When Baile Funk Met UK Garage

By April Clare Welsh

Illustration by McKay Felt

The convergence of musical genres often leads to exhilarating new sounds and dialogues. This is particularly true for baile funk and UK garage (UKG), two vibrant genres hailing from distinct cultural backdrops but united by their infectious energy. Recently, the intersections of these two styles have been increasingly explored in underground music scenes, especially in vibrant venues like Wobble in Rio de Janeiro.

At a recent Wobble event, celebrated producer Fred again.. made a surprise appearance. Known for his eclectic style and ability to resonate with a wide audience, Fred’s curiosity about Brazilian electronic music was palpable. According to Pedro Chediak of Speedtest Records, they engaged in a lengthy conversation about baile funk, illustrating the growing international interest in Latin American club sounds. “I feel like people in general are a little bit over the American way of doing pop music,” Chediak noted, emphasizing the allure of Latin rhythms and the growing diaspora of Latin sounds in club culture.

The Rise of Baile Funk in the UK

Baile funk, initially thriving in the favelas of Brazil, has found a place within London’s underground scene. This cultural exchange has prompted various artists and DJs to blend baile funk’s rhythmic vivacity with the UK’s garage aesthetics. However, as cultural host Gabriela Vallim points out, many listeners might still be unfamiliar with baile funk’s roots. This highlights the need for education and appreciation of the genre’s rich history, which includes influences from samba, funk carioca, and even international styles.

Chediak’s work, which has integrated Brazilian and UK elements over the past four years, is at the forefront of this fusion. He references the similar drum patterns found in both genres, describing how they complement each other to create a distinctive sound. His label, Speedtest, aims to transcend genres, melding the bouncy syncopations of UKG with the undeniable energy of baile funk.

Exploring Hybrid Sounds

An exciting example of this hybridization can be found in Chediak’s track “BRASILEIRINHA.” It fuses UK garage rhythms with pulsating baile funk beats, creating a track that encapsulates the exuberance of both genres. Meanwhile, Speedtest showcases a broad spectrum of sounds, diving into jungles, drum and bass, and footwork, delivering auditory experiences that light up sound systems worldwide.

The historical relationship between UK garage and Brazilian music goes back decades. In the 90s, jungle music emerged in the UK and found its way to Brazil, inspiring a flourishing scene, particularly in São Paulo. Chediak recalls his discovery of Brazilian drum & bass pioneer DJ Marky, whose work illustrates the ongoing interplay between these musical traditions. His pioneering tracks like “LK (Carolina Carol Bela)” demonstrated a beautiful synthesis of UK rap and Brazilian musical influences.

Essential Releases

Numerous contemporary releases are further cementing the union of baile funk and UK garage. For instance, the compilation VOLT MIX: O Retorno (Lado A) showcases a diverse array of artists experimenting with maximalist dubstep, video game bleeps, and playful remixes. It captures the essence of the cultural exchange, promoting a free-spirited celebration of sound.

Another noteworthy project is 2SMBR VOL. 1 from the São Paulo collective 2 STEP MAFIA BRASIL, highlighting six Brazilian artists building on the foundations of 2-step and UKG. This compilation exemplifies a “troca cultural,” bridging geographical and sonic gaps to explore a new musical vocabulary.

DJ Doggo’s double single “Ésselou”/“Latido Ao Luar” furthers this exploration with its bright synths and vibrant garage shuffle, while Chediak & Crosstalk’s Cheditalk exemplifies the merging of rhythms and styles in one cohesive project. They strive to celebrate the rich Black musical traditions from which these genres originate.

Forward-Thinking Artists

Artists like BJ3 and Naiche are also contributing to this evolving landscape. BJ3’s tracks, filled with the modern infusion of UK garage beats and a nod to his coastal Brazilian roots, brings a fresh perspective. Naiche, who merges experiences from punk rock into electronic sounds, creates a dynamic interplay of rhythm and melody that resonates deeply.

Badsista, another key player in this scene, blurs genres, showcasing his ability to smoothly transition from trap bass to techno influences. His work underscores the importance of genre fluidity and innovation in the current musical landscape.

Conclusion

The meeting of baile funk and UK garage presents an exciting opportunity for artists to redefine traditional boundaries and create sonic art that speaks to a global audience. As international collaboration continues to flourish, the vibrant sounds of Brazil are poised to influence and reshape the club culture in the UK and beyond, making it a thrilling time for music lovers worldwide.