One man army – Funke and The Two-Tone Baby – has released a new single, Can’t Stop The Music, taken from his forthcoming album Reacclimate and ahead of a UK Tour which visits Cardiff’s Clwb Ifor Bach on November 15.
As Funke and the Two Tone Baby explains: “Can’t Stop The Music is my feel-good summer hit. I gave it its first proper airing at Glastonbury 2023 and hearing a whole field singing this (as then) unknown song back at me full pelt was one of the greatest feelings I’ve had this year.”
Prominently featuring Oxfordshire group vocalists, The Funkettes, the uplifting call-and-response of ‘I’m the best version of me that’s existing’ between Funke and his adept backing singers emphasises the cloud-busting character of self-belief and positivity that ultimately defines Can’t Stop The Music.
Funke adds: “The track’s final hook resonated heavily with the group, as well as with live audiences over the summer. Can’t Stop the Music is my ode to unbridled and wholehearted positivity. In the times when you’re the most sad, deflated and defeated, music is the one thing that will never stop, can never be taken away from you and, if you use it correctly, can change the mood of your entire day.”
Funke’s first album in five years, Reacclimate was born following a tour with Dutty Moonshine Big Band last year. Having held his own on-stage against the 12-piece goliath group, he was introduced to their in-house producer DJ Binge and the pair quickly struck up a fruitful working relationship in the studio together.
Funke explains: “I’ve been making live dance music for a long while but to finally get into the studio with a dance producer has been a dream come true. We’ve really leaned heavily into fat dance beats and wubby basslines. I really think the results are unreal and, although this record is unrelentingly powerful, there’s some real beautiful, tender moments in there too.”
Reacclimate is a thematic reflection of Funke’s own growth and re-invention. Touching on the world post-Covid, his own personal journey following the sudden loss of his partner to cancer, and the determination to come back into the world fighting, the new record weaves its way through blues, funk, big-beat and heartbreaking love songs.
The artist adds: “Considering the turmoil, I (and all of us) have gone through these last few years, I was determined not to make a depressing album. Of course, these subjects are heavily touched upon, but I’ve attempted to pull the lightness from even the darkest of times. This is an album of positivity and the unwavering belief that life, society and grief will inevitably improve even if the odds seem against you.”