Uptown Funk is a song that has taken the world by storm since its release in 2014. Its catchy beat and funky vibe have made it a popular song even today, six years later. But who is the original artist of this song? In this blog post, we will explore the origins of Uptown Funk and the story behind the hit song.
Mark Ronson
Mark Ronson is a British musician and producer who has had a long career in the music industry. He has produced for a range of artists such as Amy Winehouse, Adele, and Lily Allen. In 2014, Ronson released his fourth studio album titled Uptown Special. The lead single from this album was the song Uptown Funk, which would go on to become one of the biggest hits of the year.
Ronson had been working on the album for nearly three years, and during this time, he had travelled to different parts of the US to gain inspiration. He drew influence from the 1980s funk and soul music and wanted to create a modern version of these genres.
Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars is an American singer, songwriter, and dancer who has made a name for himself in the music industry. Mars’s career began in the early 2000s when he started writing songs for other artists. He eventually signed on as a solo artist and has released multiple hit songs and albums.
Mars and Ronson had previously worked together on the song Locked Out of Heaven, which was a hit for both of them. Ronson knew that he wanted Mars to sing the lead vocals on Uptown Funk, and Mars was immediately on board.
The Making of Uptown Funk
The making of Uptown Funk was a collaborative process between Ronson, Mars, and a team of talented musicians. The songwriting process began with Ronson and Mars writing the chorus together. They knew they wanted to create an upbeat and danceable song that would appeal to a wide audience.
Once the chorus was written, they brought in a team of musicians to help create the instrumental track. This included a drummer, a bassist, and several horn players. The team worked together to create a funky and upbeat instrumental track that would become the backbone of the song.
Ronson and Mars then wrote the verses and bridge, and Mars recorded the lead vocals. The final product was a song that was both fun and nostalgic, drawing inspiration from the funk and soul music of the past.
The Success of Uptown Funk
Uptown Funk was an instant hit upon its release in 2014. The song topped the charts around the world, and its music video quickly went viral. The song continued to be popular years after its initial release, with covers, parodies, and dance videos being created by fans all over the world.
The song’s success was due in part to its catchy beat and memorable chorus, but it was also due to the talent of everyone involved in its creation. Ronson’s production skills, Mars’s vocal abilities, and the instrumental talents of the musicians all came together to create a song that was greater than the sum of its parts.
Conclusion
Uptown Funk is a song that has become a beloved classic in just a few short years. The hit song was the result of a collaborative effort between Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars, and a team of talented musicians. Its success is a testament to the power of music to bring people together and inspire joy.
FAQ
Is Uptown Funk a remake of an old song?
“Uptown Funk” is a catchy track by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars, released in 2014. The song was a commercial success and received critical acclaim for its energy and funky sound. However, some people have commented that the song sounds familiar, and raised questions about whether or not “Uptown Funk” is a remake of an old song.
The answer to this question depends on how you define a “remake.” While “Uptown Funk” is not an official cover-up or a release of a previous track, it contains elements from multiple earlier songs that inspired its creation. Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars were undoubtedly influenced by the sounds of funk, soul, and R&B music from the 1970s and 1980s.
Moreover, the songwriters of “Uptown Funk” were sued by the writers of the 1980s band “Zapp” over the song’s similarities to their hit “More Bounce to the Ounce”. A settlement was later reached, with some stating that substantial parts of “Uptown Funk” were copied from “More Bounce to the Ounce.” This led many people to conclude that “Uptown Funk” does have some parallels to older music.
While “Uptown Funk” is not a direct remake or cover of an old song, it certainly has similarities to older music. From the samples used in the song to its overall sound and style, “Uptown Funk” is a product of its musical influences from past decades with a modern twist.
What song did Uptown Funk steal from?
The song ‘Uptown Funk’ by Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson was a massive hit when it was released in 2014. However, it was later embroiled in a legal battle when an American electro-funk band called Collage accused Mars and Ronson of stealing their 1983 single ‘Young Girls’. The lawsuit was filed in 2016, and it claimed that ‘Uptown Funk’ used elements from ‘Young Girls’, including similar hooks, basslines, and lyrics.
Collage was formed in the late 1970s and early 1980s and was known for their funk and soul-inspired music. Their hit song, ‘Young Girls’, had moderate success in the early 1980s, but it was never as popular as ‘Uptown Funk’. Collage’s lawsuit was not only filed against Mars and Ronson, but also against the label and publishers of ‘Uptown Funk’.
Despite the accusations, Mars and Ronson denied stealing any elements from ‘Young Girls’. They argued that they had created ‘Uptown Funk’ independently and had never heard of ‘Young Girls’ before the lawsuit. However, they eventually settled the lawsuit with Collage out of court. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but it was reported that Collage received a partial songwriting credit on ‘Uptown Funk’, as well as an undisclosed sum of money.
It is not uncommon for musicians to be accused of copying or stealing elements from other songs. In fact, many famous songs have been the subject of lawsuits due to alleged similarities to other songs. While it is impossible to say for certain whether Mars and Ronson intentionally or unintentionally used elements from ‘Young Girls’ in ‘Uptown Funk’, it is clear that the lawsuit had an impact on the song’s creation and its eventual success.
Why is Uptown Funk so catchy?
“Uptown Funk” is a song that has been universally acknowledged as a catchy tune. From the groovy beat, to the memorable lyrics and melody, it’s hard to resist the urge to tap your feet and bob your head when the song comes on. But what exactly makes this song so irresistible and catchy?
First and foremost, the song is built on one of the most “basic and visceral” scales in music. The pentatonic scale is a five-note scale that has been used in countless songs throughout history, and is deeply ingrained in our musical psyche. The opening melody of “Uptown Funk” is based on this scale, which makes it instantly familiar and easy to sing along with.
Additionally, the song’s groove is what really makes it stand out. The chord progression is relatively simple, with the song essentially revolving around just two chords: D minor 7 and G7. This allows the groove to stay consistent throughout the song, giving listeners a foundation to latch onto.
The song also incorporates elements of classic funk music, which is inherently groove-oriented and designed to get people moving. The trumpets, horn blasts, and syncopated rhythms all contribute to the funky sound that has made this song so successful.
Finally, the lyrics of “Uptown Funk” are catchy and memorable. The playful and light-hearted lyrics make it easy to sing along to, and the repetition of the chorus reinforces the infectious melody.
In short, “Uptown Funk” is a perfect storm of catchy elements: a simple yet effective chord progression, a groovy beat, classic funk elements, and memorable lyrics. It’s a song that speaks to our basic human desire to move and dance, and it does so in a way that is both fun and approachable for a wide range of listeners. It’s no wonder that the song has become such a cultural phenomenon, and continues to be played at parties and weddings all over the world.
