What the Funk | An Interview with a Vocalist

We’ve all heard funk, whether we actually like it or not. A music genre that erupted in the sixties and kept on going well into eighties, funk is one of music’s most lively genres. It incorporates a mixture of soul, jazz and R’n’B, and makes even the most dedicated of heavy metal fans want to (at least) snap their fingers or tap their feet to the rhythm. Funk is, to put it simply, all about the groove, the boogie, the "getting down with your bad self’! And even today, we all enjoy a little bit of music that makes us feel like dancing. And that’s what What the Funk is all about.

What the Funk is a live music funk party that is currently on its fourth edition. The party takes place every year at the Buskett Roadhouse, and all money made from the event is contributed to charities around the island. This year, proceeds will be passed on to local animal sanctuaries.

Victoria-Melita Zammit managed to get a few minutes with one of the vocalists, Cheryl Camilleri, to talk to her about her experience so far, and what to expect from the next edition of the event.

How long have you been a vocalist with the event?

I took part for the first time last year.

How did you first get involved?

I got to know Anne Marie Mayo, who’s one of the vocalists for the event. I got to know her during Voices and she asked me if I’d like to take part, because they needed some backing vocalists. I said "Sure, why not?’

When did preparations start? Have they been fun? Difficult? Tiring?

We started compiling the set list, sponsors and all that in the beginning of February. We started rehearsals in the first week of March. Since most of the songs we already know, it’s going by pretty fast. It’s lots of fun. They’re made up of 80% music, 20% laughter. Lots of dancing is involved, too.

You not only sing for events like this, but you’ve also done other projects. Could you tell us about your previous musical projects and experiences?

How far back do you want me to go? Just kidding… but I am going to skip secondary school. One of the first big things I had was a band at sixteen, as all sixteen year olds do. Through that band I met Robert, and we formed Instincts. Up until 2009, we recorded four or five songs, and it was a great opportunity for me to write lyrics too. Then I took part in several things at the Salesian Theatre. The first really big, huge thing I did was Voices in 2012. I didn’t even think I’d get a solo, but I did, and through that I’ve done What the Funk and sang at the Malta Song for Europe competition with Janet Debattista, I’ve done The Wall at Earth Garden. It’s been a very good two years, really.

Do you have a favourite number so far for What the Funk 4?

I love funk so much! I don’t know! I love all the songs because they’re all about dancing and strutting your stuff, but my favourite is Blame it on the Boogie, closely followed by Pharrel William’s Happy. Blame it on the Boogie wins because it’s authentically seventies.

From the past three editions, has there been a personal favourite of yours? What made it different from the others?

Obviously, the third one, because it was the one where I took part. (People are going to think I’m a diva now!) Each version has different singers though, so it’s very hard to compare.

Are you expecting anything from this year’s edition — a big turnout, a good response maybe?

Last year’s turnout was very good. Lots of people were in costumes which was amazing. A lot of people hopefully turn up that said they would on the Facebook event.

What do you see for yourself in the future regarding music? Do you have any plans?

Well…I would love to keep on doing events like this. Random variety things. You get to work with new people that you’ve heard of and admire. It’s awesome getting to work with them finally. I’m working on a project where I’m recording cover versions of songs, acapella with maybe just a piano and percussions. I’m also hoping to start writing my own songs so…Woo!

 Facebook event:https://www.facebook.com/events/683470938370567/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefunk.mt

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