Interviews

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.

Tracklist

S4 EP6 - Teddy Bryant

Mr Big Happy is one the great collectors on the scene who is actively seeking under the radar, obscure and lesser known funk and soul music. He pro actively does this whilst gathering insight directly from the artists and shares behind the scenes information related to the release. On the show, Aswad and Mr Big happy talk about why it’s important to him, and what drives his passion for collecting and sharing these relics of great music. Together they recorded nearly 2 hours of conversation — so let’s just say it’s been a long time coming for them to have a good chat. As you can expect the show is curated with music, and includes a soul 45s tribute mix for our special guest = the perfect summer podcast.

S4 EP7 - Mr Big Happy

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)

Notoya is the brains behind Tokyo Condition, a record label and online web shop operating from within Tokyo. In the last few years, Notoya has reissued private press records and focuses on lesser known artists from the past and modern day. He recently collaborated with french label We Want Sounds, to create a compilation highlighting artists from record label Nippon Columbia, the wonderful project - Tokyo Glow. On the show we welcome back Ryan Erik Williams, who joins Aswad in conversation with Notoya to discuss the inspirations of Tokyo Condition and the current impact of City Pop within modern day. They also highlight some of the releases from Tokyo Condition and discuss the partnership with HMV Japan.

S4 EP9 - DJ Notoya (Tokyo Condition)

This month on Studio Funk we welcome curator, DJ, the man of leisure — Miche. Over the past years Miche has been contributing heavily to the funk and soul scene in the U.K. From being a leading music programmer of London’s number 1 listening bar Spiritland, through to working and collaborating with various artists, musicians and DJs he is now entering his next chapter — releasing his new compilation on world renown record label, Mr Bongo; With Love Vol.1. Here on Studio Funk we get an exclusive preview and insight behind the highly anticipated project.

S4 EP10 - Miche

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

Milk Talk and Aswad have discussions about sampling and how Japanese City Pop within the 80s may have been inspired by western music around that time. On the show they go through several rounds of trying to guess which music tracks influenced some of the great City Pop tracks from the 80s (which might be kind way of saying that 😅)

How good is your music knowledge? Can you guess all of the samples?

S4 EP12 - Guess The Sample ft. Milk Talk // City Pop Edition

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

Join us on this exciting episode featuring Cool Raul, a DJ and record collector hailing from Oakland, Bay Area. Known for his keen eye for unique and rare records, Raul takes us on a thrilling journey as he unveils some hidden Gospel 45s from his prized collection. As a part of Studio Funk, we are thrilled to have him on the show, where he sits down with Aswad for an exclusive showcase of his rare finds. 

These gems are not to be missed, and it's a special treat as this episode was previously available only to our loyal Studio Funk Patreon supporters. Consider it a complementary bonus episode to the Tone B. Nimble show.

Cool Raul

The hiatus is over! Aswad comes out of podcast retirement (for a very good reason) as we welcome talented MC, Producer, owner & founder of Static King records from Washington D.C — J Scienide 

Together they celebrate and reflect on the key milestone — 50 years of Hip Hop and discuss J Scienide’s discography, recent releases and people he’s worked with including D-Styles (Producer/DJ, Beat Junkies) and Body Bag Ben (Producer).
As you can expect there is a lot to digest here, so much we decided for this special occasion that this will be released as a two-part mini series.

In this first episode — they discuss the humble beginnings of rap and take a nostalgia trip through their childhood memories and reflect what it means to them in modern day. The important connections tied to Hip Hop - the funk, soul, jazz music which became before it.

No Studio Funk show is complete with a great track list — you can expect to hear many genres on this episode, as we expand from notable Hip Hop favourites and low-key gems through to artists which impacted their lives forever…

J Scienide - Part 1

As promised, the second half of the special two part episode with Mr Static King - J Scienide. We continue our conversations regarding the Hip Hop honours - 50 year’s milestone, but we also go into J Scienide’s discography to discuss the releases and collaborations of the past few years. The buck doesn’t stop there…with records to burn, Aswad shares plenty of favourites from the collection to round things off in good fashion.

J Scienide - Part 2

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

To celebrate the recent release of their self-titled debut album - 'Milk Talk', we have some unreleased footage unlocked from the Studio Funk vault. In this episode, Milk Talk share some insight of the makings of the 'Ah Be Rue' music video, discuss the process of mixing Japanese and English lyrics...plus more!

Milk Talk - Bonus Episode (previously unreleased)

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

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