If there is one thing Even Funkier is going to do this year, it’s make it count. With that, the electronic dynamo isn’t wasting any time with the January 6th release of “A Fraction of Your Love.” We talked about the new record, jumping into the world of streaming a couple of years ago, hitting the airwaves, and more in this brand-new back-and-forth. 

Kendra: Around what age did you realize that music was most likely going to be the path you traveled down in life? 

Even Funkier: Unlike some people who end up pursuing music I didn’t have a particularly musical upbringing, and it was probably my early teens before I found myself thinking about music all day. I played guitar and bass in a couple of bands and dreamed of hitting the big time, and we obviously never got close, then I got into DJing towards the end of my university years… but it’s only really these last couple of years that I’ve started to take it seriously and try to make something out of it. 

Whilst I’m traveling as far down the music path as I possibly can, it’s still very much a side project for now – I’m making very little money out of it and I need to pay the bills somehow, but I spend almost every spare moment on trying to make a go of it. Who knows where it could lead? It’s my passion in life and I’ve already taken it way further than I ever really believed I could. 

Kendra: So much of my knowledge of London comes from pop culture and watching ‘Drag Race UK.’ Which, the queens often note the various scenes depending on where they reside and perform. Being in South London, what would you say that area brings to London’s overall music scene that you may not get in other locales?

Even Funkier: That’s an interesting question and not one I feel I can give a particularly enlightening answer to. London is huge and I’m sure that different parts have different grassroots music scenes, but living quite far out in a little corner of South London it’s not something I’ve really noticed…although there’s still musical heritage around here – David Bowie did his first gigs not far from where I live, and Stormzy went to school just down the road. 

One of the great things about London is that it’s this huge melting pot of styles and scenes, so there’s something for everyone, and every DJ’s audience is out there somewhere. Of course, this means there’s loads of competition, but I just try not to worry about scenes and cliques and just carry on doing what I’m doing. Hopefully, some scene somewhere will like it! 

Kendra: Being a DJ you don’t just perform out and about, but take advantage of streaming by going live weekly. Was this something that came about during the past couple of years? 

Even Funkier: Absolutely. I jumped on the live-streaming bandwagon during the first lockdown, although a bit later than some others, and I’ve carried on doing it most weeks ever since. I don’t usually get that many viewers, but that doesn’t bother me – I treat each stream like a little gig, make sure I show up on time, and try to learn from it. I’ve also got quite clever at turning it into a few different pieces of content. Even though I’m playing in real life a bit more often now I’m going to try and keep streaming. If nothing else it might be the only opportunity to get on the decks and play music out loud that I’ll get that week! 

Kendra: So let’s get to “A Fraction of Your Love.” What headspace were you in when it came time to bring this all together? Because let’s be real, the past couple of years – especially for creatives – has been rough. 

Even Funkier: It’s been rough in so many ways, but for people in my position (I have kids, a full-time job, and not much time!) it’s actually been a huge opportunity as well. I’ve been wanting to start producing music for over 10 years now but it took lockdown, and in particular being gifted a few months off work as a result, to actually force myself over the hump of it being too difficult and everything I try to make sounding rubbish, and just do it. So yes, whilst I really do feel for the creatives who made their living out of performing live, without lockdown I don’t know if I’d ever have started getting music signed. 

In terms of my headspace when making this tune, I’d spent the previous two years relentlessly making and releasing as many tunes (mostly edits and reworks) as possible, learning and improving as much as I could along the way. When I made A Fraction of Your Love I felt like I was well into my groove – being able to come up with ideas and turn them into something quite effectively. My little process of making and refining a tune was (and still is) working pretty nicely, and as you’ll hear on the track I’d started experimenting with some acid bassline sounds to try and put a unique stamp on my productions. Not all of my productions end up being good but I think this one turned out pretty well! 

Kendra: Today electronic music is ingrained into mainstream music and is no longer thought of as this niche genre. Do you feel as if there are still some elements or styles of electronic that have yet to be embraced by Top 40 Radio? 

Even Funkier: I’m perhaps not best placed to answer that as I’m laser-focused on doing what I do, which is really only a tiny slice of electronic music, and one that harks strongly back to pre-electronic days as so much of it is based on old samples. But I think that whilst a lot of electronic music has indeed now gone mainstream, and that’s a good thing, it’s also a good thing that a lot of it hasn’t and probably never will. Electronic music to me is all about pushing the boundaries and sometimes that doesn’t have mass appeal, and that’s just fine. Not everything can be mainstream – some people want to hear something different. 

Kendra: Speaking of which, you host a radio show. Are there any hosts from radio, TV, or podcasts that you looked to as inspiration when you first got started?

Even Funkier: Honestly not really, I just decided to do my own thing. I’m part of a little community of DJs and music fans who call ourselves the Disco Waltons, and lots of us have our own radio shows and mix series. So I guess I took inspiration from some of those shows that I’ve been listening to for a while – There’s Spin City on MyHouseRadio, and sadly no longer broadcasting DiscoDaze on Open Tempo FM. I listened to both of these before I started my own show, and I guess without copying them directly they gave me the idea and drive to create something of my own. 

Kendra: Being that it’s a new year, have you set any sort of music resolutions for yourself?

Even Funkier: I turn 40 in February, and I want to make 2023 really count. My main focus is going to be on music production, and getting this to a higher and more consistent standard that I’m happier with, and doing it quicker. I want to make more original productions that are worthy of release on bigger and better labels and define my own sound more clearly. I’m hoping to collaborate with some other artists too. There’s also lots of work I need to do on building my brand, making connections, all that sort of stuff that isn’t directly related to music but is still so important to succeed these days.

Then hopefully alongside all of that, I’ll still be able to find the time to listen to, seek out and support the music that I love!

Kendra: Lastly, with ‘A Fraction of Your Love,’ out on January 6th, what lies ahead for you? 

Even Funkier: I’ve got a few releases lined up for 2023 already but beyond that, who knows? I’m hoping I’ll have the opportunity to play some fun DJ sets – I love playing out more than almost anything else and it’s something that makes everything else I do feel worthwhile. Who knows, maybe I’ll pop up at a few festivals over the summer? 

Whatever lies ahead though, I’m going to just try and enjoy the journey. I’m excited about what the future might bring, and incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share music that I’ve made and music that I love with others.