Groove Radar: Funky Picks of the Month - January 2026
New releases. New grooves. January edition.
Featuring Jontan, The Sound Of Pop Art, Eguana, MF Robots, Winkar, Moodssupply, Owelu Dreamhouse, MarlboroRouge, Ali Levack and Will Foulke.
Funk lives and breathes through the groove. Whether it's driven by a rubbery bassline, a sharp, infectious drum pattern, or a melody that latches on instantly, the essence remains the same.
The artists I’ve chosen to review all bring the funk in their own distinct way. Each blends timeless funk foundations with a modern edge; lush synth textures, tight, polished grooves, and soulful hooks that hit just right.
January’s releases set the tone for the year ahead, delivering fresh energy, confident rhythms, and a forward-looking spark that keeps the funk moving into 2026.
Follow the playlist Funk That Instantly Makes You Feel Good! Funk / Soul / RnB / Acid Jazz
Jontan - The Only Man You Need
This song is old school funk; nothing is overproduced with minimal effects and overdubs. It reminds me of what people used to refer to as 'Blue Eyed soul'. Meaning bands like the Doobie Brothers are known for infectious drum grooves and clever harmonies.
The vocals carry a melody that is instantaneously memorable. The use of horns is sparse but really adds to the funkiness of the track. A great song!
Connect Jontan
Instagram / Spotify
The Sound Of Pop Art - Stick Or Twist
This song captures the essence of 70's funk. It pays homage to the Godfather of Soul with its funky, chicken-scratch guitar parts and horn stabs. The vocals are hypnotic and the harmonies are quite soulful. You can tell the musicians are well seasoned as you listen to the trumpet player improvise towards the end of the song.
Connect The Sound Of Pop Art
Facebook / Instagram / Spotify
Eguana - Meeting at the Bar
This song starts with a classic funky wah-wah guitar part. The saxophone is recorded super raw with very little reverb which, helps recreate a 1970's analogue sound. The drummer plays a classic hypnotic break with a percussionist adding constant 8th notes of the top. The bass player uses both the higher and lower registers, sometimes walking to increase the song's dynamic.
Connect Eguana
Facebook / Instagram / Spotify
MF Robots - Show Us The Way
This song mixes gospel and funk in a flawless way. The vocalists tone reminds me of 1990's acid jazz super group 'The Brand New Heavies'. This song takes it's time to build, it is just over 7 minutes long. Although there are a lot o counter melodies going on between the horns and electric piano, they never get in the way of the song's main melody.
Connect MF Robots
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Winkar - NYC's Delight
This song has a '4 on the floor' beat that would keep a dance floor packed. Its minimal production helps it sound authentically funky. The strings are reminiscent of early Donna Summer. The guitar part is simple but very syncopated, which adds to the funk. A great feel-good track.
Connect Winkar
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Moodssupply - Like it, Like it, Like it
This track sounds like 1980's Rick James or Nile Rodgers. A heavy dance influence, but the funk is still predominant. The guitar is simple but effective and hypnotic. I like the drum groove because it is hard to tell whether it is a real drummer or a program. The vocals are effortlessly soulful.
Connect Moodssupply
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Owelu Dreamhouse - Stutter
This song has many influences, ranging from funk to dance to pop. The vocal melody is doubled with the horns, which reminds me of old school Tower of Power and Steely Dan. The musicians are well-versed on their instruments, playing complex harmony and arrangements.
Connect Owelu Dreamhouse
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MarlboroRouge - Tell Me Funk - Original Mix
This song has funk and jam band vibes combined. Some of the rhythms have a slight Latin feel. The funk is created with a strong drum groove and doubled guitar parts. The song is in a major key which heps create feel good vibes. The minimal vocal samples are a nice touch.
Connect MarlboroRouge
Instagram / Spotify
Ali Levack - Gudgie Funk
This track has all the ingredients for a classic funk song. Horn hits like Tower of Power, Strings like Curtis Mayfield and a drum break similar to James Brown. A relatively short track that has frenetic energy going from the first bar. A cool song to uplift your spirit.
Connect Ali Levack
Facebook / Instagram / Spotify
Will Foulke - Fresh Air
This song is a mash-up of indie rock and funk. The tone of the guitar reminds me of funk legends The Isley Brothers. This is a slight distortion on the vocals, which gives the song an almost dreamy quality. The bass and guitar have good interplay, creating a solid groove.
Connect Will Foulke
Instagram / Spotify
Spotify Playlist
About Magesh Magesh
Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour.
He released an instructional drumming DVD called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk
Contact Magesh Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com
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