Madison DJ Phil Money shares his playlist for Funk it up with PBS Wisconsin!

March 24, 2025 Mike Devine Leave a Comment

Funk it up with PBS Wisconsin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at The Cardinal Bar in Madison for a special screening of the new Independent Lens film, WE WANT THE FUNK!

Admission is free, and no advance registration is required.

Then, stick around The Cardinal Bar (418 E. Wilson St., Madison) after the film screening for a funk-inspired dance party led by Madison’s very own, DJ Phil Money!

Ahead of the event, PBS Wisconsin spoke with DJ Phil Money about how funk music has impacted his life — and for song recommendations to make sure you’re ready to hit the dance floor!

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PBS Wisconsin: How do you define funk?

DJ Phil Money: One of the main characteristics that make a song funky is how the bassline and drums first hit. It just gives me a raw, soulful feeling depending on where the rhythm section is going to take you. Then the horns, we can’t forget the horns! A great example of this is Kool and the Gang’s “Soul Vibration.” It’s unmistakably funky.

PBS Wisconsin: What surprised you about the funk music scene in Madison?

DJ Phil Money: When I first moved to Madison in 2009, I wasn’t too familiar with the music scene at that time, and a friend of mine from New York said I needed to find out where [James Brown’s former drummer] Clyde Stubblefield plays. I said, “No way, the ‘Funky Drummer’ is here in Madison?!” And sure enough, it was true. I had the pleasure of meeting him and getting some great advice. That was a great surprise!

PBS Wisconsin: What inspired you to become a DJ?

DJ Phil Money: Growing up in Long Island, New York, I was only about 20 miles from New York City. At that time, hip-hop culture was very influential on me. I got to see Run-D.M.C. perform when I was about 15 years old. In the arena, Jam Master Jay was lowered from the ceiling while cutting and scratching his name. The crowd went wild and I said, “I’ve gotta do that one day.”

PBS Wisconsin: Tell us about some of the criteria to make your playlist.

DJ Phil Money: The criteria for the songs I’m planning on playing at the Funk it Up! event is simple. It has to make me feel good and make people dance. In the words of James Brown, “Whatever I play, it’s got to be funky!”