Uptown Funk Empire: Masters of Modern Funk Revival

Uptown Funk Empire is a dynamic British band at the forefront of the contemporary funk and soul revival. Hailing from London, the group achieved significant commercial success with their debut album, which charted across Europe and earned a gold certification in the United Kingdom.

Early career

The collective formed in London in 2012, born from the city's vibrant underground live music scene. Initially gaining a reputation for their explosive club residencies, they self-released their first EP, "The Get Down," in 2014, which caught the attention of several independent labels.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2016 with their debut album, "Royal Funk," released on the independent label Funkwave Records. The album's lead single, "Soul Glow," became a sleeper hit, eventually peaking at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart and driving the album to gold status within six months.

Key tracks

Soul Glow — This breakthrough single defined their signature sound, blending classic funk basslines with modern production.

Royal Funk — The title track from their debut album became a staple on European dancefloors and soul radio.

Disco Inferno 2.0 — A 2018 collaboration with producer Mark Ronson showcased their ability to modernize classic disco sounds.

Uptown Shuffle — This track from their second album highlights their sophisticated horn arrangements and tight rhythm section.

The success of "Royal Funk" led to extensive international touring and festival appearances throughout 2017 and 2018. Their sophomore album, "Electric City," released in 2019, debuted at number 8 on the UK Albums Chart and featured collaborations with artists like vocalist Beverly Knight. The band has consistently emphasized analog recording techniques and live instrumentation, a philosophy that has earned them respect from both classic soul enthusiasts and new listeners.

For fans of Uptown Funk Empire's energetic blend of classic and contemporary grooves, similar artists include The New Mastersounds, another UK-based group renowned for their instrumental funk prowess. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings share a deep commitment to the raw, authentic sound of vintage soul. The modern production flair can also be heard in the work of Breakbot, who merges French touch with funk influences. Lastly, Vulfpeck offers a similarly playful and technically adept approach to the funk genre.

The music of Uptown Funk Empire maintains strong rotation on a variety of radio formats, particularly on specialist funk and soul stations, mainstream classic hits FM, and online radio streams dedicated to independent music. Their tracks are frequently featured in prime-time slots that celebrate dance music heritage.

Listeners can explore the vibrant catalog of Uptown Funk Empire through the radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to discover their hits and deep cuts on the variety of funk, soul, and classic hits stations available on onairium.com.