It’s not just about collaborations, its about coalitions
The Austrian radio pioneer, producer and remixer Functionist presents a number of songs he collected during a trip across the USA and Canada. A journey with the clear goal to win artists for his music, to form coalitions with vocalists in their personal territory. Functionist has been searching for new music for over 10 years already - on a professional level. New musical talents from all around the world get heard thru his weekly Hip Hop show Tribe Vibes and with the daily mixshow FM4 Unlimited.
Besides newcomers he also featured and interviewed superstars such as Jay Z, Snoop Dog or Public Enemy. For Public Enemy he also produced the internationally acclaimed remix of “Shut Em Down” which was released on their 2002 album “Revolverlution”.
Functionist has always looked for the people behind the artists. Thanks to his motivation and love for music many artists got airplay on one of Europe’s favourite youth radio stations. It’s only logical that he produces a record with new talents.
A record, created in hallways, bathrooms, closets and kitchens between Vienna and Los Angeles
Most of the songs on “Coalitions part one” have been recorded at the artists’ homes. Microphones installed in the bathroom, lyric sheets were taped on the fridge in the kitchen.
Walking through New York City Functionist literally found rappers on the streets: During a videoshoot he met rap/spokenword performer and the founder of the Freestyle Union TONI BLACKMAN. He gave her a few beats and the next day he’s invited to Philadelphia and records the songs “Take Mic” and “Thru You” with TONI BLACKMAN and RONIN ALI. Again, not in a big studio but in the kitchen of their apartment. Blackman who calles herself “Ambassador of Hip Hop” delivers a statement against superficial Hip Hop on “Take Mic”.
Back in New York Functionist meets up with JOSEPH MALIK who happens to be in town, an apartment with a view towards the statue of liberty is the setting for the session that leads to “Dark Conversations”, a dark love ballad from the UK singer.
Snapshots to remember, by Aceyalone or the Visionaries
Los Angeles was the meetingplace of HINES BUCHANAN, ACEYALONE and the VISIONARIES. Hines Buchanan who already recorded for Prince Pauls Handsome Boy Modelling School records an anthem to the old school. Of course the vocal acrobat locked himself in the closet of the 2 room hollywood apartment in order to get the best sound quality.
ACEYALONE - a world renowned icon from the Hip Hop underground came over on the same afternoon. He listened to the beats, made a few notes, then went on to rap “Doin’ My Job”. After half an hour drive with the rental car type “Chevrolet Impala or similar” Functionist parked behind the headquarter of Upabove Records Long Beach. This is the place where the VISIONARIES run their own label. Among stacks of vinyl KOOL KEY and LMNO recorded the tune “Off ‘n’ Runnin”. This hard piece includes memories of their latest performance in Vienna.
A colorful acoustic travel diary with a versatile cast
In a foggy and autumny Montreal Functionist meets the SPECIFICS. The soulful/jazzy underground band raps about the desire for spring and sunshine. To balance out the longing Montreal rapper GOODVIBE records the partytrack “Replay”. Back in Europe Functionist finalises the collection of memories and songs and adds two songs with “Sofa Surfers” vocalist MANI OBEYA.
Hip Hop is the driving force behind the electronic record with slamming drums and beautiful samples. Despite it being a professional production, one can still tell that this record has been produced “at home”: with its warm and organic sound.
“Coalitions part one” brings together the producer, the artists and finally the listeners. They are taken on a musical journey. To be continued.
THE FUNCTIONIST presents: COALITIONS PART ONE
LABEL: DEFUSION RECORDS
DISTRIBUTION: GROOVE ATTACK
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 10th 2008 (OCTOBER 31st in Germany)