Music Tuesday #259: 8-bit Funk

Eighties funk wasn't just about the slap bass and killer horn lines. It was the era where the genre embraced the future, injecting a healthy dose of electronic sheen into its grooves. Synths like the Roland Juno-60 and the Yamaha DX7 became the secret weapons of funk bands, adding layers of texture and melody that pushed the boundaries of the sound.

These synths weren't just about spacey soundscapes. They were funky! The Juno-60's warm, fat bass tones provided the low-end thump that propelled countless dance floor classics. The DX7, with its digital prowess, brought in glassy chords, punchy stabs, and those iconic FM piano sounds that became synonymous with 80s funk.

But the influence goes way beyond the decade. Those Casio toy keyboards you saw lining store shelves 40 years ago? They are still around due to their lo-fi charm and simple controls.

Here's a fantastic example.

Stef Kamil Carlens - Walk on Red, Stop on Green
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_ZWSbNWnm8