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  Phuturesonic Interview
interview 0594 added 12.07.09 words:
J~Bright
technical:
Spoon
It's 26 degrees outside, 250 on the Tube. The great British summer's here and stone-broke Brits are in a slightly better mood. And as always complementing the British summer is the great British sound.
Here in Blighty we've long garnered respect for pushing a few boundaries musically. UK hip hop in particular, having evolved quite organically, has taken itself down numerous paths and into new forms.
And a new group making waves aim to continue the legacy. Phuturesonic have already been described by the likes of Akala as "'the perfect summer listen...one to watch", and have received praise from other big names across various genres.
Taking their influences from an extensive variety of music, Phuturesonic's hip hop knows no bounds. The self-styled 'funk hop' outfit has evolved from what was once a small studio project, the brainchild of eclectic producer Henry G.
Now a fully-fledged live force, Phuturesonic the band has taken on amongst the most talented musicians Britain has to offer, breathing new life and dynamic to the original studio vibe. And with ripping vocals harking a positive message for these somewhat troubled times, sounds like these are just what'll make this British summer great.
First and foremost, who are Phuturesonic?
We are Henry G - Producer, Keys, Samples, Melanie Jane - Vox, Jon Audio - MC/Rapper, Jon Speedy - Guitar, Jimmy Norden - Drums, and Adam King - Bass.
You describe yourselves as 'funk hop', where did the original inspiration come from?
 Henry G It started off with me in the studio, writing tunes inspired by my love of hip hop, soul, funk drum and bass and jazz. I met Mel through a night called Nizim, she did some vocals on a few tunes which worked really well.
I came up with the name Phuturesonic after the underground soundsystem - Sonic, which I was involved with for many years prior to this project. I met Jon Audio, got him in the studio with Mel and I knew I was onto something.
This evolved from a studio project - why did you decide to take on live musicians and vocals?
Henry G I started recording and using more and more live instruments which started to shape Phuturesonic's sound, and it became clear that a fully live band was the logical progression.
Jon Audio People prefer seeing a live band.
How did you find you eventually grew as a unit to find your sound?
Henry G Once we started rehearsing it was strange for me at first, hearing my productions transformed by these incredible musicians. Our live sound is as much influenced by their individual styles and where they have come from musically, as from my original recordings. This meeting of minds has given birth to what we now call funk hop.
Jon Audio I see us as a live funk, jazz, hip hop band with a sprinkling of drum and bass.
Jon and Mel - how do you approach a track lyrically?
Mel Sometimes we think of an idea together and sometimes Henry brings a track and we get out our pads and write. Other times we vibe and freestyle over a track and just feel it.
Jon Audio Sometimes me and Mel write together too over a vibe or concept, It can happen either way, whatever happens happens. As long as it sounds good!
Mel We try and write reflective and nostalgic lyrics with absolutely no rules.
What was it about the project that appealed to each musician?
 Mel The chance to create hip hop that was positive, accessible. I could use my soul voice and mix it with hip hop influences.
Jon Audio I just love playing this kind of music in a live band, the vibe is that much stronger and there's nothing like rocking a crowd with ya crew on stage with you.
The hip hop / jazz fusion outfit has been a popular combination in the past, what new elements do you feel Phuturesonic bring to the scene?
Henry G We embrace more than just jazz and hip hop, we are experimenting with different rhythms and sounds from latin to bossa, to afro-beat.
Jon Audio Absolutely, as much as we are at home with jazz, hip hop, and what Henry said, we also throw funk, rock and drum and bass into the melting pot too.
Jon Speedy It’s a 21st Century take on hip hop/funk/fusion embracing the sounds of yesterday and the sounds of today.
Is there a lot of improvisation that goes into its construction?
Jon Speedy Absolutely, the roots of hip hop are in jazz, it's all connected. We build the live versions through jamming and improvisation anyway.
What are most proud of achieving so far?
Henry G Well firstly, I'm very proud to have our debut single released in June, and I feel humbled by the opportunity to work with such creative and lovely people.
Jon Audio Seeing the smiles on peoples faces when they leave our shows from the positive messages we send out.
Mel I am proud of everything Phuturesonic have done.
Your debut single is 'World Adrift', could you expand on it a little?
Mel It's about when people feel detached from this world, as there is a tendency for people to focus on materialism. People should look a little deeper and find their positivity.
Jon Audio Damn right, positivity breeds unity. We all get caught up in our beliefs and our personal missions, whatever they may be. This is about connecting.
Jon Speedy Good vibes are spreading.
Mel It's good to know people we made links with in the past are supporting what we are doing.
Adam King Happy Days.
 How have you taken to the more of the commercial side of things?
Henry G To be honest, I wasn't looking forward to dealing with the business side of things; setting up the label, dealing with press and PR. But in the last few months I've learned loads about how the industry works and I have surprised myself by taking on roles I never envisaged.
Jon Audio I knew when me, Mel and Henry set up the label, we had loads of experience between us in different areas, and that we could make this happen. We all naturally took our roles and positions as directors of the label, with a common goal to bring funk hop and the music of Phuturesonic to the masses.
Mel As far as it possibly can.
You've received a lot of high-profile support, how has that been for the team?
Jon Audio We're getting lots of bookings and a great response. It feels like there is a real crying out for a positive hip hop band.
What's next? Are there other vocalists or musicians you would like to work with?
Mel We want to bring in an afro-beat/dub flavour. Phuturesonic is the unit it is, we want to focus on the people we have around us.
Jon Audio Damn right, at the minute it's all about exploring our own creative outlets.
Henry G In the future, however, I can see us working with other players as we grow, incorporating strings and horns to expand the sound.
Jon Audio The drive is to create the best music we possibly can.
Henry G There are many paths that we could take, but one thing's for sure we intend to stay fresh and continue to push boundaries. The phuture's bright, the phuture's sonic!
And finally – your shameless plugs, upcoming dates, and shout-outs please…
Jon Audio Hold tight Jeremy Sylvester, Jon Kennedy, Rob Parton from Nizim, Nicky from Phuture Trax, Radical PR, Nick and all the No Rest for the Wicked fam, Arya Fathi who directed our video, check it out on You Tube peeps! ukhh.com, London Live Hip Hop, Sensei FM, Conform, and everyone who has come see us live and supported in any way. You Know who you are!
The single 'World Adrift' came out June 21st. It's available through Funkhop Records with International Distribution by Kudos Records
 Mel All the wonderful people who have supported us and given us feedback to help us on our beautiful journey.
Adam King My mum.
Henry G Don't forget Paul Penfold, who created our logo, Si Chai and the Chai Wallah family, all my friends and family who have supported me over the years and kept me going, far too many to name individually.
Hope to see you all at Beach Break Live Festival and Secret Garden Party, don't be shy get in touch with us at www.myspace.com/phuturesonic for bookings, new music, and upcoming gigs.
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J~Bright
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