We are excited to present the eleventh installment of A Handsome Mixtape. They’re all ridiculously talented, unbelievably cool and will have you breaking out your best dance moves in an instant. Read on to see Funk Ferret’s interview…
We’re loving this mix. What was the inspiration behind it?
This one was put together especially for Splore 2012 (a huge summer festival here in NZ). I had a primetime spot and wanted to throw down something large. It was the first festival I’ve played at, and I knew the crowd would be big!
When did you first get the music bug?
Definitely at a young age. I was always fascinated with sound and musical instruments. I had this sweet little Casio keyboard when I was about 8, and I remember buying one of my first cassette tapes. It was Skee Lo’s cassingle I Wish. I Still love that track today!
What music did your parents play?
My Mum was the big music collector on the house, I used to sift through all her old records and tapes… I mostly remember Boney M, Michael Jackson, Beach Boys, Elvis, James Brown, The Beatles, The Doors, CCR, Bee Gees, The Eagles, The Rolling Stones. She had a heap of really cool stuff, and I’m stoked I had access to all this when I was young.
Who would you like to play with in the future?
Well, it’s gotta be the big boys.. Featurecast, A-Skillz, Funkanomics etc. The kings of the game!
What’s the next big thing in music?
I’ll never know what’s happening next in the music scene. It’s constantly evolving. It amazes me the new and incredible stuff people are doing every day, and I’m astounded that new genres are still being created.
For me, I’m just pushing through trying to develop my own unique sound. Nothing is huge these days unless it ground breaking.. Just gotta keep pushing for that new amazing sound that no one has heard before.
Any cool collaborations coming up?
Plenty of awesome collabs waiting to get started with a few great producers here in NZ, and a couple more on the cards from Aussie and the UK. Just need some time. DJs and producers are very busy people!
…and I suppose I better plug my first original 12” vinyl release haha.. Coming out through Boogie Boutique early April. An upbeat, electrified, chunky breakbeat banger with vocals by the amazingly talented ‘Imagine This’ Check it out!
Is fashion important to music and vice versa?
Of course.. The first and most powerful image that pops into my head when you ask that is RUN DMC!! Look at what those guys and many others have done for music and fashion combined.
Do you prefer your ladies in a bikini or a one-piece?
Haha.. It’s gotta be a bikini!
What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened to you at a gig?
Pretty classic.. Some guy was so amazed to meet the Funk Ferret, he told his girlfriend to give me a kiss on the cheek.
What do you think is the one quality that makes a DJ great?
I can’t nail it down to just one, but the most important thing would have to be that you are enjoying yourself! I know that sounds cheesy, but I know for sure if you absolutely love what you are doing, you’ll happily develop your own style and sound. You’ll grow bigger and better at what you do, and you’ll have no trouble finding fans and followers. They’ll come to you, it just takes time. Be patient and push on through!
How would you describe your self and your style in three words?
Small, furry and sneaky.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t give up. So so true.
What’s your signature drink?
Good tequila, lime & gingerbeer.
Tracklisting:
Dr. Dre – Smoke Weed Everyday (The Next Episode) – Smylee RMX
Funk Ferret & Imagine This – Pushin’ Forward (12″ wax April release on Boogie Boutique)
GRiZ – Rock n Roll – Funk Ferret Cut
WBBL – WBBL Up Here
Ray Charles – Good Thymes – Opiuo RMX
Slynk – Smoothness
Prince – Seven – Love & Light RMX
Koan Sound – Talk Box – Funk Ferret RMX
Slynk – Boomin’
Father Funk – Check It Out
The Asteriod’s Galaxy Tour – Golden Age – Pimpsoul’s Jam for Shamb Refunk
Featurecast – Party Starter
Featurecast – Ike’s School
JFB Feat. Mr Dero – Fizzy Bubla
DJ Twister aka Vinyl Cat – I Got A Ghetto Woman
Tim McVicar – Lad Mad On Her
Tonic – Smack
Funkanomics – Jucachavezxx
Krafty Kuts & Featurecast – Headbanger
The Doors – Peace Frog – The Captain RMX
DJ Soo – The Message – DJ Soo RMX
The Commmitments – Mustang Sally – Bezwun RMX
Funk Ferret – Get Back To Funk
The Captain – Got To Change (Your Evil Ways)
Funk Ferret – Rockin’ Rollin’
Funk Ferret – Bust Up The Boogie
DJ Soo & Tim Livingstone – Boom!
Funk Ferret – Fonky Magnum
If you adore this mix as much as we do and want to hear more from the amazing Funk Ferret, check out his website and soundcloud.