Music Essentials: Dâm-Funk

Globetrotting DJ, instrumentalist and producer — who at times lends his vocals in special occasions — Dam-Funk continues to mold the soundscape with his modern iterations to funk and boogie. Coined by music journalists as “P-funk,” “future-boogie” and the like, Dam officially started releasing records with Stones Throw in 2007, yet his Adolescent Funk LP showcased a backlog of unreleased tracks from 1988-1992, proving the producer to be no rookie in his field. Having remixed artist from various genres — Ariel Pink, Lil’ Scrappy, Toro Y Moi, Animal Collective, Trus’ Me and Hudson Mohawke — alongside unique projects with r&b luminary Steve Arrington, and Nite Jewel’s as Nite-Funk, Dam recently teamed up with Snoop Dogg  as 7 Days of Funk. A pairing of two distinctive LA sounds, the collaboration melds together G-funk, hip-hop and soul, celebrating the heritage of West Coast music in its own eccentric way. We caught up with Dam-Funk for our latest Music Essentials series, and learnt about why vinyl and shades are two intrinsic items in his daily life. We also get a glimpse at his touring gadgets — such as the “Key-Tar” from 1985 – that offer that extra riff of funk alongside certain 45 spindles he can’t omit when touring. Cast your eyes over his Music Essentials above, with detailed captions that explain why Dam is just as much a talented musician as he is a traveling gentleman.

Photo Credit: Theonepointeight