searching for tracks by Warren Clarke, but it was a bit harder to find in stores. In Juno Download, the original is only sold on the Hed Kandi Bargrooves Disco Heat 2 Compilation.

Everything just works in this disco banger, so go on and get it!

Deep to Funky

2010-09-09T17:07:00.001+03:00

Prepare for the first (free!) set on Funkster!
It's played by "ARA-27" aka "MR Ford" from Edinburgh (Scotland).
The set starts with some nice deep – although still very funky – house and later on features even funkier tunes.
Maybe not the most mainstream material in there, but that's what makes it so interesting.

ARA-27 - Funky House Mix July 2010

...and here's the tracklist:
1. Ralf Gum feat. Diamondancer - All This Love For You (original Mix)
2. Cesare vs Disorder - Get On With It
3. MN25 - Things We Used To Do (DJ Disciple Mix)
4. MN25 - Things We Used To Do (Conan Liquid Re-Edit)
5. John Dimas - Slit (Chez Damier Raw Mix)
6. John Dimas - Slit (Chez Damier Late Night Mix)
7. Bleep District - Don't Stop Now (Giom Remix)
8. Sascha Dive - Jus Groove (Chez Damier Mix)
9. John Dimas - Bump
10. Mike Monday - Catnip (Mark Henning Remix)
11. Mark Henning - The Right Time (Chris Simmonds Houseproud mix)
12. Sessomatto - Moody (Joey Negro Dub Ride)
13. Sessomatto - Movin' On (Joey Negro Solo Ride)
14. Black Shadow - Sonic Funk
15. White Noize & DiscoTech - No Worry
16. Will Bailey & Hot Mouth - Underwear Funk feat. WLDO
17. Audio Jacker - Until The Break Of Dawn
18. Chez Damier & Ron Trent - Foot Therapy

Summer Days Are Back In Town

2010-09-08T16:03:00.004+03:00

Dino & Mousse T - Summer Days feat. Lisa (Mousse T Extended Summer Mix)
Buy at Juno Download | YouTube | Released by Ego in June 2010

Now that it's gotten a bit warmer again (at least here in Southern Finland) it feels like a good time to post this track that I'm deeply in love with. It's a very relaxing and light track with incredibly nice vocals. Really groovy and diverse. The more I listen to it, the more I like it.

Richard Shows How It's Done

2010-09-07T14:15:00.004+03:00

Michael Canitrot - Desire (Richard Earnshaw's Classic Vocal Mix)
Buy at Juno Download | Released by Defected in July 2010

A juicy kick, rhodes and soulful vocals. What more do you need? This track gives big hope to the funky/soulful scene. And released by Defected! I haven't heard anything this good from them since...I can't even remember!

Groove Invaderz feat. Nicole Tyler - Keep Risin' (Richard Earnshaw Classic Vocal Mix)
Buy at Juno Download | Released by Double Shock in December 2009
This one instead has a catchy "rising" riff, still being very funky and soulful. Richard never misses. And as a fun surprise there is a synth solo at the end. Don't you miss it either!

Cavalcade of Basslines

2010-09-06T19:15:00.008+03:00

Jamiroquai - Love Foolosophy (Raul Rincon Remix)
Buy at Discogs | Released by Columbia in 2006

Most Jamiroquai hardcore fans would never voluntarily let anybody alter their favorite music, but as it often is in the electronic music scene, it happens. Lucky for us though, since Raul Rincon is one of the few (still somewhat current) producers who understand the importance of a good bassline in a track.

Select an already funky Jamiroquai song, add some house flavor to it and we got this gem! In addition Raul really keeps the listener waiting for it by keeping the bassline to himself for quite a long time. First time we hear it is in the third minute and the main full-on chorus kicks in after the majority of the track has already passed, but it's an ingenious trick to raise it to new heights when it finally happens and it's totally worth it! Turn your amplifier to 11.

Röyksopp - Eple (Boris And Michi's Eplistic-Scratch-Attack)
Buy at Discogs | Released by Wall Of Sound in 2003

The second single, Eple, from Röyksopp's first album in 2001 is a pretty well-known track and it's been used numerous times by radio stations, advertisements and such. Apple even licensed it to be used as the introduction music for one of its software product, probably only because of the track name and the unusual (read: "new, hip and different, just like Apple wants itself to be viewed") feel of it - must've been a good deal for Röyksopp nonetheless! It wasn't quite the usual radio pop sound, borrowing some trip hop elements and fusing them with more dancey stuff in a style which was definitely their own.

Eple was re-released two years later with a bunch of remixes as a side dish, one of which was the Boris And Michi's Eplistic-Scratch-Attack. Behind a name like that is a surprisingly funky remake of Eple still having the cute little sinewave riff, but now with a full house backing including a four-to-the-floor beat (which has a great dragging feel to it!), obviously some fun scratching as per the name, very funk-esque guitars and a great new bassline that really is a huge cherry on the cake, if not the cake itself. I'm a bit surprised this version hasn't been a bigger success!

Shakedown - At Night (Kid Crème Club Mix)
Buy at Discogs | Released by Epic in 2002

While we're at it, let's squeeze in one more "classic" to the armada of tracks that quite probably have already seen their heyday among the mainstream of club-goers.

Back in 2002 this tune got pretty much everybody going mad while it was playing, and - what I think - for one pretty funky reason: the bassline. Backed up by the equally groovy drum beat and the slightly mangled guitar loop, there's not much that could've gone wrong. A touch of male and female vocals here and there and hey presto, you've got yourself a banging party track!

Soulful Can Also Be Funky

2010-09-05T01:00:00.005+03:00

Yolanda Wyns - I Know You, I Live You (Joey Negro Remix)
Buy at Juno | Released by Z Records

Masters At Work - Backfired feat. India (Joey Negro Remix)
Buy at Juno | Released by Z Records

These are definitely the pearls from the soulful 20 Years Of Joey Negro compilation, but you might wanna check the others out too in case they take your fancy as well. These are actually Grant Nelson edits, but surely most of the honor still is entitled to Joey.

Both feature fat and jazzy bass lines, soulful vocals, funky guitars and wonderful brass sections. The first one is a bit more light and perhaps easier to like from the first time heard. With that spicy saxophone solo, it's definitely a must have if you're into soulful stuff. The second one is pretty awesome too, a bit more fat and maybe not as "clean" sounding, but still a great one to have in your collection.

Weekend Disco

2010-09-03T15:49:00.006+03:00

Discotron - Get On Down
Buy at Juno | Released by Tasty Recordings

Discotron - Disco Bomb
Buy at Juno | Released by Tasty Recordings

Today I'm going to feature Discotron's newest EP, again from Tasty Recordings. They've really been releasing some hot disco sampled tunes lately and this one is no exception. Although it might not be as unique as some of the recent Audio Jacker remixes it's still a quality release and should get you dancing in no time.

A Bunch of Funk

2010-09-02T23:12:00.013+03:00

Scrubfish - Holla If You Came To Funk
Buy at Juno | Released by Flapjack US

Brand new track from an EP released by Flapjack Records, also relatively new but promising label. The track, being probably some combination of jackin' house and jazzdance, is strictly not the meat of this blog, but there's no shortage of funk (albeit the word "funk" is included in the name, which is often a bad sign). A handful of brass, guitars, keys and vocal samples laid pseudo-randomly over a smooth and groovy beat make sure you keep tapping that foot on the floor. Another one on the EP, The Jazzface, is a bit deeper and less melodic but still a great track and seriously worth a listen if only for the sublime drumwork.

Sedat The Turkish Avenger - Fist Funk
Buy at Discogs | Released by Nocturnal Recordings

To balance the novelty of the previous track, here's a wacky tune also bearing the magical word in its name from 2003 by one of my favorite producers. With its daftly funky samples, crazy filters and a breakdown featuring a ludicrously berserk vocal loop it sure divides opinions. They all work excellently for me though and I've been enjoying this track with a smile ever since.

You Want This

2010-09-02T17:01:00.003+03:00

Sonny Fodera - What Ya Want
Buy at Juno | Released by Drop Music

I really love the vibe in this one, so laid back and relaxing. A real mood lifter.

Jackin' Disco

2010-09-01T17:19:00.010+03:00

Disko Junkie - The Music (Audio Jacker Remix)
Buy at Juno | Released by Tasty Recordings

Disko Junkie - Lets Go (Audio Jacker Remix)
Buy at Juno | Released by Tasty Recordings

Two disco-influenced house bangers spiced up with Audio Jackers clean and funky drum work. What a nice way to start this blog off on my behalf.
See you again soon!