Behind the Beat: How 'City & States' Came to Life

Every track has a story. 'City & States' isn't just a song — it's a feeling, a memory, a snapshot of a world that exists somewhere between synthwave nostalgia and the pulsing energy of a city that never sleeps. Today I want to take you behind the curtain and share how this Future Funk track came to life.

Where It All Began

The idea for 'City & States' came during one of those late-night production sessions where the city outside the window becomes part of the music itself. I was layering synths, experimenting with chord progressions, and suddenly a groove appeared — something that felt simultaneously familiar and fresh. That groove became the foundation of everything.

Future Funk as a genre draws deeply from 80s Japanese city pop, French house, and disco. It's warm, it's groovy, and it carries an undeniable sense of optimism. I wanted 'City & States' to capture that feeling — like cruising through neon-lit streets with the windows down.

The Sound Design Process

The centrepiece of the track is the chopped vocal sample — a classic Future Funk technique where a vocal loop is pitched, filtered, and rhythmically sliced to become an instrument in its own right. I spent hours finding just the right source material and sculpting it until it locked perfectly into the groove.

On top of that, I built layers of warm Rhodes chords, punchy drum hits, and a bass line that walks between the notes like it has somewhere important to be. Every element was designed to serve the groove — nothing more, nothing less.

Mixing and Mastering the Track

Getting the mix right on a Future Funk track is a delicate balancing act. The genre lives and dies by its warmth — too much high-end and it loses its vintage feel; too much low-end and it becomes muddy. I aimed for that sweet spot where the bass hits hard but never overshadows the groove, and the highs shimmer without being harsh.

The mastering stage was about giving the track the final polish it needed to sit well across all platforms — from Spotify to Apple Music, Amazon Music to Deezer. I kept the dynamics relatively preserved so the track breathes naturally, while ensuring it competes with other releases in the genre.

The Visualizer Video

A Future Funk track needs visuals that match its energy. The official visualizer for 'City & States' was crafted to complement the music's aesthetic — a retrofuturistic cityscape where two figures share a moment against a backdrop of planets, neon skies, and glowing architecture. It's the kind of world the track invites you into.

Stream 'City & States' Now

'City & States' is out now on all major streaming platforms. Whether you're discovering Future Funk for the first time or you've been riding the wave for years, I hope this track adds a little groove to your day. Stream it on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer, or Amazon Music — and if it moves you, share it with someone who needs the vibe.

And if you're a fellow producer or creator, head over to the Freebies section of this site — I've left some goodies for you there. Stay creative. 🎵