Home

Independent Label Market - 30th Nov 2013

Nov 2013

We'll be stalling out at the Independent Label Market this Saturday (30th Nov) at Old Spitalfields Market, it's on from 11am until 5pm... check out the floor plan in the link below and come and say hello!

independentlabelmarket.tumblr.com

View Layout

Max Essa - Coast To Coast

Oct 2013

Just because we love them (and why not?), we've decided to release a brace of Max Essa jams. Taken from his most recent Bearfunk album outing 'Won Ton Sunset', 'Coast To Coast (Heading East)' is a slick motor-highway boogie track, with slinky guitar licks, bounding drums and smooth pad tones. Disco Doubles flip the vibe with their Kosmiche rendition, Motorik drums bump under the gritty synths and sunburst guitar plucks to create more of a midnight drive than a sunlit cruise if you get the drift.

Buy LCD £

The Bank - Lagos Tahoe

Sept 2013

It is with great pleasure from us here at Bearfunk that we can return to you avid listeners the funk driven maestros that are The Bank. The trio return to us with the first single from 'Upper Class' - 'Lagos Tahoe'. If you are a fan of their last album (and we know there were a lot of you!) then you know of the gentle brilliance that Lagos Tahoe delivered and this single will not disappoint. Featuring remixes from Leftside Wobble, Al Kent, Frank Agrario and Mushrooms Project it has already shaped up into a corker of a release.

Buy LCD £

Max Essa - Won Ton Sunrise (Single)

Aug 2013

Off the back of his double album release Max Essa has released his first single from the first of the 2 albums, Won Ton Sunrise has returned from its orbit around the earth for another appearance. Opening up the single we have the 12" mix of Won Ton Sunrise, still as majestic as the first time it graced your ears it now has some added subtleties and soft hearted progressive flicks remind you of what you experienced the first time you came across the album.

Buy LCD £

Max Essa - Won Ton Sunset

Aug 2013

Dropping back in from its journey through the sky, Max Essa has delivered the follow up album from his recent release 'Won Ton Sunrise'. Aptly named 'Won Ton Sunset' this album reuters the subtle sophistication that is the creativity of Mr Essa.

Buy CD £

Max Essa - Won Ton Sunrise

July 2013

The music of Tokyo-based Englishman Max Essa is like a fine wine, it can be only stored in the finest oak barrels, it can only be aged correctly and it can only be drunk when completely ready. Max's approach is far from conventional, emotional content plays a major part in his works and now we find him on his third Bearfunk long player "Won Ton Sunrise".

Buy 1 X 12" LP £

The Beat Broker - Limited Time

May 2013

Another scoop here at Bearfunk mansions, we are proud to present the debut LP from San Francisco's finest The Beat Broker. The Beat Broker or Ryan Bishop (to his folks) is born and raised in southern California. Currently residing in San Francisco, he has been big influence around globe sharing his sunshine sound in many different guises.

Buy 2 X 12" LP £

King DJ - Let Me See You Feel

May 2013

It's always a special occasion in the Bear Funk HQ when we get to rub shoulders with royalty, but that moment has come round again and the one and only King DJ has stepped down from his throne, graced us with his presence and delivered another prestigious album for his subjects. Coming at you with his very unique blend of disco, funk and house, 'Let Me See You Feel' is album that could only come from a royal mind.

Buy CD £

Fernando - Float

Feb 2013

Upon the first listen, the work of Fernando unfolds directly on your brain and leaves a long lasting feeling of drama. Fernando Pulichino is one those lucky guys who can pick up any instrument and write songs without breaking a sweat.

Buy 2 x 12" LP £

Blakula! - Paint It Red

Jan 2013

Only animals come out at night. Blakula is out on the streets again, totally lost, left alone to his own vices. What starts out as a kissing, follows him like a bad curse, like a wind seeking crevices under his heart.

Buy CD £

Fernando - Decadance

Dec 2012

Next up on Bearfunk we take a jaunt to Buenos Aires and call in on the extremely talented Fernando (Pulichino). Our man comes with a fine pedigree whether it be the via his remake of the Bauhaus classic "Kick in the Eye" or a parade of fine releases and remixes for labels like International Feel, Under the Shade, Internasjonal and Nang. He also very busy touring as part of the 2020 Soundsystem band and he is also in Silver City with Julian Sanza.

Buy LCD £

Soirée - Let's Play Tennis - NOW OUT ON VINYL

Nov 2012

Soirée are back with another slice synergy that only these devoted individuals could make. The Soiree sound is a gumbo of flavours bonded together with a "let's have fun" production ethos. Max Essa and Stevie Kotey created the Soiree project to write quirky yet funky songs which show their love of experimentation.

Buy 1 x 12" LP £

Bearfunk double header this weekend

Nov 2012

On Friday 9th November we bring the big paws over to Ferrari country. The Bank (Live), Stevie Kotey, Bottin and Fabrizio Mammarella...the flyer is here..... and the Facebook Event!

Then we head to Gratis Club Senigallia the following night!

A seriously BIG weekend with our Italian brothers and sisters !!

The Bank - Upper Class - NOW OUT ON VINYL

August 2012

The Bank is a trio comprising of Francesco Brini, Domenico Loparco and Emanuele Zullo. Seriously good musician's with a love of afro & dub. These guys tour the world as the backing band for the acclaimed American singer / songwriter Jeff Jones. Brini has already built up an impressive catalogue of music himself, recording as Frank Agrario for Prins Thomas's Internasjonal and also as a drummer for electronic pioneers Swayzak.

Buy CD Album £ Buy 1 x 12" LP £

King DJ - Galactic Playmate EP

Sept 2012

Belgian based sonic operator, King DJ, is a very important chap. What with running his fine "Regalia" label imprint, a host of remixes and gigs and even releases (such as his fine 'Attack Of The Killer Monks' EP on Bearfunk) We are pretty lucky to receive material from his royal highness. An EP yes we are gracious! But an upcoming album, we are bestowed indeed.

Buy LCD £

Clap Rules - The Golden Remixes

Aug 2012

Bearfunk and Clap Rules have commissioned a blinding collection of remixes of their exemplary 2011 album, 'Golden Hands.' It features edits from In Flagranti, Mock and Toof, Daniel Maloso and the mighty Emperor Machine all wrapped up on a double sided 12".

Buy Vinyl £

Peter Visti - Illusions In A Twisted Mind - NOW AVAILABLE ON VINYL

July 2012

Peter Visti comes back to the fold with his second album on Bearfunk, entitled 'Illusions In A Twisted Mind.' Peter, born and bred in Denmark earn't his stripes in the late 80's and early 90's as a DJ, Producer and Club Promoter at the cooler venues around Europe, spreading his unique brand of weird Disco and Balearic love the world over - From Tokyo, to London, via New York and Barcelona.

Buy CD Album £ Buy 1 x 12" LP £

Tobor Experiment Disco Experience - The Remix Experience

May 2012

The word genius is not a term we like to use loosely when speaking about our artists but Giorgio Sancristoforo aka Tobor Experiment fits the bill. A gifted musician, soft synth designer, found sound pioneer and he still finds time to make forward thinking disco pop for Bearfunk as Tobor Experiment "Disco Experience"

Buy LCD £

10 Years Of Bearfunk

March 2012

Yes its true Bearfunk celebrates 10 years of musical tomfoolery this year. So to mark this landmark occasion we have put together a truly jam packed year of releases. Also look out for the Bearfunk on the road. We are planning to take over a few nightspots around the globe where you'll be able to hear and see live acts and DJ's from our roster. Full details as and when we confirm the tour.

Release Me

March 2012

So the year is jammed packed of releases and were sure your keen to find out more. So here goes. April sees Blakula release their second long player for Bearfunk entitled "Back From Mystery City". We could be here all day writing about this wonderful piece of music, but we noticed a rather excellent review over at the excellent Test Pressing site and we all agree they pretty much sum up exactly how we feel about this rather special piece of music check it!

Then in we welcome back Peter Visti also with his second LP "Illusions In A Twisted Mind" and boy is it twisted! Pete has been involved in some of our biggest releases in the last few years so you know delivers the goods every time. A sonic journey, posh but accessible warm and lovely.

We then head back to our Italy for Clap Rules remixed actually it's "The Golden Remixes" We pulled in a few favors and a stunning set of remixes from Emperor Machine, Daniel Maloso, Mock & Toof and In Flagranti. High quality artwork and vinyl pressing make this a very attractive package.

The rather outlandish duo Soiree also steps up with another long player! Yes the widely anticipated follow up to Zim Zim Zah Zah is called "Let's Play Tennis" Label boss Stevie Kotey and Bearfunk stalwart Max Essa return with probably their best work ever together. A rock, disco ethnic showdown with Balearic touches is filled with fun, comedy and a serious amount of funk. You can hear a little here via Stevie's soundcloud page make sure you follow his updates !

New Signings

March 2012

We are more than happy to announce some new additions to our ever growing roster yes how do we find the time? Direct from the streets of San Francisco we welcome The Beat Broker!!! We've been monitoring his work for some time and after a bit of gentle persuasion from the big bear we made him enter studio and not leave till he made us an LP. One word "stunning".

We then head back to our most giving country ever yes its back to Italy! Not content with raiding the home of the roman empire of Bottin, Fabrizio Mammarella, Clap Rules, Blakula and The Diaphanoids. We sign The Bank The debut album from the Italian band the bank saw the light in Lake Tahoe (NV) while touring with the US singer Jeff Jones, a huge snow storm hit the lake and the band were stuck so they went for a studio session. Believe it or not "the day after tomorrow" scenario inspired the Afro Disco sound of The Bank, a collection of reggae and funk 7" came out of nowhere to spice up the game and rest is history.

We then head to east to Bucharest the Romanian capital. Stevie visited their last year and spent time with Ion a friend and fellow producer he has been speaking with for many years. Stevie was always impressed with the productions coming out of his studio and finally made his move to sign many of N-am studios productions. Here we see the dubbed out duo Delusion Men which consists of Ion and Camil a psyched out dub disco production with no limits!!

Rools For Rules 2

September 2011

Bearfunk bring the second coming of Rools For Rules with the leanest selection of nu-disco around, mixed meticulously by the infamous Fabrizio Mammarella of Clap Rules.

Buy CD Album £

Clap Rules - Golden Hands

July 2011

The Bearfunk bandwagon just keeps rolling! Not content with providing some of the best moments in Leftfield dance we again head back to Italy so Clap Rules can show us their "Golden Hands"

Clap Rules is the new pseudonym of Fabrizio Mammarella, Andrea Gabriele and Max Leggieri: who in their own words "make experiments with dance music"

Buy CD Album £ Buy 2 x 12" LP £

Tobor Experiment Disco Experience - Tobor Experiment Disco Experience

June 2011

Buy CD Album £

Bottin - Horror Disco - 2 x 12" LP

May 2011

Just because we loved this album so much we decided to release it as a 2 x 12" LP. Bottin's also dropped in a couple of new mixes & a brand new track, all of which are exclusive to the LP.

Buy 2 x 12" LP £

Lasertom & The Blast Crew - Two Sides EP

May 2011

Next up on the good ship Bear is a brand new artist. One we think is headed onto big things. We are pretty lucky to be putting out his first single to be honest. Lasertom and his Blast Crew are from sunny Dublin. They make laid-back, slo-mo disco with real instruments (bass, guitar, brass) in a style which just oozes quality.

Buy Vinyl £

Peter Visti - Love Is The Key

March 2011

Our man Peter was born and bred in Denmark. He first cut the mustard in the late 80's and early 90's as a DJ, Producer and Club Promoter at many of the cooler venues around Europe, spreading Disco and Balearic love, and his fearsome reputation, the world over. Aside from the odd meeting at gigs we formalized our adoring musical relationship with Mr Visti when, in 2010, we released his and Meyland's self titled debut - "Visti and Meyland". It turned out to be one of the most successful albums from the house-of-Bear to date. Not but a year later, when the stunning solo affair "Love Is The Key" turned up, we needed no persuasion….

Buy CD Album £ Buy 2 x 12" LP £

Various Artists - Hibernation volume 2

March 2011

It's that time again; the bears come out of their winter Hibernation and take stock of the idyllic beauty that is all around them. Upon opening their weary sleep filled eyes, the sound of a new season floats through the air like Doves gliding through morning sun.

Buy CD Album £

Ilija Rudman - The Reveal

Feb 2011

We are reminded here that machines do have soul if used properly.

Buy CD Album £

Max Essa - Midnight and Dub Direction EP

Jan 2011

Japan based, multi-instrumentalist, Max Essa, has done it again for us here in the Bearfunk Forest ...

Buy Vinyl £

Various Artists - The World Of Progressive Disco

Jan 2011

We doubt you'll hear much like this around at the moment and we sincerely hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed putting it together.

Buy CD Album £

Blakula - Permanent Midnight (The Library Versions Vol 1)

Dec 2010

Blakula is a black vampire born in Haiti, hibernated in Transylvania and defrosted in New York City. It’s 1977. After living for too long among the humans Blakula starts to enjoy life to the full, even its darkest aspects.

Buy LCD £

Kotey Extra Band - Full Length

Dec 2010

Finally the chief bear gets some music together for his ‘Full Length’ musical experience. Kotey Extra Band isn’t really a fully fledged band so they had no rehearsals, no missing bass players, no fights over who plays the lead guitar and certainly no groupies.

Buy CD Album £

Visti & Meyland - Leave Your Worries

Nov 2010

We would like to say it was all part of a big bombastic plan….the biggest selling Bearfunk artist, a top song, the Prague Philharmonic, 40 piece strings and some great remixes all to celebrate Bearfunk’s 50th release, but alas, it was not! BFK050 is actually the 67th single release on Bearfunk.

Buy 12" Vinyl £

News

Oct 13 Max Essa - Coast To Coast
Sept 13 The Bank - Lagos Tahoe
Aug 13 Max Essa - Won Ton Sunrise (Single)
Aug 13 Max Essa - Won Ton Sunset
July 13 Max Essa - Won Ton Sunrise
May 13 The Beat Broker - Limited Time
May 13 King DJ - Let Me See You Feel
Feb 13 Fernando - Float
Jan 13 Blakula! - Paint It Red
Dec 12 Fernando - Decadance
Nov 12 Bearfunk double header this weekend
Oct 12 Soirée - Let's Play Tennis
Sept 12 King DJ - Galactic Playmate EP
Aug 12 Clap Rules - The Golden Remixes
Aug 12 The Bank - Upper Class
May 12 Tobor Experiment Disco Experience - The Remix Experience
May 12 Peter Visti - Illusions In A Twisted Mind
March 12 10 Years Of Bearfunk
March 12 Release Me
March 12 New Signings
Sept 11 Rools For Rules 2
July 11 Clap Rules - Golden Hands
June 11 Tobor Experiment Disco Experience - Tobor Experiment Disco Experience
May 11 Bottin - Horror Disco - 2 x 12" LP
May 11 Lasertom & The Blast Crew - Two Sides EP
April 11 Peter Visti - Love Is The Key
March 11 Various Artists - Hibernation vol 2
Feb 11 Ilija Rudman - The Reveal
Jan 11 Max Essa - Midnight and Dub Direction EP
Jan 11 Various Artists - The World Of Progressive Disco
Dec 10 Blakula - Permanent Midnight (The Library Versions Vol 1)
Dec 10 Kotey Extra Band - Full Length
Nov 10 Visti & Meyland - Leave Your Worries

Latest Releases

BFK059Max Essa - Coast To Coast
BFK059The Bank - Lagos Tahoe
BFK058Max Essa - Won Ton Sunrise (Single)
BFKCD030Max Essa - Won Ton Sunset
BFKLP026Max Essa - Won Ton Sunrise
BFKLP025The Beat Broker - Limited Time
BFKCD029King DJ - Let Me See You Feel
BFKLP027Fernando - Float
BFKCD028Blakula! - Paint It Red
BFK057Fernando - Decadance
BFKLP020Soirée - Let's Play Tennis
BFK056 King DJ - Galactic Playmate EP
BFK054Clap Rules - The Golden Remixes
BFKCD024The Bank - Upper Class
BFK055Tobor Experiment Disco Experience - The Remix Experience
BFKCD023Peter Visti - Illusions In A Twisted Mind