The Funk Hunters will return to Australian shores in 2016, and this time they’re bringing with them an old-school crowd favourite to Earth Frequency Festival.
After appearing at Earth Freq in 2014 by themselves, Duncan Smith and Nick Middleton – who form the Vancouver duo – will be accompanied this time by Chali 2na, the witty MC of Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli fame.
Earth Freq will also be a platform for Chali to paint and show his wares away from the mic. So between the beat-machine bass thumpers The Funk Hunters are renowned for, you can expect to see something fresh on the stage from Chali’s brush.
To the untrained punter, how would you introduce The Funk Hunters?
[Nick & Duncan] Two DJs, four turntables. Funky and original beats with custom visuals, often with guest musicians and MCs and a dance party like no other.
What was the original idea, thought process to create The Funk Hunters?
I think the project and our friendship was initially born through having a similar taste in a wide variety of music. We’ve always been rooted in the idea of discovering, creating, and sharing the soulful side of electronic beats and with that, the funk has consistently been a force to bring other like-minded people together.
How have your live shows evolved from your first tour to now?
We’ve always tried to go about things in a unique way and set ourselves apart. Our shows quickly went from a tag-team-style DJ set to doing live mashups, creating original music, making custom visuals, performing with musicians, all the way into having a seven-piece live band and custom-stage production. We have been consistently evolving our live show and as the venues and festival continue to grow, we are able to keep pushing the boundaries of how we perform.
What influence has Chali 2na added to your work in the studio and on the stage?
Chali’s music has influenced us since we were teenagers, so having the opportunity to work now and collaborate has really raised our level of quality control. Touring with Chali has also been a huge inspiration and he’s one of the most diverse and humble artists around. On stage, he’s a master in the art of crowd control through positivity and that has definitely rubbed off on us. We’ve seen directly how that connection affects your fans and I think it's something all artists should strive for.
James Brown - Chali 2na painting
Chali, what's a highlight of your shows with The Funk Hunters in comparison to your other groups and collaborations?
[Chali] Well, my favourite part of performing with these guys is the drum and bass/ jungle aspect. I love that sound and I love how I sound on top of those riddims.
What's the fondest memory of your last visit to Australia?
[Nick & Duncan] Walking the seawall after our show at The Bondi Beach Hotel. It was our first time in Sydney and we had some Canadian friends living there take us on a seaside cruise. The scenery was breathtaking and it turns out 3am under a full moon is a great time for sightseeing if you want to avoid the tourist crowd. Surfing with dolphins in Byron Bay was also an unforgettable experience!
Chali 2na painting
[Chali] I love to paint when I come down under so any time I get to have a good paint session (which has been more times than not) then I'm thoroughly satisfied.
The Funk Hunters with Chali 2na play Earth Frequency Frequency on 12 February.
