Studio Funk

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 High Frequencies: The Chicago Party’, history and experience surrounding Chicago and what it truly means to be working for a great organisation like the Numero Group. To wrap up the show, a tribute mix is included showcasing some of the great music featured on the Numero Group releases where Jon’s direction is applied.

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 about Andre’s desire to continue to making music and his recent album ‘Movin On’. Plus the collaboration with The Numero Group to publish the unreleased material of Universal Togetherness Band many years later. It’s a full packed show and if that wasn’t enough we wrap up the episode with a Studio Funk Chicago Party featuring music by Jesus Wayne, Donnell Pitman, Universal Togetherness Band and many more!

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 Is My Salvation and other notable artists & musicians from the spirit lifting genre. The show features a full roster of great artists and musicians including Mary Love Comer, United Spiritual Singers, Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark, Mckinley Sandifer, Fay Hill and many more!

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, Aswad and Isy discuss and reflect on his past and also modern day activities with his latest release of ‘Rug Burns’ on Prime Time Records and Tapes and working with XL Middleton, Zackey Force Funk on the Modern Funk rework of his 80s cult boogie funk hit. As you can expect it’s a packed show with gems of story telling, new music, notable classics and a tribute mix to tie the bow.

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 influences of soul music into Lovers Rock. To wrap up the show, Aswad provides a tribute mix to give Sam Don and the Lovers Rock genre the send off they deserve.

Last show of the year, and as tradition dictates it’s another episode to look back over the year but this time doing something a little bit different. Aswad sits down with Walla P (Voyage Funktastique/Prime Source), as they host an end of year review. Together they talk and share their favourite records covering LPs, 12", 7" and reissues. As you can expect there was a lot talk about, so expect plenty of music covered from the rich sounds of modern funk through to the classic signature grooves of British Jazz Funk. 

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 also talk about recent releases including the new album by M Hook - New River, and share some insight of releases that’s yet to come! Alongside the interview, Aswad serves a tribute mix for Tim & Star Creature — 45 min set of 45s of the Star Creature imprint, featuring personal favourites & classics from the forever growing discography of 7” records. Also included in the show, new releases from Maya Killtron, Format-440, Fantasy 15, Lucky Mereki and many more!

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! Plus an exclusive preview of their up and coming music coming out on CQQL Records & Avant Garde Records. Also on the show, a catch up with Montreal’s favourite Walla P, to discuss the latest with Prime Source. Aswad also plays some new releases which is currently in heavy rotation, and a tribute mix for our guests to wrap up the show in Studio Funk tradition.

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 Funk, ALINA to name a few!

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 Hopkins + more! The show also features new music from a talented roster including Frankfurt Funk, Madd3e, Big Jacks, Kutcorners, Angela Apigo and Soul Supreme.