Funkagenda is a name that is fast becoming buzz word in the world of house music…
After a series of blistering remixes in his role as Groovedigital’s in-house engineer and A+R Manager, he makes sure that nothing leaves the studio without the Funkagenda seal of approval.

And this attention to detail has not gone unnoticed… DJs + Producers from all across the house world have been flocking to his studio for that ‘Funk Farm’ sound. His list of engineering clients reads like a who’s who in house music, with artists such as Trophy Twins, Mark Knight, ATFC, DJ Exacta and Punkrok all queuing up to create dancefloor killers. 2006 really has been Groovedigital’s year with track releases and remixes from artists such as Micky Slim, James Talk, Trophy Twins, Chad Lewis and Funkagenda himself. 2007 looks set to be even bigger. We caught up with the Funkagenda and his Groovedigital partner in crime Chad Lewis to talk production, DJing and all things house…..

Chad Lewis
How did you get into DJing?

I got in to DJing in the mid 80’s out of a love for the very early house, everything else that was around then just seemed to pale in comparison to this new style of music that I was sure was going to sweep the nation off its feet, I was right!

Funkagenda
How did Groovedigital Recordings come about?

Well, Chad and myself had been friends for a while, and had worked on some other projects together. I had a studio, and he had a dream and between us we could make it work. Its always been based on two things, good solid house, and good solid friendship.

Chad Lewis
So what have you been up to recently?

I have been busy with studio commitments for remixes and label stuff as well as playing out as much as pos, I also run a successful club night in Birmingham @ Club DV8 so things are crazy right now.

Funkagenda
So what sort of tunes and remixes have you got coming out?

The next release on GD is by Adrian Eftimie, and is called ‘No Side Effect’. The track has already enjoyed huge chart success in Europe so we are looking to put a good package together for the underground circuit. Next will be two great tracks by J-Groove and Isaac S, who have had previous releases on Subliminal Soul. Alongside the original there will be mixes by myself, Kim Fai and Jimmy Hill. Aside from GD there are too many to mention! San Francisco is my first solo release on Toolroom records and I’m very proud of it. Its got remixes by Micky Slim, Kim Fai, Shafunkers and Dave Spoon, so it’s a wicked package! As we speak I am finishing off a remix of Lustral’s “Everytime” to accompany their forthcoming album.

Chad Lewis
How do you see yourself evolving over the next few years?

I’m not sure at this point as I’m too busy concentrating on the here and now, last year was a great year for house music with things moving very quickly so if that continues the next few years could be very interesting indeed!

Funkagenda
Where have you been playing recently?

Well before Christmas I was touring in Thailand, Moscow, Dubai, New York and Budapest to name but a few! I also had all of my UK commitments in between, including my debut at Global Gathering. That was amazing!

Funkagenda
Over the last year you have had a lot of success with your production work. Do you think all DJ’s should be producing?

Anyone serious about their music and becoming a permanent fixture on the house scene should seriously consider trying it, as it’s a great way of expressing your own personal style.

Chad Lewis
What do you think of the state of the UK dance scene right now?
There have been a lot of changes in 2006, and whilst the music scene has enjoyed a great year I feel that the clubbing scene could do with pushing forward more musically as a lot of the places we go to the people seem to be stuck in a time warp!

Funkagenda
Moving away from your own production, what artists feature in your DJ sets at the moment?
What labels and artists are doing it for you right now?

Well my favorite producer of late has to be Dave Spoon. He seems to get away with straggling between house and techno with a massive slab of groove to polish it off! Also Mark Knight, MTV, Ame and Dennis Ferrer have been on fire recently. Aside from Groove, I play pretty much all of Toolroom’s releases, and have just found a great new label called ‘Shove’. The first two tracks from them are permanent fixtures in my bag.

Chad Lewis
What Dj’s would you like to produce for and what DJ’s would you like to play with?

I enjoy producing for anyone really as it’s a chance to put my spin on things. Amongst my favorite DJs are Carl Cox + James Zabiela, but that is to name but a few!

Funkagenda
What has been your greatest achievement and your favorite gig?

Always two really difficult questions! I am still aiming for my greatest achievement so I will tell you when I am done! As far as fave gigs, anything in Eastern Europe tends to be a blast! They really know how to party…

Chad Lewis
What would you be doing if you weren’t a DJ?

I love all aspects of the industry so I guess I would be doing something in the same area, I already promote the GD brand full time as well as club tours and production so I guess I would be busy in one way or another.

Funkagenda and Chad Lewis
Finally then, what does the future hold for you and Groovedigital?

We will continue to push and break through new artists, as well as staying true to our roots musically. You can expect a great year from Groove and release wise there are some crackers on the way! We will also be promoting the brand and touring worldwide.

Groovedigital’s latest release, Funkagenda presents TIKK TAKK  . ‘good to me’ with remixes from Chad Lewis, Kim Fai, Rogue DJ’s remix’s in the shops this week.

www.myspace.com/funkagenda
www.myspace.com/djchadlewis

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