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Chromeo, Justice, Hot Chip, Dam Funk — who are your electro-funk heroes? And how many times have you opened your DAW to try and create similar music, only to get sidetracked for two hours on building that perfect synth patch? We’ve all been there.

• READ MORE: Chromeo: “We’re still as enthralled by funk and analogue synths as we were before”

Another way to harness some groovy nu-disco sounds is to incorporate samples, whether that’s from an old record or a sample pack made specifically for the genre. We’ve teamed up with BandLab to curate a selection of the best free sample packs from the BandLab Sounds platform that you can download instantly and get creative with. There are slap bass sounds, funky synth stabs, vocoders, and artist packs from those working in the genre.

You can audition and download each sound independently, or download the whole pack and chop, blend, and mangle the sounds as you like to fit your project. The best part? Every single sound is free to download and use, with royalty-free usage across the board.

Eduard Kort

Eduard Kort, also known as UK producer Funklord VHS created two original sample packs for BandLab Sounds focusing on fat drum hits and song starter loops.

The song starter loops in Eduard Kort Volume 1 are ideal for instant inspiration, letting you build around a chord progression and inject your own sound. Meanwhile, in both Volume 1 and 2, are a range of guitar licks, synth and keys loops, drum one-shots and loops to add to your track.

Download Eduard Kort Volume 1 at BandLab Sounds
Download Eduard Kort Volume 2 at BandLab Sounds

Vocoded Lover

Who doesn’t love a vocoder? The iconic instrument has made its way onto countless disco and funk hits, and it doesn’t seem to be going out of style anytime soon.

BandLab’s Vocoded Lover pack gives you a retro selection of vocoded vocal lines, which are as 80s as it gets. There’s also a variety of accompanying sounds, such as drum loops, basslines, sound effects and more.

Download Vocoded Lover at BandLab Sounds

Malcolm Joseph Slap Bass

You might not be Paul Rudd, but you can still slap dat bass — or get the sound of it, anyway. Grace Jones’ bassist, the excellent Malcolm Joseph, has recorded a plethora of slap basslines that just ooze funk.

Some of these could take centre-stage in your disco house track, or sit comfortably below your electro-funk synth arrangement. Split into two tempos, 80bpm and 116bpm, the samples should fit a range of styles.

Download Sessions: Malcolm Joseph – Slap Bass at BandLab Sounds

P-Funk Bass

Inspired by the sounds of legendary funk band Parliament and band member Bootsy Collins, this bass pack comprises 49 loops spanning a range of styles. Put simply by BandLab, this pack exudes “groovy and funky basses” that we advise chopping up and laying across a sampler keyboard to really make them your own.

Download P-Funk Bass at BandLab Sounds

Synth Funk

This Synth Funk pack has everything you need to get a track going. Chic-style guitar riffs, vocoder lines, big drum one-shots, and a ton of synth stabs.

With 74 loops and 25 one-shots available to download, there are plenty of ways to get creative and make tunes that will perfectly accompany sunset cocktails.

Download Synth Funk at BandLab Sounds

Pop Funk

If you’re trying to tap into the cheesier side of electro-funk and nu-disco, you’ll want to check out Pop Funk.

The carefully-curated library gives you a bright dose of funk sounds, from rich, layered synths to stomping beats and hip-shaking percussion. You’ll definitely make use of some of these sounds, regardless of what genre you might be creating.

Download Pop Funk at BandLab Sounds

Nu-Disco Nuggets

Just a touch of disco is being handed out in Nu-Disco Nuggets. A quick synth stab here, some growling bass there, and a palette of drum one-shots that you can use again and again.

Sprinkle in the dazzling sound effects, too, and you’ll be making tracks like Todd Terje in no time.

Download Nu Disco Nuggets at BandLab Sounds

Plucky Funk Guitar

Where would disco and funk be without the humble guitar? Don’t forget to add a touch of six-string to your tracks with sounds from this pack of 101 riffs, licks and chops.

These are all recorded at 120bpm at E Minor, so you’re able to quickly chop and change between samples in a track for serious french house vibes.

Download Plucky Funk Guitar at BandLab Sounds

Artist pack: Youngr

British artist Youngr has been making waves for years with his polished blend of nu-disco and acid jazz. He even caught the attention of Jamiroquai’s Jay Kay after posting some seriously impressive Jamiroquai mashup covers online.

So who better to lay down some canned heat than Youngr? Get the sound of his Rhodes piano, synths and more in this exclusive BandLab Sounds pack.

Download Artist pack: Youngr at BandLab Sounds

Samplestars Nu-Disco Loops

The Samplestars Nu-Disco pack is exploding with 107 loops tailor-made to 80s-style funk. Electric guitars, synth bleeps, full drum loops and more are all on offer at 118bpm and in a range of key signatures.

You should have no problem finding a place for these sounds in your next beat.

Download Samplestar: Nu-Disco Loops at BandLab Sounds

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