I love the summer. A few months ago, when I was trying to drag myself out of that lingering winter doom, inspiration struck and I built Spring Time Funk. It was the boost I needed at the time. But now that we’re in the peak of summer, it’s only right to drop the follow-up: Summer Time Funk.
This one turns up the funk several notches to match the full summer vibe.
The Kemp Town Connection
I’ve always had a massive love for congas, and looking back, a lot of that comes from my time living in Kemptown, Brighton. There was nothing quite like waking up on a sunny weekend, stepping right outside my flat, and dropping straight into the heart of the Kemp Town Carnival. That live street rhythm, the open-air energy, and the constant thud of hand percussion left a permanent mark on my ear.
Setting the Rhythmic Trap
With Summer Time Funk, the bassline and main drum kit carry the heavy lifting early on to lay down the core groove. But for me, the true star of the show is the conga track.
I deliberately start the congas off dry and standard for the first round to set a clean baseline. As the track progresses, I bring in subtle delayed taps that gently shift the congas from background accent to the main driving force of the rhythm. It’s a subtle evolution, but it instantly lifts the energy and subconscious momentum of the track—taking you right back to those sun-soaked street parties.
