About
Gunky Funky is the alter ego of musician and producer Russell Eric Dobda — a one-man funk project rooted in groove, joy, and deep expression. Gunky Funky, coined as a childhood nickname, has evolved into a full creative outlet blending 70s disco sparkle, acid jazz, and New Orleans funk grit.
I’m Russell — the multi-instrumentalist behind Gunky Funky, crafting grooves to lift your spirit.
I grew up with keyboards and saxophones as my main voices, and those instruments shape the core of the Gunky Funky sound. My debut solo album, Artificial Funk, is a collection of songs I wrote and produced myself, with a little help from guest musicians — and even some polish from AI. The music is all about prompting movement: irresistible funk grooves paired with lyrics that carry deeper meaning. Influenced by Jamiroquai, 70s disco, and New Orleans funk bands like Galactic, Gunky Funky is both a tribute to the sounds I love and an exploration of what funk can become today.
At its heart, Gunky Funky is about joy and connection — whether through live performance, online videos, or even transcriptions so others can play the music themselves. This project isn’t just about making songs — it’s an invitation to share in the groove.
Composition
Songwriting, music transcription.
Musicianship
Keyboards, Saxophones, AI-Generated Music.
Production
Refinement of ideas into works of art.
Enjoyment
Consumption of the music.
"Inspiration needs no explanation."
Quotes
From the lyrics of Gunky Funky
Breathe is what you need to make the days of this. Love is what you'll find when you find happiness. Time is what you need to spend the things you save. Thought is how to measure all the things you gave.
The Living
Artificial Funk
No matter what your condition, you gotta give yourself permission.
Give Yourself Permission
Artificial Funk
Mellow is the way to take the things that make long days.
Mellow
Artificial Funk
I just wanna be me. But I can't escape the machine.
Artificial Funk
Title Track
