Future Funk

The musical genre Future Funk emerged in the early 2010s and gained popularity in the years after. It is a subgenre of vaporwave, which itself emerged from the experimental electronic music movement of the early 2010s. Future Funk is characterized by its use of funk, soul, R&B, and disco samples from the 1970s and 1980s, which are often chopped and manipulated with the use of modern production techniques. The result is a highly danceable sound that infuses vintage elements with contemporary beats and production values. The origins of Future Funk can be traced back to the Japanese electronic music scene, particularly the city pop revival movement of the late 2000s. Japanese producers such as Yung Bae, Macross 82-99, and Desired were some of the earliest proponents of the genre, and their music helped to define its signature sound. The term "Future Funk" was first used by the producer Robin Harbaun in 2012 when he released an album under that name. The release of Macross 82-99's album "SAILORWAVE" in 2013 helped to popularize the genre, and by 2014, Future Funk had developed a dedicated following. One of the reasons for the genre's popularity was its accessibility. Its upbeat, catchy sound and use of familiar samples made it easy for listeners to enjoy. The genre also had a strong online presence, with producers sharing their work on platforms such as SoundCloud and Bandcamp. As Future Funk grew in popularity, it began to influence other genres and cross over into mainstream music. Artists such as Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams, and Bruno Mars incorporated elements of the genre into their music, helping to bring it to a wider audience. In recent years, the genre has continued to evolve, with producers experimenting with new sounds and influences. Some have incorporated elements of jazz, hip hop, and house music, while others have explored more experimental territory.

Macross 82-99: A prominent artist known for their smooth and nostalgic sound, Macross 82-99's tracks often sample old school funk and R&B tunes. Yung Bae: With a sound that ranges from disco to house, Yung Bae is a pioneer in the future funk scene. His tracks often feature upbeat and catchy melodies. Flamingosis: A fusion of jazz, hip hop, and funk can be found in Flamingosis' music. His use of intricate sampling techniques sets him apart from other future funk artists. Skibblez: Skibblez has a diverse range of music, incorporating everything from soulful samples to fast-paced house beats. His sound is known for its catchy hooks and nostalgic vibes. Fibre: Known for his use of electro-funk elements and smooth grooves, Fibre brings a refreshing sound to the future funk genre. RoboRob: An artist known for their high-energy and dynamic tracks, RoboRob combines future funk with elements of trap and bass music. Moe Shop: Moe Shop's heavy use of Japanese pop culture influences has helped to establish a unique and recognizable sound within the future funk scene. Desired: With a sound that blends together elements of funk, vaporwave, and French house, Desired's tracks are dreamy and nostalgic. Night Tempo: The dark, heavy basslines and upbeat drum patterns in Night Tempo's tracks set them apart. Their sound often incorporates elements of future bass and trap. Neon Indian: One of the pioneers of the genre, Neon Indian draws heavily from synthpop, chillwave, and lo-fi, creating a sound that's both retro and modern.

1. Macross 82-99 - "Fun Tonight" 2. Desired - "Timeless" 3. Yung Bae - "Bae City Rollaz" 4. マクロスMACROSS 82-99 - "A Million Miles Away" 5. Night Tempo - "Dance With Me" 6. Macross 82-99 - "82.99 F.M." 7. Desired - "Love Is All We Need" 8. Yung Bae - "I Want Cha Back" 9. マクロスMACROSS 82-99 - " New Dawn" 10. Saint Pepsi - "Hit Vibes" 11. Windows 96 - "One Hundred Mornings" 12. Aritus - "Tropicana Lounge" 13. Dan Mason - "Summer Love" 14. Skule Toyama - "Funktion" 15. Luxury Elite - "S.W.A.K." 16. Moe Shop - "Notice" 17. Strawberry Station - "Enchantment Under The Moonlight" 18. Desired - "Virtual Life" 19. Night Tempo - "Tokyo Night Train" 20. Yung Bae - "Bae City Rollaz 2" 21. 2 8 1 4 - "恢复" 22. MACROSS 82-99 - "Soul Baker" 23. Desired - "Last Dance" 24. Moe Shop - "Natural" 25. Night Tempo - "The Way We Were"

In his book, Vaporwave and the Commodification of Ghosts, author Will Major describes Future Funk's use of "old-school R&B and funk samples" to create a "disciplinary aesthetic" that "eschews the traditional tropes of coolness and instead emphasizes warmth and sincerity." He goes on to argue that Future Funk's nostalgic sound reflects a broader cultural obsession with the past and a desire to escape the present. Similarly, music journalist Adam Harper has written extensively on Future Funk, referring to it as a "sweet, saccharine branch of vaporwave that channels the cheesiest, most cringe-worthy examples of '80s and '90s funk and R&B." He describes the genre as a "reinterpretation of time" that "updates the past for the present day." Not everyone is a fan of Future Funk, however. Some critics have accused the genre of being little more than a nostalgic gimmick, borrowing heavily from the past without adding anything new or original. Others have criticized its reliance on samples and the potential for copyright infringement. In response to these criticisms, Future Funk producers such as Yung Bae have argued that their use of samples is in keeping with the spirit of hip-hop and sampling culture, which has always involved borrowing and re-appropriation. Yung Bae has also defended the genre's nostalgic sound, arguing that it is a way of celebrating and reviving forgotten music from the past.

One of the key social and cultural factors that led to the emergence of Future Funk was the popularity of vaporwave. Vaporwave is a subgenre of electronic music that emerged in the early 2010s. It is characterized by its use of samples from 1980s and 1990s pop culture, particularly that of Japan. Vaporwave grew in popularity due to its nostalgic appeal, its emphasis on consumerism and capitalism, and its subversive critique of mainstream culture. Future Funk shares some of these aesthetics, such as the use of nostalgia and Japanese pop culture, but is more upbeat and danceable. Future Funk can be seen as a response to vaporwave, offering an alternative to its slower, more introspective sound. Another important social and cultural context for Future Funk is the renewed interest in Japanese culture. Japan's unique culture has been a source of fascination for many in the West for decades, but in recent years this interest has grown. The popularity of Japanese culture can be seen in the increasing popularity of anime, manga, and Japanese video games. Future Funk's use of Japanese city pop samples is part of this larger trend of interest in Japanese culture, and it has helped to introduce Western audiences to a wider range of Japanese music. The technological context of Future Funk is also important. The availability of music production software and the ease of sharing music online have made it possible for anyone to create and share music. Future Funk has been embraced by a community of DIY musicians who have used these technologies to create and share their music. This has allowed for a more diverse range of voices and sounds within the genre, and has helped to create a vibrant and dynamic scene. Notable record labels and journalists have also played a role in the development of Future Funk. One of the most influential labels is Neoncity Records, which has released several influential Future Funk albums. Other notable labels include Business Casual and Future Society Collective. These record labels have helped to define the sound of Future Funk and have provided a platform for emerging artists. Journalists and bloggers have also played a significant role in the development of Future Funk. The popular music blog, "The Fader," has covered Future Funk extensively, helping to bring the genre to a wider audience. Other music blogs, such as "Bandcamp Daily" and "Highsnobiety," have also covered Future Funk, helping to promote new artists and releases.