UK-bred, Vancouver-based bass music disruptor Father Funk is realizing his full artistic vision, having just released his highly anticipated new album, Funk The System.
Over the past decade, Father Funk has endeared himself to fans and fellow musicians alike through his genre-defying bass style. Now, with his new LP, the pink-haired bass music producer and multi-instrumentalist distills the core of his artistic ethos into a ten-track collection of raucous dubstep, lush drum n’ bass, and hip-hop-laced exploration. Throughout the project, Father Funk’s roots as a guitarist, bassist, drummer and even trombonist within punk and ska bands seep into the digital fabric of his production. These tracks weave a wide spectrum of live instrumentation into their electronic pulse, intentionally sidestepping the typical build-drop formula in favor of grandiose, cinematic songwriting. The result is a cathartic, technicolor journey through Father Funk’s creative psyche, showcaseing an artist intent on shattering genre confines and industry expectations.
Fans got their first tastes of Funk The System with two singles. In September, Father Funk released “Trippy Road” a collaboration with rapper ProbCause and bass producer zoska that combines live instrumentation (such as guitar, bass, brass, organ, and clavinet) and genres like trap, funk, hip-hop, and soul. Then, in October, he released the punk-infused dubstep anthem, “Rage Again” a collaboration with rapper Def3 that nods to both artist’s punk rock roots, fusing gritty electric guitar and bass riffs with smooth vocals and surges of dubstep bombast.
Another prime example of Father Funk’s uncompromising artistic vision can be found in the album’s rap-fueled focus track, “10 Toes Down”. Featuring Kyle Goldstein, “10 Toes Down” is a soulful dubstep bonanza, kicking off with cheeky brass melodies before transitioning into a propulsive trap beat mixed with euphoric trumpet, psychedelic guitar licks, and smooth flows from Goldstein.
Funk The System is filled to the brim with similarly infectious, genre-defying songs. The album opens with “The Beginning,” a cinematic introduction that builds from a moody guitar solo and rolling drums before erupting into a bold, attention-grabbing call to “turn up the bass.” “Jazzercise” follows suit, a playful, jazz-licked warm-up that teases its intentions before dropping into a high-impact, bass-driven workout anthem. The reggae-tinged “Nectar,” a collaboration with fellow Vancouver producer KHUTZ and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Prezence, blends honey-smooth melodies and the mantra-like hook “sipping on nectar of life” over bass-hop beats dripping with low-end weight. Father Funk slows the pace with “Baby Talk,” a syrupy, talkbox-laced slow jam whose intimate swagger and retro sound palette stands apart from the album’s harder-edged rippers.
The album is then rounded out by the funk-fueled drum & bass cut “2010 Was Alright,” the smoky, down-tempo, rap-led “Lights Out” featuring singer/songwriter Jozy and UK-based award-winning vocalist Kathika, and the euphoric drum & bass closer “Tonight,” driven by the irresistible refrain, “everybody wants to get down tonight”. Funk The System is out now on all mayor streaming platforms.
Fans can catch Father Funk playing tracks from his his 10-track LP alongside an arsenal of notorious bootleg bangers on his ongoing international ‘Funk The System Tour’ – a globe-trotting run that’ll see the producer perform in cities such as Denver (for his debut headlining show in the city), Seattle, Vancouver, and Bristol.
