About Func Spec
Calcutta’s native tongues:
Func Spec releases THE SPICE via Laskar Music. Groundbreaking new project from the1shanti endeavors to set the pace for World Pop


BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – Inspired by “Calcutta rickshaws, Bombay paanwallas, Delhi disco dives, diwali riddims + multicolored bindis”, Func Spec’s 12-song debut offers selections directed toward fans of the continually evolving World Pop genre. Textured with hip-hop grooves, tabla and dhol percussion, guitars, synths and sitars; THE SPICE’s sonic backdrop sets the stage for narrators Sho ‘Nuff, Marko “’Ko” Dutta, and the1shanti to provide a listening experience which travels through the Indian subcontinent as deftly as the MTA subway system does through New York’s five boroughs.

Striving to fill a void in music’s current landscape, the Brooklyn-based trio felt the need to, “speak on behalf of kids who can relate to but don’t live in crack culture,” says ‘Ko, “so we focused on the happy times and the heartbreaks we go through as people, with a distinctively Indian perspective.” Each member, having been raised between India and North America, desired to make an optimistic and positively charged album in the face of the light popular culture casts upon the negative aspects of Western society. The resulting work is a colorful tapestry of the Bengali-American experience with nods to Jungian psychology, sci-fi author Frank Herbert’s ideologies, and the existential qualities of today’s new media influenced generation.

THE SPICE, written and produced by the1shanti, is Laskar Music’s third album release with the artist since 2006’s India Bambaataa. the1shanti’s current self-titled release is available via 5G/Laskar Music/Rawkus. A member of pioneering group, the Dum Dum Project, the1shanti helped usher in the fusion of hip-hop and traditional Indian music with the landmark releases Export Quality (X Square) and Spiritual Bling (Universal) throughout Europe and Asia. With MTV and BBC accolades in addition to Afrika Bambaataa’s recognition of the young artist’s cultural leadership role, in releasing THE SPICE, the1shanti continues his ongoing mission to provide listeners with high impact sonic experiences. For more information visit www.laskarmusic.com, www.the1shanti.com and www.funcspec.com
Tracklisting
01. Truth Seekin' feat. Digimama
02. Bindi
03. Fragile
04. Scandalous
05. Say So
06. Yawannit
07. Rickshaw
08. Now
09. Melange Dreams
10. Fairytale Romance
11. Away
12. Someplace Called Brooklyn
Press Release + Bio
Press Release
Bio
Download mp3 singles
Vivrant Kids (Dub) Native Tongue Refix
Watch Videos From the1shanti
Punjabi Five 0
Supafly Bindi
Mo' Bhangra Blues
* Vids load from youtube.
Download Cover Art
"The Spice" LP Art [.jpg]
Contact
Laskar Music:
info@laskarmusic.com
646.233.3198

Tour contact:
info@laskarmusic.com

US press inquires:
Mike, Laskar Music
mike@laskarmusic.com