Culture
Suggested Listening 2025: DJ B-Funk
By: DJ B-Funk
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WOUB Culture’s Suggested Listening series highlights the music that resonated with WOUB Culture contributors and regional artists in 2025. Today we spotlight Brandon Thompson, a.k.a DJ B-Funk – a DJ/producer based out of Athens, Ohio who has had his hands in some of the Midwest’s biggest parties.
B-Funk’s Favorite Musical Discoveries of 2025
1 of 10 – Progressive House
Never Let Me Down Again (Eric Prydz Remix) – Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode gets retrofitted with the sickest bassline I have heard in a minute. This was my favorite find of the year.
2 of 10- Jazz
The Seed – Tony Allen, Jeff Mills
I don’t like jazz. My dad likes Jazz. I’ve never become a fan over the years.
But Detroit techno wizard, Jeff Mills, collabed with master drummer, Tony Allen, and came up with this BOP. I’m telling you, this is what music is about! So good!
3 of 10 – Progressive House
Footprints (Album) – Oliver Smith
The first artist signed to Anjunabeats has never made an artist album! Well, 2025 changed all that with his debut of Footprints which was on HEAVY rotation in my house. With stand out tracks and production, I suggest Legacy, Breathe, and Open Up for those looking for that euphoric hands in the air dance music Anjunabeats is known for.
4 of 10 – Soundtrack
Sinners (Album) – Ludwig Goransson, Miles Canton
SINNERS was one of the greatest movie experiences of my life. And being a black man experiencing Trump’s America this year, it was so refreshing to experience something so authentically BLACK. I’m not a huge blues guy, but this soundtrack had me humming and enjoying some slide guitar. When I hear Free for a Day I just remember how much power music can carry. Was able to cop this one on a special pressing on vinyl.
Go check out (Free For a Day and Why You Here/Before the Sun Went Down)
5 of 10 – Indie Electro
I Believe in You – Ladytron
Being a black Ladytron fan is always interesting as many times I feel like a visitor in the fandom, but I’ve been listening to Ladytron since 2001. So, yeah, I belong here. I included Ladytron on my 2024 list and they are back with a new single that’s ready for the dance floor or soundtrack your next downer of a day. Melancholy lyrics that are constantly battling for space. This is peak creepy dance floor vibes.
6 of 10 – Progressive House
Parlez Vous – Estiva
I don’t speak french, so they could be cussing me out or reading the menu at McDonalds in this song. But I don’t care because it sounds sexxxxyyyyyyyy. This one doesn’t over stay it’s welcome building to a conclusion that progressive house and melodic techno fans will surely be at home with. Estiva creates another smooth one for the dance floor.
7 of 10 – Acid House
Jesus Loves the Acid – Ecstacy Club
This one answers the age old question of how Jesus feels about acid. This song is from 1988! WOW! and again I want to jump in a time machine and experience this in a warehouse. This is Acid, man! Most people will call this techno, but this is acid house and this is CLASSIC. You can feel it.
8 of 10 – GhettoTech
MONEY PHONE – HiTech
One of my favorite finds of this year is the band, Hitech, out of Detroit. This song is simple and that is what I love about it. We’ve all been awakened to a phone call about some b.s. and this song cuts right to the point. See this group live and have your life changed! I saw them twice this year and can’t wait to catch them again. SUPER HYPE!
9 of 10 – Soundtrack
Trons ARES (Album) – Nine Inch Nails
This movie is mid. But EVERY scene felt electric with this soundtrack behind it. When Nine Inch Nails goes more electronic, REALLY good things happen. More please! Suggested Listens: As Alive As You Need Me to Be, Infilitrator, and New Directive.
10 of 10 – Progressive House
Love Shop – Yotto
Yotto does it again! Euphoric, driving, and iconic, this track rounds out my list of 2025. A refresh of an older trance track. I can’t get enough of Yotto’s productions. If you don’t know Yotto, PLEASE, change that RIGHT NOW! Your happiness trajectory could very well depend on it!