Funkineven

Funkineven is the alias of Steve Tony Julien, a London-based producer who works in electronic music. He is active under the names FunkinEven and Funkineven, and his background is shaped by a family history connected to sound system culture, with cousins and uncles prominent in that scene in the 1980s and 1990s. He grows up hearing reggae, soul boogie and house, and those styles feed into his own recordings.

Early career and sound

Julien starts out as a dancer rather than a musician. Inspired by hip hop, early hardcore and drum and bass in the 1990s, he joins a rap crew and then becomes its producer. Through that work he develops his approach to production and moves into electronic music, where he becomes known for a style that draws on boogie, swing and four-to-the-floor house.

Recordings and releases

His first official release is KLEER EP, issued on Eglo Records in 2009. It is followed by She’s Acid and Heart Pound, both released in 2010. These records help establish his reputation for distinctive alternative electronic music.

In 2011 he returns to the FunkinEven name with Roland’s Jam, a single made using Roland sequencing equipment and noted for its analogue sound. He also founds Apron Records, his own label, and releases Apron EP in 2011 and Chips & Sweets in 2012. Both are limited-edition vinyl releases.

Collaborations and work with other artists

Funkineven also works on remixes and production for other artists. His remix credits include Ikonika on Hyperdub and Bonobo on Ninja Tune. He also produces for singer Fatima and for Róisín Murphy, formerly of Moloko.

Radio and live activity

Alongside recordings and collaborations, he has a monthly residency on NTS Radio and performs live with touring dates.