What's It Gonna Be?

With What’s It Gonna Be?, London-based producer and multi-instrumentalist Tom Funk delivers a record that feels tailor-made for brighter days. Rooted in funk, neo-soul, hip-hop and cosmic soul, the album channels a deep appreciation for groove-driven songwriting while maintaining a contemporary sense of style and personality.

Recorded at Lazy Robot Studio alongside co-producer Ozan Nidayi, the ten-track collection unfolds with an effortless confidence. Drawing inspiration from soul and funk traditions, the album never feels weighed down by reverence. Instead, it uses those influences as a foundation for something warm, vibrant and distinctly its own.

The strength of What’s It Gonna Be? lies in its versatility. Across the album, Tom Funk moves seamlessly between laid-back funk workouts, hip-hop-infused R&B, jazz-leaning instrumentals and flashes of P-funk exuberance. The sequencing keeps the record constantly engaging, with each track revealing a different shade of its musical identity while remaining connected by a strong sense of groove.

A carefully assembled cast of collaborators helps bring additional colour to the project. Contributions from UK soul stalwart Omar Lye-Fook, Blue Lab Beats’ David Mrakpor, keyboardist Matt Cooper, vocalist Andre Espeut, Valentina Russo and Brae Leni enrich the album’s already expansive sound palette. Each guest adds something meaningful without ever distracting from the album’s central vision.

Lyrically and emotionally, the record explores themes of love, longing and the pressures of modern city life. Yet even when addressing heavier emotions, the music remains uplifting. There is a sense of optimism woven throughout the arrangements, with rich instrumentation and soulful performances creating an atmosphere that feels both reflective and restorative.

What emerges is an album that understands the enduring power of great rhythm and melody. What’s It Gonna Be? balances musicianship and accessibility with impressive ease, offering a collection of songs that feel equally suited to attentive listening or simply soundtracking a spring afternoon.

Warm, soulful and effortlessly stylish, Tom Funk’s latest work is a reminder that timeless grooves never go out of fashion.