It’s never been quite clear if future funk is supposed to be an ironic criticism of capitalism in the 21st century, or serious straight ahead funk made in someone’s bedroom. Certainly, future funk legends like Saint Pepsi originally intended their music to build upon the social and economic criticisms so central to vaporwave music. However, there has always been an element of unironic enjoyment in the music, something which the most recent crop of future funkers seem to be focusing on.
Perhaps to highlight exactly what the appeal of future funk is, future funk artist Cero Rio, published through the Baltimore future funk collective Sunrise Collective, has titled their latest release "Towards the Future". The sparkling clean songs on this album embrace the sound of artificiality as the sound of the future, something exciting and fresh. That takes care of the future, but what about the funk? Groovy basslines and snippy horn melodies make sure to fully deliver on the promise of "future funk".
My recommendation, if you want to hear something new, give it a listen.
-Written by Michael Dranove