Words-Art Jefferson
Images-Courtesy of Funk D’Void
Lars Sandberg also known as Funk D’Void is a visionary producer whose music literally transcends time. Growing up on a healthy dose of funk and soul from acts such as Parliament and Marvin Gaye, being reared by a mother who was classically trained as a pianist and discovering the early sounds of Chicago House and Detroit Techno, the Glasgow born artist has been producing some of the most forward thinking electronic music since the 90s.
Beginning his DJ voyage at the age of 15, Funk D’Void was already running a couple of under-18 clubs while still in his teens. Although he was a massive funk and soul lover, it would be the thumping sounds of house music coming from the city of Chicago that would change the musical landscape. Shortly after, emerged a futuristic sound from the gritty city of Detroit, known as techno and like a spiritual enlightenment, Funk D’Void knew his calling. This calling manifested into classic records like “Jack Me Off”, “Soul Man”, “Bad Coffee” and other brilliantly produced jewels. His 1997 debut album “Technoir” proved to be a masterfully crafted bridge of techno, house and a sort of futuristic jazz. Around this time Funk D’Void also delved into creating a number of remixes for artists including Soul Circuit, Ian Pooley, Maas, E-Dancer and more. By the early 2000s he had released his second album “Dos” and his remix work included tracks for New Order, Underworld, John Tejada, Paul van Dyk, Envoy and other countless industry mainstays. To this day, that work hasn’t slowed down.
Now residing in Barcelona, Spain, Funk D’Void’s latest ventures include the new “Balance 022” mix compilation released through the Australia based record company Balance Music, not to mention running his label Outpost Recordings that was founded in 2010. He is championed and praised by acts such as Danny Howells, Groove Armada, Nic Fanciulli and Tom Middleton, who dubbed him “A true music connoisseur”. Whether touring the world, releasing original works or knocking out stellar remixes, Funk D’Void’s ability to make progressive and boundless leaps into music continues to leave timeless imprints.
AJ-You have the new “Balance 022” mix compilation out currently. What are some highlight tracks that you have included?
FDV-They all have a special feeling or memory attached to them. I can’t really choose a highlight track specifically…maybe the Vince Watson tracks stand out more for me.
AJ-You can technically say that your music career began when you were a teenager because you were already running two clubs even back then. What sort of records were you spinning as a youth? Had you already discovered Chicago House and Detroit Techno at that point?
FDV-I started out with commercial pop stuff when I was playing these under-18s clubs. I was a big synth pop fan and from there I went into Hip-Hop from 1985 then straight into the Chicago house sound at around 1986. The biggest impact for me was when I discovered the Detroit techno sound of Derrick May in 1987. That really solidified my artistic future although I do take influences from a lot of music from the 80s.
AJ-It’s interesting when I look back at songs like “Thank You” and even records like “Soul Man” because they were so deep and futuristic, not to mention still stands the test of time. What’s your creative mind state when producing these type of tracks because they’re so forward thinking that they could have been released for the first time now!
FDV-That’s really nice of you to say! I always play from what sounds I’m enjoying in the studio, just using some samples and classic drum machine sounds. I don’t think of genre or think about it too much. I just let it happen.
AJ-You have remixed some of the biggest names in the scene, whether it be New Order, Underworld, Laurent Garnier, even down to Paul van Dyk and this has been consistent since the 90s! What have been some of the most exciting and challenging remixes that you have done?
FDV-I think when you’re asked to remix a track, that you really respect and feel that you can contribute to them as an artist. It presents an enjoyable challenge. I think this has happened twice in my career, once with E-Dancer’s “Banjo” and the other time with Vince Watson’s “A Very Different World”.
AJ-You launched Outpost Recordings in 2010. Although, you’ve had so many brilliant releases on Soma, did you feel that it was just a natural evolution to set up your own platform to release your material?
FDV-Yes. I had dabbled in the past with my labels Dark Knight & Silver Knight but didn’t continue with them as I found it hard to run a label back then. Now with the digital revolution, it’s much easier and I can manage it on my own. It’s great. I make a track and release it within a couple of weeks…and have complete control!
AJ-Finally, going back to the new “Balance 022” compilation, in my opinion, it definitely represents you as an artist and your selection because you have always managed to stay true to creating cutting edge music without compromising integrity. Was that your approach when taken on the project and how have you managed to not be swayed by what the “trend” of the time in music may be?
FDV-I wanted it to be an honest representation of my taste in music. There’s so many unsung heroes out there so I wanted to give them a voice, plus if you pander to current trends in music then in six months you’ll end up in the bargain bin section and forgotten about soon after. I wanted to make something that lasts a lot longer. I really hope that we can look at this release down the line and still feel that we have accomplished something special.