Episode 2: Amuka, Bride of Funkenstein
/Jay, Amuka, Ace
Amuka solidified her place in funk history with her recent appearance on Mike Judge’s animated doc series Tales from the Tour Bus, the George Clinton episode. Back in the day, her rock and roll chops earned her a spot in the Brides of Funkenstein, with whom she laid down the funk classic, Never Buy Texas from a Cowboy.
Amuka honored us with a call from her homebase of Detroit — testifying, laughing, and even singing her way through an in-depth, truth-telling interview about her life and music.
On top of telling us how the funk got done with George Clinton and Ron Dunbar for Brides, Ms. Amuka also shared stories about the ins and outs of working with Rick James and Public Enemy, as well as recording smash hits in Italy with Blackwood and her brilliant Mississippi EP (as Sheila Brody).
Nowadays, Amuka is still going strong, singing her heart out and overcoming any obstacles in her path. Our must-listen session with her is fun with a “k” and inspirational as all get out.
From Tales from the Tour Bus
Produced & Hosted by Ace Alan
Cohosted by Jay Stone
Website & Art by 3chards
Recorded at Live Oak Studio in Berkeley, CA, with thanks to Priscilla Rice
Engineered by James Ward
Executive Produced by Roger Bussell
Special thanks to Tina Collins
Intro & Outro tracks are new music by the Funkanauts, “I Can Never Be” & “Barack Wayne” respectively, both from the upcoming album, Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.
Psst! Editor’s Notes: In the intro, Ace says that Neva Buy Texas from a Cowboy album made Rolling Stone’s 50 Coolest Records list in 2001, but it was actually 2003. Most importantly, Ace ridiculously and blasphemously said “Rodney ‘Skeet’ Collins” in the intro, when of course he meant “RODNEY ‘SKEET’ CURTIS!” A thousand and one pardons. Otherwise, we’re perfect. So there!
By the way, when Amuka talks about her and her mom being “late shoppers,” she’s taking about Christmas — we recorded this episode on Dec 23rd.
