Sometimes the target is simple, I just want to bring the funk.

This track had two major inspirations: 1) I wanted to create something to add to the legacy of instrumental funk tracks such as the classic from 1980 “For Those Who Like to Groove” by Ray Parker Jr. and Raydio. 2) I wanted to create a sequel to my 2022 track “Sweat Factory”. Some undiluted, straight, in-the-pocket FUNK.

Why? Well, the title answers that.

The vocal hook was born out of an unexpected moment of inspiration. I thought the track was done, then I began hearing a melody weaved between the synth hits that brought the track to a crescendo. At first, I played that melody on one of the lead synths, but my muse was like “Nope. Grab the mic”. Recording the hook was such a fun, unexpected moment that I actually laughed through half of it. This was supposed to be an instrumental track. But I have learned that sometimes it’s best to let inspiration overrule my plans.

I am so thankful that after all these years – even if nobody hears it or likes my music - I still get to have fun making it. I hope you have fun listening to it.

Check out the classic “For Those Who Like to Groove” here: https://youtu.be/B9jmYjgVSO0?si=SXVcJkWIs1iA8igl

Produced, Arranged & Composed by Waynebo All instruments performed by Waynebo Recorded & Mixed by Waynebo at The Exodus Lab Mastered by Waynebo © & ℗ 2025 Exodus Music

This track was born out of a very fun moment of inspiration and is definitely an example of when a song “writes itself”.

I began - as I often do – with the drums. Choosing and editing sounds as I craft the overall drum vibe. Side note: I used the Triaz drum plugin (shout out to Wave Alchemy for an outstanding product!) I decided I wanted to start with a classic, basic funk beat. As I began programming, the bassline immediately jumped into my spirit before I could even get the basic drum pattern done. I quickly laid down the basic drums and found a synth bass patch that I could use to capture the idea. Before I could even play 4 bars of the bassline, the hook came out of nowhere and invaded my mind. I started laughing – playfully telling my muse to slow down a little - because this was supposed to be an instrumental album. I finished playing 8 bars of the bassline and hooked up my microphone.

So… we’re less than 5 minutes in and I have a beat, bassline, and a hook. I promise you, I usually do NOT work that fast.

With that framework in place, it took me about an hour to decide on a sound for the track and compose the keyboard parts. After that, refining the sound and smoothing the rough edges. This one came much faster than normal for me and I had a ball capturing it. After all these years, I am still having as much fun as I was when I started over 40 years ago.

If you need some actual meaning behind the title, here it is: Often when I create music, there isn’t a pre-determined sonic destination. I like to just feel around and experiment with different sounds until something falls into place. That’s the fun part for me. Most of the time, I don’t have song in mind when I start.

During the process, I’m just on auto-pilot.

Produced, Arranged & Composed by Waynebo All instruments performed by Waynebo

Recorded & Mixed by Waynebo at The Exodus Lab Mastered by Waynebo © & ℗ 2025 Exodus Music

Sometimes the inspiration behind a song is deep, complex and emotional. Some songs are the product of an event or an ongoing struggle. Other songs are an expression of emotions buried deep in the spirit of the writer which can only be given a voice through song.

Well… This isn’t one of those songs.

Actually, the inspiration for this song was pretty simple: I wanted to make something that was catchy enough to make people want to hear the rest of the album. And I wanted a track that would help establish the sound of “pop-sprinkled funk” that I am developing.

That’s it.

Sometimes musicians make music just for fun. We need that. I called it “Blue Lollipops” because it felt sweet to me. I hope it feels sweet to you too.

Produced, Arranged & Composed by Waynebo All instruments performed by Waynebo Recorded & Mixed by Waynebo at The Exodus Lab Mastered by Waynebo © & ℗ 2025 Exodus Music

It’s time to begin the next chapter of POP-SPRINKLED FUNK with this first single from my upcoming album “I Can Only Imagine”.

In a recent social media post, I talked about the journey of spending 2024 searching for my sound.

See that post here >> https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IE9U9MFTcT4?feature=share

This journey has caused me to engage in a lot of self-reflection. I recognized that I lacked clarity in my musical vision. The accumulation of disappointments and failures built up an emotional residue that has impacted my music creation process. I have come to describe this blurring of my musical vision as Dirty Windows. This upcoming chapter is the one where I begin to clean them.

You must see the dragon before you can slay him. The creation of this track was the moment I first saw him clearly… and began to forge my sword.

Produced, Arranged & Composed by Waynebo All instruments performed by Waynebo

Recorded & Mixed by Waynebo at The Exodus Lab Mastered by Waynebo © & ℗ 2025 Exodus Music

The journey to find my sound has always been about finding elements that inspire me. Often, inspiration begins with discovering new drum sounds. Like many producers, I am on an endless quest to find the perfect drum sound. The excitement of a new synth or drum plug-in has always inspired me to compose new music. This is a large part of the process you hear playing out in my tracks this year.

This track started out with a Dilla-inspired drum pattern (courtesy of Gospel Musician’s Splat-To-Clat drum plugin) – unusual for an artist who almost always programs his drums by hand. A guitar loop fit nicely and set the vibe. The thump of my bass guitar finished the rhythmic foundation. Layered synth melodies and arpeggiated strings step forward to capture the listeners attention. Piano & Rhodes bring the finishing shimmer of counter-melodies.

All of this ultimately blends together into a song that sounds a bit different that what I’ve done previously. Enjoy my “New Expressions”.

Produced, Arranged & Composed by Waynebo All instruments performed by Waynebo

Recorded & Mixed by Waynebo at The Exodus Lab Mastered by Waynebo © & ℗ 2024 Exodus Music

After over 40 years of making music with very little success or financial reward, one might think I’ve gotten tired of the whole music-making process.

Nope. Not even a little bit.

Searching the depths of my own soul for new music gives me a high that I simply cannot find anywhere else. I’m still struggling to find the right sound for myself as an artist – and to build an audience along the way - but the “little kid on Christmas morning” rush I got the first time I created a song back in 1983 is still there every time I finish a new song.

It never gets old.

Produced, Arranged & Composed by Waynebo All instruments performed by Waynebo

Recorded & Mixed by Waynebo at The Exodus Lab Mastered by Waynebo

© & ℗ 2024 Exodus Music