DāM-FunKIn the Zone with AstroLab
Damon Garrett Riddick, aka DāM-FunK, is a producer and vocalist who epitomizes a distinctly modern approach to funk music. Ever since his debut album with Stones Throw records in 2009, he has become one of the most revered proponents of the modern funk sound alongside a legendary reputation for live performance and DJing.
We caught up with Dâm-Funk to delve deeper into his career, his love for music, and how AstroLab - Arturia’s next-generation performance keyboard - is as easy to use as it is powerful to play.
From Pasadena to Funk pro
Growing up in Pasadena, California, DāM-FunK was immersed in music from an early age, thanks to his father’s record collection, which ranged from James Brown to Iron Butterfly. Later influenced by the likes of Sly and the Family Stone, Kraftwerk, and Prince, Damon realized that funk could go beyond its traditional boundaries - laying the foundation for a career dedicated to exploring its evolution.
DāM-FunK’s entry into music was self-driven and self-taught, starting out with his father’s organ. The advent of the Linn drum machine was also particularly influential, leading to the revelation that there are no limits when exploring sound and rhythm.
It inspired me to think, wow, you just need a drum machine, keyboards, and a synthesizer, and you can do whatever you want.
Crafting a legacy
DāM-FunK’s discography is diverse and continually evolving. His debut album, "Toeachizown," released in 2009, was received with critical acclaim and showcased his ability to blend the heart of funk with a contemporary edge. His later album "Invite the Light" (2015) further cemented his reputation as a torchbearer of modern funk innovation, and collaborations with artists such as Snoop Dogg (under the name 7 Days of Funk) and Steve Arrington highlight his versatility and influence. Not forgetting the famed remix of “Baby” by “Donnie and Joe Emerson”.
Known for his dynamic live performances, DāM-FunK integrates keytars, synthesizers and vocal ad-libs in a vibrant and immersive flow. His DJ sets are highly sought-after, offering a journey through the past, present, and future of funk and disco. Across the globe, DāM-FunK plays rare and unique sounds to packed clubs and festivals, with pristine multi-genre selections that live-up to his legendary status.
Embracing AstroLab
For DāM-FunK, AstroLab combines a user-friendly design with powerful sound-making capabilities, enhancing his workflow without the added complexity.
To give us a taste of AstroLab’s sound palette, DāM-FunK demonstrates some skillful playing to create a rolling funk-infused beat. Starting with an 80s drum loop, he adds some smooth and soulful chords using the Sunshine Life electric piano sound. This is followed by the addition of a deep and squelchy bass sound for some unmistakable disco drive. Then onto the ‘Mnemonic Strings’ preset to add high-end sheen, with the track further enriched with ‘Shooting Stars’ for some “candy and color”. AstroLab’s visual interface makes it simple and clear when searching for and selecting presets.
This keyboard is so phenomenal, that you don't really need to do a lot of tweaking because it has some great sounds already built in.
Simply powerful
One of the standout features for DāM-FunK is the balance between simplicity and the quality of sounds. For someone who doesn’t like complicated keyboards or synthesizers, AstroLab offers the perfect amount of easy-access controls alongside an inspiring visual interface that invites artists to focus on their creative expression.
I don’t find myself battling with the keyboard to get music out of it.
In a world where digital technology often overshadows analog warmth, AstroLab embraces advancements in music technology. This means that the “sky is the limit” when it comes to its sonic potential, embodying a broad variety of digital synthesis techniques and sounds that will evolve over time with new updates.
Digital is surpassing analog, as far as the sound quality.
A personal connection
DāM-FunK’s journey is a testament to his dedication to the evolution of funk. His integration of AstroLab into his setup is a natural extension of this innovative spirit, allowing him to fully realize his musical ideas with an inspiring selection of sounds, creative features and intuitive controls. The result? A keyboard which translates into more spontaneous and inspired performances, whether in the studio or on stage.
It's safe to say AstroLab aligns with Coleman’s celestial funk attitude, both aiming for the stars, and beyond.
AstroLab really helps me get into a zone where i'm actually able to express myself with the music that I have in my head.
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