Interviews

Fairlight Express YoY

pompithottietottaxxx

~deep sea => cosmosis*

recorded @ horoom, august 2020

Givi Gelashvili - United We Stream Tbilisi #15

Ultra-Limited 7" white colored Vinyl at: https://thesleepersrecordz.bandcamp.com/album/mo-better-funk-the-groove-of-love

It's been over 2 years since Kzyboost brought forth his last project on Sleepers, the full-length album Callin'U. Since then, the Osaka, Japan-based producer and talkboxer has clearly been sharpening his tools. "Mo' Better Funk" & "The Groove Of Love" feel like a continuation of the bouncy fusion of modern boogie and hip hop from Callin'U, only further refined and perfected. "Mo' Better Funk" is drenched in syrupy synths and glimmering chords, and moves with a slightly off-kilter rhythm that displays a subtle nod to Kzyboost's roots in hip hop production. Meanwhile, "The Groove Of Love" draws more straightforwardly from the sophisticated R&B/funk influences of a Kashif or a Leon Sylvers III. The icing on the cake for both songs is their serpentine talkbox melodies, which glide over the tracks as dynamically as if they were synthesizer solos.

"Mo' Better Funk" & "The Groove Of Love" have arrived in physical form as well, on 7" vinyl, whose cherry blossom-adorned artwork pays tribute to Kzyboost's Japanese heritage. It's further brought to life by the record itself, pressed on white vinyl with a red label suggestive of the hinomaru (Japanese flag). Only 100 copies pressed!

The Groove Of Love

Buy Vinyl

Kzyboost - The Groove Of Love

Milan-based producer Fred Simon brings you two delicious slices of modern funk in collaboration with two of the most heralded vocalists in the scene. MoFunk Records artist Moniquea lends her voice to "Don't Go Under" while Amalia, known for her releases on Tokyo Dawn & Cherries Records, gets down on "Island Of Magic." In hearing both tracks, you can discern the formula - Clever chord progressions with a jazzy flair that come across as something of a nod to neosoul, combined with the rhythm of 1980's boogie funk, thus interpreted with analog synths and drum machines in place of a live band. You can hear the remarkable range that the style carries; on "Don't Go Under," the pace is on the urgent side, with Moniquea switching effortlessly between singing and rapping, advising you to push forward no matter what. "Island Of Magic" takes the same sound, puts a citrus-colored cocktail into your hand and sets you down on a palm-lined beach at sunset. Amalia takes the emotion of love and presents it as a physical location. In much the same way, we are bringing these two amazing tracks to physical form with a limited 7", on bone-colored vinyl, only 150 pieces pressed!
credits
releases April 10, 2022

All songs produced, arranged, performed & mixed by Fred Simon
Photography & Artwork by Luca Parodi
Artwork Concept by Luca Parodi & Fred Simon
Mastered & Executive Produced by Ivan Makvel
Published & Released by The Sleepers RecordZ
TSRZV27 - Bologna, Italy - 2022 - 45rpm
150 Copies bone-colored 7" Vinyl

Don't Go Under

Don't Go Under Ft. Moniquea

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)

The Toronto-based producer Jex Opolis returns with a squelchy floorfiller, coloured by the unmistakeable sound of Italo-disco.

@good-timin

Buy on Bandcamp

Jex Opolis – DZE

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

Preview from my next LP "OldSchool Project". Work in Progress...

SKALPY FUNKY-Preview (Oldschool Project)Wip

Side A 02 Palmtrees N Moonlight

Summer Body / Breakfast in Space

Breakfast in Space

free download

Everybody

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