Groove Radar: Funky Picks of the Month - December 2025
Fresh funk, soul, and groove-led gems to close the year on a high note.
Featuring Acolyte, Ravelston, duendita, Ruthven, EASY FREAK, Elles Bailey, Adi Oasis, T. L. Williams, Outasight, Becca Hannah, Sepalot and Illa J
Funk thrives on a groove. Whether it is created by a rubbery bassline, manic drum beat, or instantly memorable melody. The artists I chose to review are all funky with their own unique sound. They are artists who fuse timeless funk foundations with modern flair, from warm synth layers to polished grooves and soulful hooks.
December’s releases bring feel-good energy, reflective vibes, and just enough sparkle to carry you into the new year.
Funk That Instantly Makes You Feel Good! Funk / Soul / RnB / Acid Jazz
Acolyte - Warm Days In December (Ravelston Remix)
I like this track for multiple reasons. The production is raw, and let's music breathe. There is a slight reverb in the vocals, which makes them appear full. The drum beat is funky, and the mix of the other instruments is excellent. It has a throwback to 1970's funk with the flutes and constant 16th note groove on the drums during the bridge.
Connect with Acolyte
Spotify / Instagram
Connect with Ravelston
Spotify / Instagram / Facebook
duendita - uplifted one
This song has a super funky drumbeat. It is unusual as there is little instrumentation on it, but it has RnB type harmonies that are prominent in the mix. It is a short song but has a high impact. The odd use of instrumentation is what makes it stand out.
Connect with duendita
Spotify / Instagram
Ruthven - Precognition
This track really combines old school and new school funk. You can hear the influences of bands like Steely Dan and Hall and Oates. Although the guitar part is busy, it never interferes with the song's main melody. The groove is laid back with a super solid drum beat. The modern production is mixed with vintage sound.
Connect with Ruthven
Spotify / Instagram / Facebook
EASY FREAK - Rain Down
The production of this song is very modern and slick. You can tell a lot of time was spent mixing the instruments to create the song's feel. The backing vocals are similar to RnB type harmonies. The drum track has sporadic 32nd note drum fills to add manic energy to the song.
Connect with EASY FREAK
Spotify / Instagram / Facebook
Elles Bailey - Take A Step Back
This drum beat is based on a classic James Brown groove known as a 'Fatback'. It displaces the second snare drum of the bar, creating an exciting syncopated rhythm. The guitar tone on this song is exceptional, with an almost Motown quality. The vocalist oozes soul and focuses strongly on the melody.
Connect with Elles Bailey
Spotify / Instagram / Facebook
Adi Oasis - In The Sunrise
There are several musical influences in this track. The guitar brings an old school vibe while the straight syncopated bass line keeps it funky. The drum groove is straight ahead and solid. What is impressive is how close together the vocal harmonies are. This song has incredible production.
Connect with Adi Oasis
Spotify / Instagram / Facebook
T. L. Williams - Skin To Skin
This is one of the most authentically funk jams I have heard in a while. It's almost like a mash-up of Prince, Marvin Gaye and D'Angelo. Silky smooth falsetto vocals with a funky drum beat and modern synth sounds. This is outstanding!
Connect with T. L. Williams
Spotify / Instagram / Facebook
Outasight - Call On Me
This song has incredible funky horns that sound like they would be right at home on a Temptations record. The modern production reminds me of early Mark Ronson. It is a super modern tune with a nod to the funk that came before it.
Connect with Outasight
Spotify / Instagram / Facebook
Becca Hannah - Thick & Thin Feat. Ari Lachenauer
This mid-tempo track is a feel-good funk song. I like the minimalist approach and soulful backing vocals. Nothing sounds overproduced. It is so raw that it almost sounds like musicians recording a live show. Great uplifting vibes!
Connect with Becca Hannah
Spotify / Instagram / Facebook
Connect with Ari Lachenauer
Spotify / Instagram / Facebook
Sepalot & Illa J - my own way
This track reminds me of UK Funk pioneers Incognito. It is very smooth and the program drum beat keeps the funk throughout. The female vocals emit warmth and emotion while the guitar keeps the song moving.
Connect with Sepalot
Spotify / Instagram / Facebook
Connect with Illa J
Spotify / Instagram / Facebook
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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