Studio Funk

A man who probably needs no introduction as he’s been consistently delivering great music for the past 10 years plus. Musician, producer, songwriter are a few labels attached to his calibre and status. He is also one of the leading voices and sounds within the Modern Funk scene whilst also at the helm of the beloved Mofunk records, Pasadena’s finest — XL Middleton  Together we discuss the early da...

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 arti...

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...

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 h...

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 o...

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...

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 compilati...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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, A...

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 inf...

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...

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!...

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 Fun...

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 Hopkin...

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 th...

Featuring special guest Ivan Makvel from Italian Modern Funk label, The Sleepers Recordz . Ivan and Aswad sit down and discuss his forthcoming album, A Family Affair (out 15th Jan 2021) and drop an exclusive play of the new tracks from the album. They also talk about the many great releases from his label which occurred within the past year. Alongside that Aswad chats to Walla P about his ode and...

In this episode Aswad hosts the show with Star Creature's front man...the magician on the keys - E. LIve. Together they talk at great lengths about what inspires E. Live as a musician, his first releases on Star Creature and the recent well established and celebrated Boogie for Life EP. The show is filled with great music curated by the hosts and includes music by Bayonics, The Pendletons, Sally G...

Aswad is joined with Montreal’s number one; Walla P from Voyage Funktastique! Aswad and Walla P talk at great lengths about the beginnings of Voyage Funktastique, the releases on the label, the shows and tours, his number one fan (momma P 😊), hip hop classics, Music is my Sanctuary and much more! For your listening pleasure the show is also curated with a tight selection of music including talent...

Aswad is joined with special guest Albin, co-founder of Avant Garde Records and Boogie80. Aswad and Albin talk about the past music releases on the label and working with legendary artists such as Bobby Nunn and Heather Haywood. They also discuss about record digging and Albin even shares a few records from his collection. The show is filled with great music from many musical talents including Nic...