Funk D’Void

 

A true pioneer on the underground scene for 20 years and still smashing it with his beautifully crafted Tech tapestries, we check in with the legendary Funk D’Void as he gets set to release his cracking new single ‘Feels So Good’.  

 
Words: Sarah Foote

Hi Funk D’Void, welcome back to DMCWORLD Where are you in the world right now?

At home in Barcelona, working in the studio!

What’s the best new record you’ve heard this week?

Well I’m really into Lindstrom’s “Closing Shot”, I’m not sure how new it is, but I like the musicality of it… lovely sounds.

You’re releasing your new single ‘Feels So Good’ on ON IT Recordings, tell us about the release and how you hooked up with the label.

My good friend DJ Meelis Meri from Estonia introduced us, and it’s been going swimmingly ever since. I had recently discovered the OB-8 keyboard so all the main synth sounds come from that. Also my friend has lent me an old Yamaha CS5 monosynth so I used that for the bass – you can really hear the extra oomph. I wanted to got for that euphoric 90’s hooky sound, so I used some of my favourite vox samples from that era. The On It crew are a good bunch, really easy to work with and are taking care of business perfectly.

https://soundcloud.com/changeunder/funk-dvoid-feel-so-good-original-mix

The release package also features Tuff London, Brett Gould, ONYVA and Mark Holmes, what did they bring to the table and are you happy with the results?

Extremely happy with the whole EP, loving Mark’s take on it especially.

You also run your own Outpost Recordings label, how’s that coming along?

Still ticking away although I’m concentrating on spreading my wings a bit now and working with other labels and doing more collaborations. Running a label on your own can be exhausting, I like just being a producer sometimes.

You’ve released on so many great labels including Bedrock, Cocoon, Electrik Soul, Soma, Missile, Octopus, Suruba, Tronic, Tulipa and Urbantorque. Which is your own personal favourite release and why?

Soma are still my favourite! It’s been a long journey together and they have lasted the distance. It was a pleasure to contribute to their 25th anniversary compilation this year, although I don’t think I’ll ever get around to finishing that fourth album…

What are the benefits of releasing on other labels when you already have your own successful imprint?

Less work I guess, and it’s nice to see your work on other platforms…it’s good for the ego too, the fact that someone apart from you wants to release your art!

You recently suffered some controversy around connections with your previous merchandise clients Proud Boys. What happened and as a result do you feel you were somewhat unfairly dragged across the coals?

Yeah that was a horrible few days, I lost a couple of gigs in Berlin because of that lazy hitpiece by Pulse and the frenzied witch hunt on social media that followed but thankfully my real friends vouched for my true character when the going got tough, and helped me pull through.

Are you a hardware or software man and what are your preferred bits of studio kit?

I like a mixture of both usually, I sold most of my old original gear but will definitely be snapping up Roland’s boutique range over the coming months… most of my tracks are all samples.

As a DJ you’ve been played the world over for years, how does the Techno scene compare from back then to now and what needs to change for the better?

I prefer intimate crowds now and don’t really connect with the “festival techno” vibe much, I’m sure it’s still enjoyable – for me techno when done right and connects with a crowd is a powerful force, that will never change. I get goosebumps thinking about what I’ve experienced over the years because of the techno I’ve made, supported or listened to in awe for the first time.

Techno, like Deep House was for the last 5 years or so, is the biggest things since slice bread and everyone now is a bonafide Techno producer.. Are you happy about the recent surge in popularity, or being a true underground artist for the past 20 years does it annoy you a little bit?

I couldn’t care less, I focus on my own happiness and inspiration for my personal creative journey.

Looking back, what piece of precious advice would you give to yourself?

Yikes. Save your money. And always wear a condom! Hahaha…

Who would you love to collaborate with?

So many! I think a lot of the Norse House producers would be great to jam with, also Lifelike would be fun – love his chords and production sound. I want to do more italo. 80s stuff, I still love fat, arpeggiated basslines!

We come to your house and raid your record collection, which embarrassing record do you need to chuck out the window as we arrive?

Too late! I sold ’em all.

Which record makes you say “Damn, I wish I’d made that”?

Anything by Maurizio!

What’s in the pipeline that you can tell us about?

Here’s what’s cookin:

M.I.G. “Car Park (FDV remix)” Made in Glasgow records (vinyl only) October 2017

Ken Ishii “Malfunction Manipulation (FDV remix)” Late 2017

 

‘Feels So Good’ will be released as a Beatport Exclusive on 22nd September 2017 on ON IT Recordings.

 
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