Right now, there’s a real renaissance for funk music, but rather than repeating old tropes, artists like MAX RAD are reforming these grooves for a modern palette in debut single ‘Carousel’. It’s not only his production that takes a contemporary stance, but he proves to be a woke individual as his soulful falsetto sings of female power. As the British newcomer directly states, "This is not a love song, it's about power - a woman toying with a boy's infatuation for her. He can't see he's being played like a fool.” His imagery of a carousel with its “candy queen” is cool and original, while the sliding rhythms take the form of this tempting seductress. ‘Carousel’ is a fine introduction to MAX RAD, and if you’re impatient for more and around London on August 31st, head down to his free show. - Hannah Thacker