Crazy Cousinz [@CrazyCousinz_] talks Funky House and his career alongside a special guestmix

Crazy Cousinz is a legendary name in the UK music scene, especially when it comes to Funky House.

Having toured around the world and still performing and making waves today Crazy Cousinz is a name that is still relevant today just not for the genre you’d expect. Once upon a time, Crazy Cousinz referred to a whole collective, but today the name is upheld by Luke who you may also recognise as the producer Flukes. Having had a storied career producing legendary tracks like Tinie Tempah‘s ‘Wifey Riddim’ and being a pioneer in Funky House it was only right to speak to him about his journey – and we also got a special guest mix.

How did you first get into DJ’ing? 

I took an interest into DJing at quite a young age. I’d watch DMC World DJ Championship tapes and see how they’d do quick tricks and scratch with the turntables. I finally convinced my Mum for some decks on my 13th birthday and spent a lot of time practicing before I got anywhere near decent lol. 

Crazy Cousinz are an iconic name, especially when it comes to Funky House, how did you guys come together?

Crazy Cousinz was a name inherited from my older ‘crazy cousins’. Initially, it was a collective of a few members and now consists of just myself Flukes. 

What was it like for you at the height of Funky House with you guys being all over the place?

At its height back in 2008/2009 was an exciting time. The scene was rapidly expanding but still had a sense of unity.  

Donae’O recently said Funky House as a scene died, do you agree?

Like most scenes, they reach a pinnacle point but I think the music created during the Funky House era will forever be timeless. It continues to inspire other genres so to me it lives on. 

What do you think the legacy of Funky House is?

A lot of people have nostalgic memories of Funky House so I can see the legacy lasting for many years to come. 

Do you think Funky will have a large public resurgence like Grime did a few years ago?

It’s hard to say if there will be a resurgence. Genres have a lot of similarities to fashion cycles so there will be another adaptation of Funky in the future for sure. 

How did you adapt to the change in sounds?

Adapting to the change in sounds was a natural thing for me, as I had quite an eclectic taste in music. I was always out at parties/raving, so as the Funky era was going out, I saw UK street music starting to come in, and also more house music.  

Has your career changed and what has that looked like for you?

My career has changed, but only for the better, Drake Sampling ‘Do You Mind’ (on ‘One Dance’)was a massive moment for me and everyone involved, then releasing my own music again has made me happy, right now I am happy with how my career is going, and I’m hungry to achieve more.   

What is next for you?

I just released ‘Outline’ with Julie Bergan, a video for that song will be coming soon, then I will be releasing more new music, a balanced mix of commercial and club stuff, and I will be doing more productions for Artist and their projects. I also can’t wait for the clubs to open again and get back to playing live.