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.

S3 EP5 - Toby Glider

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!

S3 EP6 - Moniquea

Summer is here! Aswad provides us some jams to accommodate the warm weather. First half of the show he plays a wide range of new music from modern funk through to jazz funk. Second half of the show he digs into the record collection and plays tracks finish off this summer soundtrack.

S3 EP7 - Business As Usual pt.2

Run Dem Radio Bank Carnival Weekend Special - 60 minutes of U.K. street soul. The magical rare grooves of the late 80s & early 90s, which would echo through the streets of Notting Hill. Expect heavy bass lines & sweet melodies.

Studio Funk Presents UK Street Soul

The saga continues…The sequel to the U.K. Street Soul show or the Run Dem Radio. Another 60 minutes of classics, rarities and selections close to my heart. Enjoy!

Studio Funk Presents UK Street Soul Part II

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. They also talk about recent releases including the new album by M. Hook - New River, and share some insight of what's yet to come! Alongside the interview, Aswad serves a tribute mix for Tim & Star Creature — 45 min set of 45s from the Star Creature imprint, featuring personal favourites & classics from the forever growing discography of 7” records.

S3 EP 9 - Tim Zawada

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.

S4 EP2 - Isy Martin

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!

Tracklist

S4 EP3 - Tone B Nimble

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!

S4 EP4 - Andre Gibson

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.

S4 EP5 - Jon Kirby

One way to sum up Teddy Bryant is a very talented individual. Singer, songwriter, arranger & producer are some of the many labels which can be associated with him. In this episode, together Aswad and Teddy go to great lengths to discuss his recent and past musical events. They talk about his debut solo album, In the Beginning — which was released last year on Nothing But Net Records. An album which appeared on many 'Best of 2021' lists. They also discuss his recent efforts and collaborations with super producer, Space Ghost — The Heaven Sent EP. The show features new music from a highly talented roster, and wraps up with a tribute mix bow on top.

S4 EP6 - Teddy Bryant

This month is all about the sounds of Japan. In these celebrations and discussions, we have founder & owner of Tokyo based label, City Baby Records — Ryan Erik Williams. Ryan has been a resident in Tokyo for the last 20 years, and has a lot of knowledge when it comes to Japanese music, whether it will be City Pop, Jazz Fusion or Kayōkyoku — he’s our guy! Together Aswad & Ryan discuss what they love and admire about 80s Japanese music, whilst sharing music from their collections.

S4 EP8 - Ryan Erik Williams (City Baby Records)

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 go to great lengths to discuss about their chemistry and collaboration. We go behind the scenes to discuss how their records are put together, and talk about their recent tour in Tokyo. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, as there is plenty more uncovered. And knowing how much we recorded, let’s just say this is part 1 of their feature 😊

S4 EP11 - Milk Talk

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 of the year. Expect a good dose of new releases alongside favourites from the year.

S4 EP13 - Timestamp ft. McKenzie & Gardiner

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 how Buscrates approaches his workflow when working in the lab. Alongside that they talk about other activities which keeps him busy — Twitch and Serato Kitchen.

Buscrates

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 artists to resurface these rare, and sometimes lost and forgotten music.

Sam Don - Just A Touch

With a warm welcome, and a swift return we have the multi-talented Teddy Bryant in the house. Showcasing and highlighting his sophomore album…’Dinner For Two’ — Aswad and Teddy get into deep discussion about how the album came to fruition: the influences, collaborations and worldwide reception. An album which tells a ‘romantic adventure’. They also discuss the process and emotions of closely being nominated for R&B album of the year via the Grammys and reflect on what it truly means to be an independent artist in these challenging modern times.

Teddy Bryant - The Romantic Adventure: Dinner For Two

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!

Mr Big Happy - Bonus Episode (previously unreleased)

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!

Isy Martin - Bonus Episode (previously unreleased)

Carl Moore, is what we call a true definition of a working musician. A person who’s continuing to have an expansive career spanning over 4 decades. From the late 70s being part of funk group ‘Split Decision Band’ through to the early 80s and working in Japan. Aswad and Carl discuss the makings of his elusive limited EP ‘Chance’ released in 1984, and celebrating the music 40 years later as see the reissue of ‘Carter Lake’ and It ‘Must Be The Beat’ via Sam Don's new record label adventure — Sweet Free Association.

Carl Moore

A special collaboration between Studio Funk and Prime Time Records & Tapes, an episode featuring multi talented musician, songwriter and performer from Rochester New York, who is also one of the founding members of the Jazz Funk collective, Cabo Frio — Curtis Kendrick! 

Curtis and Aswad discuss the beginnings of Cabo Frio during the late 70s and the groups progression throughout the 80s. The numerous albums, collaborations and opportunities along the way. Together they also discuss about the elusive 1982 side project album — 3rd Degree. An album which is referred to as a holy grail amongst many collectors. The rare album which was only released on cassette is now currently being worked on for a full remaster from the original session tapes by Prime Time Records — who also recently released the single ‘Heartbeat’ from the forthcoming album.

Curtis L. Kendrick

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 days of his G-Funk era through to modern day of his highly anticipated sequel album, Tap Water II. We also get into the detail about his collaborations with Zackey Force Funk and their most recent album, Blue Blade Piranha. Plus we go behind the scenes on some of the great remixes he’s done over the years, including the latest with Japanese City Pop artist, Hannah Warm …plus a whole lot more!

XL Middleton

Guest mix for Star Creature Vibes Radio, a weekly show hosted by Tim Zawada on Lumpen Radio (Chicago, US). This mix features a mixture of lesser known records alongside some personal favourites covering Funk, Soul and City Pop.

Further Info
Star Creature Vibes Radio is a penetrative exploration into the alternative world of Disco. The show begs to answer one of the defining questions of the last 1000 years: “What is Boogie?” Host Tim Zawada alongside notable guests from across the globe, play an assortment of underrepresented and left leaning with a large focus on the later 70s to early 80s Boogie Phenomenon with a healthy dose of contemporary Boogie Styles, House and Spaced Out Modern Funk.

Star Creature Universal Vibes Radio - Guest Mix

My annual love letter to one of my favourite sub genres, recorded live at the previous Eats n' Beats, Southcoast Makers Market event. Rarely do I feel completely happy with a live set, but this one definitely hits different. Maybe it was the high humidity on the day or maybe because the energy from people was just right — simply put, a set of Japanese funk soul 45s wrapped up just under 90 mins…

Eats 'n' Beats June 2025

Live set recorded at the Eats n Beats, Southcoast Makers Market (Bournemouth, U.K) - this time paying homage to one of the best record labels around which focuses on lesser known artists, underground, often raw, private press soul/funk - Peoples Potential Unlimited (PPU, Washington D.C). PPU is led by Andrew Morgan who has been curating and releasing music on his label for the past 15 years plus!

Eats 'n' Beats July 2025

Representing the mighty modern funk record label, Star Creature...comes one of the U.K’s finest producers, Ourra. Who pulls up a seat to the round table of special guests here at Studio Funk, and provides an excellent guest mix playing the best in Afro Boogie and Hi-Life Funk. Featuring many great artists including Julie Coker, Nana Tuffour, Shina Williams and Livy Ekemezie. Alongside that Az shares some of his favourite Ourra records and other personal favourites from within his collection.

S2 EP12 - OURRA

Az is joined with Montreal’s number one; Walla P from Voyage Funktastique! Az 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 talents from Buscrates, Lee Funksta, The Antilles, LJ Reynolds and many more.

S2 EP13 - Walla P

In this episode Az 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 Green, Donnell Pitman and of course the man himself - E. Live.

S2 EP15 - E. Live

Featuring Toronto’s very best — Gil Masuda from Love Touch Records, joins the Studio Funk guest round table and provides a killer guest mix. Playing a selection of classics and new favourites, it’s a set guaranteed to get you ‘partying on the corner’. Gil Masuda's record label, Love Touch records are responsible for some of this years great modern funk releases including, Maya Killtron - Found You (produced by Gil Masuda) 🔥

S2 EP16 - Gil Masuda

In this episode Az plays a selection of old favourites, new releases and recently acquired records whilst maintaining a ‘freestyle’ set. Covering a wide range of music from dance floor fillers through to soulful chillers (is that even a word?!). He even had the opportunity to devote some attention to some G-Funk from an album which is reaching a big milestone as it approaches a 25th anniversary this week on October 31st. Plenty of treats to sink your teeth into (accidental Halloween pun).

S2 EP17 - "Listen Pal"

In this special episode Az sits down with the multi talented Sally Green. They talk to great lengths about Sally's background within music and the artists that were an influence throughout her life. They also discuss the recent and future collaborations with modern funk producers including Buscrates, Kazzey and Mofak. The show also features an exclusive look of her brand new single ‘Deja Vu’ produced by B. Bravo (an absolute monster of a track!). The show is filled with a ton of great music featuring a talented roster of artists including Sally Green, Stevie Wonder, The Brand New Heavies, Buscrates, Mofak, Rojai, Kool Customer and the list goes on!

S2 EP18 - Sally Green

As the end of the year draws closer, Az plays a mixture of new and old favourites. New releases from Max Zuckerman, Toby Glider alongside the new reissue of Special Touch - Garden of Life from Heels & Souls Records, alongside other great tracks from the golden British era. Az also plays some electro/jazz funk and includes a few surprises here and there 😉 With a vast mixture of music - 24 tracks! - it’s a show which cannot be missed.

S2 EP19 - Rough and Ready

For the last show of the year it would only be right to celebrate all of the great music released within the last 12 months. With a wide selection of Modern Funk, Soul, Jazz Funk though to reissues of forgotten classics/new treasures - it's a good wrap up to a tough year. Featuring a roster of talented artists and musicians including Andre Solomko, Buscrates, The Funky Drive Band, Soul Supreme, Aldorande, Maya Killtron and XL Middleton to name a few!

TRACKLIST:
Andre Solomko - Recalling You (extended disco version)
Buscrates - How Ya Gonna Do It
The Funky Drive Band - Lost Generation
E. Live - Rollin Steady
Ourra & The Gravity Drive - Underneath The Neon Moon
Max Zuckerman - Airplane Girl
Love Touch Family ft Saucy Lady - I Got Your Back (U-Key Re-Touch) 
Temu - Ready or Not
Joanna Rose - Love Affair
Diamond Ortiz - I’m The One You Need
Leonard Charles & Zackery Force Funk - My 45 (7 inches of love)
High Frequency - Summertime
Premonition - Don’t Act Like a Fool
E.S. Funk - Shake your body (at the disco)
Akira Freeze - Tell me baby
Pepin ft Sauce81 - Galaxy Drive
Soul Supreme - Lyrics to Go
Kamaal Williams ft Lauren Faith - Hold On
Yussef Dayes - For My Ladies
Space Ghost - Girl U Hypnotize Me
Special Touch - That Special Touch (625Mix)
Misses Misty - Mellow Mellow Ride On 
Social Lovers - Love Come Down
Tsuruoka Ryu - Omae
Brainstory - Runaway
Henrietta Thomas - I Want You (Right Now)
Aldorande - Summer Body
Dj Frane - Straight to the Head
Maya Killtron - The Middle (Diamond Ortiz Remix)
XL Middleton ft Zackery Force Funk - Shotgun Lover (12” Mix)

S2 EP20 - Last but not least

The first show of 2021, and what a way to kick off the new season - 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) 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 passion for his collaborative new project with Albin (Boogie80) - Prime Source. As you can expect the show is filled with great music and includes an all star cast featuring Ivan Makvel, Garrett, K-Maxx, I,Ced, Temu, Mofak, XL Middleton, Maya Killtron, Moniquea and the list goes on!

Tracklist
Garrett - Room with a view
K-Maxx - Be Together
I, Ced - Call Me Up (XL Middleton remix)
Mogwaa - Mogwaa and Jam
Steve Harvey - Something Special
[Walla P Interview]
Ivan Makvel & XL Middleton - Keep Movin’
Ivan Makvel & Temu - Essential Funk
[Ivan Makvel Interview]
Temu - Wear my shoes
Adesha - Satisfied With My Love
Zackery Force Funk & XL Middleton - Jam Likely
Maya Killtron - The Middle (Diamond Ortiz remix)
Ivan Makvel & Mofak - A Family Affair
Ivan Makvel & Moniquea - I’m Not Sayin’ Nothin’
Ivan Makvel & Gil Masuada - How you make me feel 
The Precious Lo’s - More than friends (Instrumental)
The Precious Lo’s & Amalia ft Brian Ellis - Sanctify (T-Groove’s Smooth Mix)
Lee Funksta - The formula
Maya Killtron - Fired Up
Maya Killtron - Found You (Instrumental & Vocal)
XL Middleton - Crown Royal Bags

S3 EP1 - Ivan Makvel

Studio Funk - podcast show created and hosted by Aswad. Showcasing his discoveries, music collection, and interviews the leading names in modern funk and soul.

Studio Funk

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks