Funky Craig

“One of OTW’s brightest rising stars”

 Laidback Luke

“One of the best producers out there.” 

Tommie Sunshine

Worcester-based producer Funky Craig has recently released a new bouncy UK garage banger ‘Like A Flute’. Featuring bars from well-renowned rapper Grim Sickers (JME, P Money) this new track marks an intriguing new direction for the young producer, fusing Japanese instrumentation with contemporary UKG beats. 

The new track follows previous successes on Diplo’s label ‘Mad Decent/ Good Enuff’, as well as on Laidback Luke’s ‘Mixmash’,  leading the homegrown producer to hundreds of thousands of streams on Spotify. As well as this success, the talented up and comer has previously worked with number one artist Example on 2016’s bombastic ‘Weapons’.  

‘Like a Flute’ is a meeting of two totally different worlds. Melding the dark, four-on-the-floor beats typical of UKG with the oriental melodies and sounds of the shakuhachi (a traditional Chinese and Japanese flute), Funky Craig’s experimentation pays off in a major way. The young artist has always had a keen ear for leftfield sounds and sonics, and has pursued his vision with a singular mindset, going as far as to drop out of his music production course at college, choosing not to conform to the established rules and style of his tutors, and instead forge his own sound.

Pulsating drums and massive sidechained bass wubs provide the perfect canvas for Funky Craig to colour with his idiosyncratic production. The ethereal flute is undoubtedly a highlight, and is enhanced by female vocal samples and harmonies, giving the melody an airy feeling. Red-hot bars from Grim Sickers are juxtaposed with these lighter elements of the track, and the end result will undoubtedly get you moving. Mixing influences from mid 2000’s producers such as Timbaland and Pharrell to contemporary future bass and techno DJs such as TroyBoi and Dog Blood, this track marks an arrival at a brand new style and sound, featuring Funky Craig’s catchiest hooks, loops and melodies to date.

The Swindon-born artist has already enjoyed support from Annie Nightingale on BBC Radio 1, as well as coverage on BBC Introducing Heretford and Worcester. Having previously worked with producers such as Laidback Luke, Carnage and Tommie Sunshine, the multi-genre talent is turning his attention to the future, with more releases to look out for in 2022. Be sure to follow Funky Craig’s socials for more about his music and future releases. 

Links:

Instagram: instagram.com/FunkyCraig 

Facebook: facebook.com/FunkyCraig 

Twitter: twitter.com/FunkyCraig 

Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/FunkyCraig 

Spotify: spotify.com/FunkyCraig/