History
Wonky music is a genre that originated from the United Kingdom in the early 2000s. The term wonky has been loosely used to describe the quirky and unconventional characteristics of this type of music, which is also known as wonk, wobble or future funk.
Wonky music is often characterized by its glitchy sound, unusual sample sources, and ever-evolving rhythms. It breaks the conventional rules of music and challenges the notion of what constitutes authentic or traditional music. The genre draws influence from disparate musical styles such as hip hop, jazz, electronic dance music, funk, and avant-garde.
The roots of wonky can be traced back to the pioneering electronic music of the mid-1990s, such as that of the Warp Records label. The label was a significant influence on wonky music, with artists such as Aphex Twin and Squarepusher breaking boundaries in electronic music with the addition of elements such as breakbeats, jazz, and complex rhythms.
Wonky later gained mainstream attention through the hip hop and grime scenes in the UK, particularly through the producers and DJs who were amalgamating these sounds with electronic music. Early pioneers in the genre include Hudson Mohawke, Rustie, and Flying Lotus. Hudson Mohawke's album Butter (2009) is acknowledged as one of the defining works of the genre.
Wonky continues to evolve and diversify as more artists experiment with the sound. Its popularity sparked the rise of trap music, dubstep and other forms of electronic bass music in the 2010s. In Australia, the eccentric and avant-garde creative collective, Astral People, created an event series for artists to showcase their own take on the wonky sound.
Wonky also gained recognition in the US after rapper-producer Kanye West's 2013 album "Yeezus," which was influenced by the genre, specifically Hudson Mohawke's production on the tracks "Blood on the Leaves" and "I Am a God."
The wonky genre has been in decline over the past few years, as its impact on mainstream music lessens, and the sound moves in new directions. However, the genre has left an impact in modern electronic music, and its experimental approach continues to inspire musicians from all over the world.
Notable artists
Rustie: This Scottish electronic music producer is considered one of the pioneers of the wonky genre. His debut album "Glass Swords" received critical acclaim and is hailed as a classic in the genre. With his signature blend of glitchy beats, heavy bass, and melodic synth lines, Rustie has created a unique sound that has influenced countless other producers.
Flying Lotus: Known for his experimental approach to music production, Flying Lotus has been a major force in the wonky scene since its inception. His blending of hip-hop, jazz, and electronic music has earned him a loyal following and critical acclaim. His album "Cosmogramma" is a masterpiece of wonky music.
Hudson Mohawke: Scottish producer Hudson Mohawke has garnered critical acclaim for his eclectic and unpredictable productions. His work often combines elements of hip-hop, electronic music, and R&B. His album "Butter" is considered a classic of the wonky genre.
Tokimonsta: This LA-based producer has become one of the leading voices in the wonky scene thanks to her production skills and unique sonic palette. Her music often incorporates elements of hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music. Her album "Half Shadows" is a standout in the genre.
Teebs: Known for his dreamy, atmospheric productions, Teebs has made a name for himself in the wonky scene with his unique blend of organic and synthesized sounds. His album "Ardour" is a masterclass in wonky music.
Shlohmo: Los Angeles-based producer Shlohmo is known for his deep, emotive productions that blend elements of hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music. His album "Bad Vibes" is a classic of the wonky genre.
Mount Kimbie: This UK-based duo has been crafting their unique brand of wonky music since the mid-2000s. Their sound draws on a wide range of influences, including dubstep, techno, and post-punk. Their album "Crooks & Lovers" is a must-listen for fans of the genre.
Lapalux: This experimental electronic producer has gained a devoted following thanks to his unique approach to wonky music. His productions often incorporate elements of glitchy beats, ethereal vocals, and atmospheric soundscapes. His album "Nostalchic" is a standout in the genre.
Nosaj Thing: This California-based producer has made a name for himself in the wonky scene with his unique blend of glitchy beats, haunting melodies, and emotive vocals. His album "Drift" is a seminal work in the genre.
Girl Unit: This UK-based producer has become a leading voice in the wonky scene thanks to his genre-defying productions that blend elements of dancehall, grime, and electronic music. His EP "WUT" is a standout in the genre.
Broader context
In his book "Energy Flash: A Journey Through Rave Music and Dance Culture," music journalist Simon Reynolds delves into the emergence of Wonky as an avant-garde movement within electronic music. He notes that Wonky is "characterized by fidgety rhythms, abrupt transitions, oddball samples and edgily synthetic timbres," reflecting its status as a genre that revels in sonic experimentation and defies traditional musical norms.
Author David Stubbs, in "Kodwo Eshun's More Brilliant Than the Sun: Adventures in Sonic Fiction," explores the unconventional nature of Wonky, emphasizing its fragmented and intricate sonic palette. He observes, "Wonky is electronic music that really could only have emerged post-digital, coming at you in every direction like a nest of electronic vipers."
Critics often highlight Wonky's embrace of chaos and unpredictability. Music writer Jon Caramanica, in his article "Fresh on the Scene, but Familiar to the Ear," discusses how the genre revels in its glitchy, unorthodox sound. He states, "Wonky, by definition, is disorderly and chaotic. Every sound and rhythm is slightly off, tilting the music off its axis."
Wonky's experimental nature also extends to its sampling techniques, where unconventional sources are often utilized. In "The Ambient Century: From Mahler to Trance – The Evolution of Sound in the Electronic Age," author Mark Prendergast underscores this aspect, noting that Wonky artists "took found sounds and unusual samples, cut them into pieces, and electronically manipulated them." This approach gives Wonky its distinct sonic identity and contributes to its status as a genre that challenges traditional norms.
Artists themselves have weighed in on the genre's appeal and significance. Flying Lotus, a prominent figure in the Wonky scene, shared his perspective in an interview with The Guardian. He expressed, "The Wonky sound was about capturing a time and place... It was chaotic, manic, colourful and most importantly, it was fun. It was about not giving a fuck."
Wonky's cultural impact also extends to its influence on other genres and artists. Music journalist Paul Sullivan, in his article "Wobbling Towards Utopia: Hybridity and Contradiction in the Music of Burial and Flying Lotus," discusses the genre's role in shaping contemporary music. He notes, "Artists working in similar hybrid forms and fusing multiple genres and cultural spaces are increasingly drawn to the murky and ill-defined sub-genres of Wonky and dubstep."
In conclusion, Wonky's sonic eccentricities, glitchy soundscapes, and unconventional rhythms have garnered attention and praise from authors, critics, and artists alike. As a genre that thrives on experimentation and challenges conventional norms, Wonky has left an indelible mark on the electronic music landscape, inspiring discussions about its innovation, significance, and lasting influence.
Firstly, the rise of internet culture and social media played a significant role in the spread of Wonky. The internet provided a platform for underground artists to share their music with a wider audience, and social media allowed fans to connect and collaborate with each other. This created a vibrant, decentralized scene that was not reliant on traditional gatekeepers like record labels or radio stations. As a result, Wonky artists could experiment and push boundaries without fear of commercial expectations or mass appeal.
Secondly, the cultural context of Wonky was shaped by the broader social and political climate of the time. The early 2010s were marked by a sense of disillusionment with mainstream culture, and a desire for more experimental, alternative forms of art and music. The rise of Wonky was part of this broader cultural shift, as it challenged conventional notions of what dance music should sound like and how it should be produced. It was also a response to the political and economic instability of the time, with many artists using their music to comment on issues such as inequality, corporate greed, and environmental degradation.
Notable record labels played an important role in shaping the sound and identity of Wonky. One of the most influential was the UK-based label, Hoya:Hoya, which was founded in 2008 by Jonny Dub and launched the careers of artists like Illum Sphere, Lone, and Jon K. Other notable labels include Warp Records, Brainfeeder, and Ninja Tune, all of which had a long history of releasing innovative and boundary-pushing electronic music. These labels not only provided a platform for Wonky artists to release their music but also helped to shape the broader cultural discourse around the genre.
Journalists and critics also played an important role in shaping the public perception of Wonky. As the genre emerged, a number of influential music journalists began writing about the scene and championing its innovative spirit. One of the most notable was Joe Muggs, who wrote extensively about the genre for publications such as The Wire and Fact Magazine. Other journalists and critics who helped to shape the wider discourse around Wonky include Simon Reynolds, Philip Sherburne, and Adam Harper.
Finally, the technological context of Wonky was shaped by the rapid evolution of music production software and hardware. The rise of digital audio workstations, sample libraries, and plugins made it easier than ever for bedroom producers to create complex and intricate soundscapes. Many Wonky artists used these tools to create music that was both experimental and accessible, drawing on a wide range of genres and influences to create something entirely new.