Theirs not much info on Gordon Dewitty. I know his nickname is The General and he did some production work for Con Funk Shun. I also know that in 1983 he released this rare dance floor boogie jam called "Life in The Big City". Can't get enough of this one. Vocoder funk always gets me :)
From good ol' B.T. Express (Brooklyn Trucking Express) one of my favorite synth-funk boogie tracks. Not a banger and not a ballad, just a nice blend of boogie :)
Australia's DCUP is on top of his game right now. From remixes to originals this guy will get your ass on the dance floor! I got a chance to interview the nu-boogie master about his new lifestyle and love for funk. Here's what he had to say...
Westorious: You've really taken off as a producer and DJ in the past year- signing with Sweat it Out, top of the nu-disco charts on Beatport and even making the newspaper in Singapore . How does it feel?
DCUP: It's quite affirming to have people get into the music you love making. I'd planned for a music career a few years ago, so I feel relief more than anything! It's a strange way of life, that of the Dj/producer, but for me its perfect.
Westorious: What got you into Funk music?
DCUP: I've been asked this before. I pin point it down to "Take Five" by Dave Brubeck. It's not funk, but it was my first taste of jazz, thanks to my Aunt and it challenged my ideas of rhythm and harmony which, untill then, had been taken from my parents love of folk music. I proceeded to fall in love with Miles Davis, then nu-soul like d'Angelo and Jill Scott, then electronica like jazzanova and bugz in the attic. Now for me its disco and 80s funk.
Westorious: What got you into Producing? Did you come from a musical background?
DCUP: The desire to mess round with things. I made a few beats with fruity loops and was won. I'd always been a garage musician but found the classroom and school band painful. Nonetheless, my music teachers always had faith in me, so now I'm calling it!
Westorious: Could you briefly describe your music making process?
DCUP: Find the hook, make It good. Don't do anything until that hook is there. Then lay the bitch out and make it fat and pretty.
Westorious: You recently worked with Yolanda Be Cool on your latest track "We No Speak Americano". Which has received a lot of good attention! How do you like collaborating on music?
DCUP: I'm not a great collaborater, actually. YBC were good in that they started the track and then let me take it over the finish line. Too many cooks spoil the broth! I love working with singers or players, but it takes a special synergy for two producers to work side by side.
Westorious: What do you enjoy more, DJ'ing or Producing?
DCUP: Producing. For sure. But there's a huge thrill in having a fanbase for your productions and then showing them how you like to party.
Westorious:What are you doing when your not making music and DJ'ing?
DCUP: Just with friends, cooking, eating, drinking and being merry. Hell that's what your meant to do, right?
Westorious: Currently listening to?
DCUP: New Jack Swing.! Lisa Lisa !! Jam by MJ, get into it.
Big thanks to DCUP for the interview. Such a cool dude! Go pick up his music at Beatport. Your life will be much better :)
I remember having the biggest smile on my face when I first heard Lorenz Rhode. I was into funk music of course, but it was the first time I had heard funk infused with house and electro. From his synths to his talk box, I was immediately in love with Lorenz's style. Hailing from Dusseldorf, Germany Lorenz is a super talented DJ/Producer and one of the nicest guys! He was kind enough to let me drop you with his EPIC masterpiece- "Disco Evolution". It's more like a synth-funk evolution and I couldn't be more excited about this track! Go pick up Lorenz's music at Beatport or Juno and support this incredible music!!!
Here are some Boogie Hop singles that aren't on my albums. I tried my best to get them to everyone when I made them but if you haven't got the tracks, here ya go!
This is a fantastic disco funk joint from the Crown Heights Affair. An EPIC chorus, synth stabs, guitar riffs, a funky ass bass line...what more can you ask for?
"Crown Heights Affair- Let Me Ride On The Wave Of Your Love"
Not my usual rarity but this song is just too cool (pun intended :). New Edition were an 80's version of the Jackson 5. This song is significant for being one of the first pop songs to incorporate rap. Or what I like to call Boogie Hop.
I happen to be a high steppin' hip dressin' fella so it's only natural I show you this sweet disco track from the Love Unlimited Orchestra. From their 1979 album Love is Back. Enjoy...
"Love Unlimited Orchestra- High Steppin' Hip Dressin Fella"
And I thought Boogie Hop and Yacht-Funk were cool genres. Bop-Funk sounds like Funky Big Band Bee Bop! The sound really only comes from the fantastic 80's group the L.A. Boppers. They might not be for everybody but their fun, funky, bee bop style really gets me!
