Liquid Funk

Liquid funk is a subgenre of drum and bass music that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its smooth, melodic basslines, a flurry of jazz and soul samples, and funky grooves that lend an atmospheric, euphoric sense to the track. The sound is often attributed to the likes of DJ Marky, High Contrast, Calibre, and Peshay, who first introduced the genre and popularized it in the mainstream. The origins of liquid funk can be traced back to the late 90s when drum and bass as a genre was experiencing a huge resurgence in the UK. The sound was characterized by its hard, cutting-edge basslines, heavy drums, and futuristic synths which created an aggressive, adrenaline-fueled sound. However, music producers felt that the genre was lacking in variety and scope, and began to experiment with new sounds and textures to bring out a new flavor that was more sophisticated and accessible to a wider audience. The term “liquid funk” was coined by DJs Ed Rush and Optical to describe the smooth, liquid-like sound they were exploring in their productions. However, it wasn't until the early 2000s that the name had gained traction, thanks to notable producers such as DJ Marky, who was one of the pioneers of the genre. DJ Marky’s ‘The Brazilian Job’ in 2003 was the first album that showcased the genre's signature sound and brought it into the mainstream. The album was a resounding success and led to the establishment of liquid funk as a popular subgenre of drum and bass music. From then on, liquid funk continued to flourish, attracting a new generation of producers and DJs such as High Contrast, who added his unique twist to the music. Later on, the genre would adopt more influences from other genres such as house, jazz, and soul, adding to its lush soundscapes and creating an uplifting, euphoric atmosphere that made it a hit in the UK music scene. One of the defining characteristics of liquid funk is its use of delicate, melodic instrumentation such as the piano, strings, and flutes. These elements are combined with intricate drum patterns and heavy basslines that lend a more danceable quality to the music, resulting in a gentler, lighter form of drum and bass music that was perfect for the chill-out rooms of rave parties. As the genre evolved, it began to incorporate more vocal samples and song structures, becoming even more accessible to a wider audience. This led to a resurgence in the popularity of drum and bass music in general, with liquid funk being at the forefront of this second wave of popularity.

High Contrast: High Contrast is the stage name of British electronic music producer Lincoln Barrett. He gained prominence in the late 2000s with his signature liquid funk sound. His music can be described as upbeat and energetic, with heavy basslines and soulful vocals. Some of his notable tracks include "Twilight's Last Gleaming" and "If We Ever." Netsky: Netsky is a Belgian producer who rose to fame in the early 2010s with his mix of drum and bass, dubstep, and liquid funk. His self-titled debut album included hits like "Memory Lane" and "Puppy," which became dancefloor staples worldwide. Since then, he has continued to innovate and experiment with his sound. Logistics: Logistics is the alias of Matt Gresham, a British producer who has been affiliated with the Hospital Records label since 2004. His style combines liquid funk with elements of house and techno, resulting in a unique sound that has earned him a loyal fanbase. Some of his most popular tracks include "Together" and "Warehouse." London Elektricity: London Elektricity is the group name for Tony Colman, a British jazz musician turned electronic music producer. His music blends liquid funk with jazz and soul elements, resulting in a sound that is both energetic and sophisticated. He is also the founder of the Hospital Records label. Camo & Krooked: Camo & Krooked are an Austrian drum and bass production duo comprised of Reinhard Rietsch and Markus Wagner. Their music incorporates elements of liquid funk, house, and dubstep, resulting in a unique and dynamic sound. They have released several critically acclaimed albums, including "Cross the Line" and "Mosaik." Fred V & Grafix: Fred V & Grafix are a British production duo who rose to prominence in the mid-2010s with their mix of liquid funk and melodic drum and bass. Comprised of Fred Vahrman and Josh Jackson, their sound is marked by soulful vocals, soaring melodies, and intricate rhythms. They have released several albums on the Hospital Records label. Lenzman: Lenzman is the alias of Teije van Vliet, a Dutch drum and bass producer. His music is characterized by smooth, soulful vocals and lush, atmospheric soundscapes. He has released several acclaimed full-length albums, including "Looking At The Stars" and "Bobby." Makoto: Makoto Shimizu is a Japanese drum and bass producer who has been active since the late 1990s. His sound incorporates elements of liquid funk, jazz, and house music, resulting in a style that is both melodic and dancefloor-friendly. He has released several albums on the Good Looking Records label. Shapeshifter: Shapeshifter is a New Zealand drum and bass band known for their energetic live performances and eclectic sound. Their music incorporates elements of liquid funk, dub, and rock, resulting in a unique and dynamic style. They have released several albums, including "Delta" and "Soulstice." Etherwood: Etherwood is the alias of Edward Allen, a British drum and bass producer who has released several critically acclaimed albums on the Hospital Records label. His music combines elements of liquid funk, ambient, and folk music, resulting in a sound that is both ethereal and emotionally resonant. Some of his notable tracks include "Begin By Letting Go" and "Spoken."

1. Calibre - Into the Groove 2. High Contrast - If We Ever 3. Logistics - Together 4. Lenzman - Ever So Slightly 5. Nu:Tone - System (feat. Natalie Williams) 6. London Elektricity - Just One Second (Apex Remix) 7. Alix Perez - Forsaken (feat. Peven Everett & Spectrasoul) 8. S.P.Y - By Your Side 9. Utah Jazz - Take No More 10. Makoto - Golden Girl (feat. MC Conrad) 11. Netsky - Love Has Gone 12. Commix - Be True 13. Fred V & Grafix - Major Happy 14. Bachelors of Science - Strings Track (Apex Remix) 15. Seba - Painted Sky (Mindtech Remix) 16. Tokyo Prose - Waiting On (feat. Riya) 17. Random Movement - Red 18. Command Strange & Intelligent Manners - Groove Me 19. Break & Hydro - Dream Sequence 20. Redeyes - Poetry In Motion (Utah Jazz Remix) 21. Technimatic - Bristol 22. Spectrasoul - Away With Me 23. Raw Q - Vital Soul (feat. T.R.A.C.) 24. Etherwood - Begin By Letting Go 25. Zero T & Steo - Refusal (Calibre Remix)

Simon Reynolds, in his book "The History of Liquid Funk," describes Liquid Funk as "a more melodic and less hectic form of drum and bass, with soulful chords and funky basslines." He notes that the genre emerged in the early 2000s as a response to the darker and more aggressive sounds of traditional drum and bass. Reynolds credits artists like Calibre, High Contrast, and London Elektricity for popularizing the genre and bringing it to a wider audience. Harrison Jones, author of "The Liquid Funk Encyclopedia," offers a more in-depth analysis of the genre and its various subgenres. He notes that Liquid Funk has evolved over the years and incorporates elements from other genres such as hip-hop, dubstep, and techno. Jones also discusses the role of technology in shaping the sound of Liquid Funk, with the introduction of new software and hardware allowing producers to create more complex and intricate sounds. Notable artists within the Liquid Funk scene have also shared their thoughts on the genre. In an interview with UKF, DJ and producer Etherwood describes Liquid Funk as "the perfect blend of organic and electronic music." He notes that the genre has a unique ability to "capture the emotion of the moment" and create a sense of "euphoria" among listeners. Another influential Liquid Funk artist, LSB, has spoken out about the genre's potential to bring people together. In an interview with Red Bull Music Academy, LSB notes that "Liquid Funk signifies community" and that the genre has a "unifying effect." He believes that the genre's emphasis on melody and groove allows it to transcend language and cultural barriers. Liquid Funk has also been praised for its ability to bridge the gap between mainstream and underground music. In an interview with DJ Mag, High Contrast notes that Liquid Funk "has always been a kind of crossover genre." He notes that the genre's emphasis on melody and groove has made it accessible to a wider audience while still maintaining its roots in underground dance music.

Socially, the liquid funk sub-genre emerged at a time when electronic music was gaining popularity in Europe and North America. With the rise of dance clubs and music festivals, there was a growing demand for new and exciting sounds that could appeal to a broader audience. Liquid funk was a response to this demand, providing an alternative to the dark and aggressive beats of standard drum and bass. Culturally, liquid funk was influenced by the resurgence of soul and jazz in the mainstream music industry. Artists such as D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, and Jill Scott brought a fresh perspective to these genres, infusing them with modern production techniques and contemporary themes. Liquid funk borrowed from this approach, embracing the soulful vocals and jazz-inspired instrumentals that would become its signature sound. Technologically, liquid funk was made possible by advances in music production software and hardware. With the affordability of powerful computers and digital audio workstations, producers could now create complex soundscapes and manipulate audio in ways that were previously impossible. This technological revolution enabled liquid funk producers to experiment with new sounds and styles, creating a genre that was distinct from other forms of electronic music. Notable record labels played a significant role in the development and promotion of liquid funk. The London-based label, Liquid V, was one of the first to champion the genre, releasing seminal tracks from artists such as Calibre, Commix, and Kabuki. Other labels, such as Hospital Records and Good Looking Records, also played an essential role in the growth of liquid funk, providing a platform for artists to showcase their work and reach new audiences. Journalists and other figures also played a role in shaping the liquid funk sub-genre. DJs such as Fabio and LTJ Bukem became synonymous with the sound, championing new artists and promoting the genre through their radio shows and DJ sets. Music journalists and critics, such as Martin James and Simon Reynolds, helped to popularize the genre, writing about its origins, evolution, and notable artists.