Mint Condition Radio Show with DJ Randy Ellis (NTS) 5 Year Anniversary Show
featuring a special guest mix by James Pogson https://soundcloud.com/symphonical-records
Aired originally on the Mint Condition Radio Show with DJ Randy Ellis(NTS)5/10/21: https://www.nts.live/shows/mint-condition/episodes/mint-condition-10th-may-2021

Mint Condition 5 Year Anniversary Show w James Pogson (NTS) 5/10/21

“Gotta Give It Up!!!” is soulful, dancy and riddled with funk. The track is inspired by the soul and funk artists of the 70’s and 80’s (such as Rick James and Earth, Wind & Fire) and modernized with a production style that pays homage to the current funk masters like DāM-FunK and Mndsgn. It features an intricate synth-bass line, a horn section, slick rhythm guitar, and gang vocals (reminiscent of the P-Funk era). The release is the second single off of Alistair Blu’s upcoming 4-track EP, titled Shades of Blu, scheduled for release on October 1st.

@alistairblu: This track was really fun to make. It all started with that synth-bass line that pulses along throughout the whole tune. I think that’s what inspired me to create a whole song around that groove. I had the first three elements (programmed drums, the main synth pad, and the synth-bass) that gave me a solid starting point to make something special. In order to get that big chorus sound I recruited some awesome musicians, including the very talented vocalist Mel Pacifico and my horn player pals from Busty and the Bass (Scott Bevins on trumpet and Chris Vincent on trombone). 

The track has two instrumental solos in there too. The first is a reverse trumpet solo that Scott initially recorded and that I later processed and chopped up. Then there’s that climactic synth solo that I added near the end. I wanted to combine a bunch of elements of various funk styles, from Parliament-Funkadelic and Rick James to the more contemporary producers of Modern Funk. I’m happy to hear how the track finally ended up.

Purchase

Exclusive Premiere: Alistair Blu "Gotta Give It Up!!!"

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.

S3 EP8 - McKenzie & Gardiner

Mint Condition Radio Show with DJ Randy Ellis and special guest: Clive Gardiner (of UK Funk Duo McKenzie and Gardiner)
Aired originally on the Mint Condition Radio Show with DJ Randy Ellis(NTS)10/25/21: https://www.nts.live/shows/mint-condition/episodes/mint-condition-25th-october-2021

Order McKenzie and Gardiner 7": https://cqqlrecords.bandcamp.com/album/mckenzie-gardiner-got-to-get-away-2020-from-time

Mint Condition w DJ Randy Ellis and Clive Gardiner (NTS) 10/25/21

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

Mint Condition Radio Show with DJ Randy Ellis and guest Marc Fred
Aired originally on the Mint Condition Radio Show with DJ Randy Ellis(NTS)01/17/22: https://www.nts.live/shows/mint-condition/episodes/mint-condition-w-randy-ellis-marc-fred-17th-january-2022

Mint Condition w DJ Randy Ellis and Marc Fred (NTS) 01.17.22

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!

Tracklist

S4 EP4 - Andre Gibson

Mint Condition Radio Show with DJ Randy Ellis 
Aired originally on the Mint Condition Radio Show with DJ Randy Ellis(NTS)05/09/22: https://www.nts.live/shows/mint-condition/episodes/mint-condition-9th-may-2022

Mint Condition - 6 Year Anniversary (NTS) 05.09.22

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

Music Is My Sanctuary's Lexis is back for his monthly Outsiders appointment! 

🌐 "Outsiders" is our daily show hosted by global record labels, record stores & more
📡 Connect with the Outsiders, every day, at 9am and 9pm CET
🔗 kioskradio.com

Outsiders: Lexis (Music is My Sanctuary) @ Kiosk Radio 21.07.2022

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