Groove Radar: Funky Picks of the Month - July 2026
Ten groove-heavy tracks packed with irresistible rhythms and feel-good energy!
Featuring Jason Dhakal, The Motet, Chidi, Five Door Sedan, C3zr, Jontan, Lael Summer, Justin Maki, Lucy Robinson, Manasseh, Galaxy Francis, and Miah V.
Funk music always seems to put me in a positive state of mind. I’ve always felt that funk is one of the most vibrant and infectious genres in music. As we move into July, the boundaries between funk, soul, R&B, and even modern pop continue to blur beautifully, but the groove remains at the heart of it all. From deep-pocket drumbeats and hypnotic basslines to sharp guitar chops, infectious horn sections, and soulful vocal performances, the artists featured this month show just how much life there still is in the funk.
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Funk That Instantly Makes You Feel Good! Funk / Soul / RnB / Acid Jazz
Jason Dhakal - Paradise (feat. Sitti)
This mid-tempo song is a perfect marriage of RnB and Funk. I am a big fan of RnB songs that use real musicians. This drummer is incredibly talented. Laying down a sweet 16th-note funk beat through the song, which gives it its funkiness. The singer makes you feel the words through her dynamics and gorgeous tone. This song would feel right at home on the movie ‘Love Jones’ soundtrack.
Connect with Jason Dhakal
Spotify | Instagram
Connect with Sitti
Spotify
The Motet - Natural Light
This is a great example of modern funk! The retro synth lines sound like they belong on a Parliment/Funledelic record! Just super funky. The drumbeat has very few notes but locks in the groove for the bass player to sit on. Constant vocal harmony gives emotion to the song, which delivers multiple memorable hooks. I’m a new fan of this band.
Connect with The Motet
Spotify | Instagram | Facebook
Chidi - Isn't Love a Curse?
This is a great throwback to old school funk. The guitar tone is very reminiscent of Sly and the Family Stone. The hypnotic drumbeat creates a groove that has the drummer and bassist lock in perfectly. The vocal harmonies are RnB sounding with great-sounding close intervals.
I like the raw production that lets you hear how well the vocals sit in the mix. Very cool!
Connect with Chidi
Spotify | Instagram
Five Door Sedan - Everything
This is a great-sounding modern funk tune. The fierce-sounding slap bass reminds me of early Fishbone. It is used to help create movement in the groove, not just for show. The guitar part is minimal but really allows the organ space to breathe. The drummer has a nice pocket, and there is a killer sax solo at 2.42. Check out this band of awesome musicians.
Connect with Five Door Sedan
Spotify | Instagram
C3zr & Jontan - LUA
This song has strong Latin vibes, but the groove is classic funk. If you speed the drumbeat up, it would be classic James Brown. The vocalist has a lovely tone, and the song’s melody sits perfectly in his register. There are beautiful jazz-influenced chords on the keyboards.
The vocal melodies are soulful and low in the mix so as not to interfere with the main melody. This song will definitely make you feel good!
Connect with C3zr
Spotify | Facebook | Instagram
Connect with Jontan
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Lael Summer - It's About Soul - 2026 Remix
I really love this funky soul track! The vocals just ooze emotion. The wah-wah guitar part reminds me of Funky Legends The Meters. Even the chord progression is old school. I like it when bands use few chords but really make the changes work.
You will have to listen closely for the horn harmonies, which fall perfectly under the melody. A great track!
Connect with The Lael Project
Spotify | Instagram
Justin Maki - Wasting Time
This track is a mash-up of Funk, Indie and Pop. It has a super funky synth bassline, which serves as a countermelody. The singer has an impressive falsetto that adds to the song's overall dynamic. The drummer has a great laid-back groove, adding an implied swing to the funk.
This track is unusual in the best possible way.
Connect with Justin Maki
Spotify | Instagram
Lucy Robinson - Let Down
Photo credit Andre Cante (@andremilnoches)
This mid-tempo song brings the funk, gospel, and RnB to the table. The song structure also has pop sensibilities. The singer has a beautiful tone to her voice, making this track very radio-friendly. The synth bass sound goes well with the organ, which has an 80’s feel to it.
The gospel harmonies are full and make this a pleasure to listen to.
Connect with Lucy Robinson
Spotify | Instagram
Manasseh - JUNIE ft. Galaxy Francis
Photo credit: Rikkie Khrist
This track is hard to put in a box when it comes to genre. The beat is funky, while the organ leans more towards gospel music. There is a rap toward the end of the song, which kind of makes it hip hop. Then there are the vocal harmonies, which are pure soul.
Although there are multiple influences in this song, they somehow fit together perfectly.
Connect with Manasseh
Spotify | Instagram
Connect with Galaxy Francis
Spotify | Instagram
Miah V - BooSki
This track is heavily influenced by contemporary RnB but has an undercurrent of funk with its feel-good nature. It is definitely a song to play at a party if people are looking bored and you need them to lighten up!
The chorus has a really strong vocal hook that you will remember long after the first listen. The funky drum programming moves between straight time and halftime on the hi-hat. This is a cool tune.
Connect with Miah V
Spotify | Instagram
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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