Five For The Funk: Butler & Bontan's House Classics

Some artists are just undeniably compatible when it comes to music, meaning that eventually they'll join forces to create something extra special. Josh Butler and Bontan are this sort of twosome. They are taking their indisputable chemistry to the next level and are channeling it towards a completely new project, Be True.

The pair were behind the massive club belter 'Got A Feeling', with Josh providing the original tune and Bontan on remix duties. If you need any indication of how well they work together, listening to this track alone is proof enough and the stats support it - it's the second biggest selling single on Beatport of all time. 

The dynamic duo are currently in the midst of a twelve-date tour across the UK, playing back to back for a minimum of four hours at each gig. We spoke to them for our latest Five For The Funk feature, in which we asked them to name five of their favourite classic house tracks. 

I Need You - Kamar

(JB) Kerri Chandler gave me a copy of this when we were in Iceland together. Originally released on his Mad House records imprint in 1993. Still sounds fresh!

(B) Such a good vocal running through the track accompanied by some warm chords. House music at its finest. 

Got To Be Moving - Herbert 

(JB) This is much more recent, 2013 but I love how raw and straight up it is.

(B) Another example of some wicked sampling with some slamming drums!

That Freak Stuff - Detroit Swindle 

(JB) Again pretty recent but Detroit Swindle keep true to House music with every track. 

(B) I love the drums in every Detroit Swindle record. This especially.

Jazz Speaks For Itself - Jamie Trench 

(JB) Jamie Trench is a wicked UK producer who nails that authentic sound. Also check out his 'SHAG EDITS' for some laid back disco vibes

(B) For me Jamie Trench is one of the UK's unsung hero's. Every release is of the highest standard. This track has some great samples running through it and a wicked bass line to roll it all along.

Open Door - Losoul 

(JB) 1996 and this still kicks!

(B) There's nothing better than finding a golden sample and just running it throughout a whole track. This is a perfect example of that.

The duo are currently on their Be True tour where they'll play a minimum of four hour sets together at the following clubs:

Chibuku @ East Village Arts Club, Liverpool - Saturday 21st February

Subsoul @ Motion, Bristol - Saturday 7th March

Mint Sessions @ Mint Club, Leeds - Thursday 12th March

Stealth vs Rescued @ Stealth, Nottingham - Saturday 21st March 

Love Action Easter Weekend @ The Arches, Glasgow - Thursday 2nd - Sunday 5th April

Butler & Bontan presents Be True @ Ministry of Sound, London - Saturday 4th April

Deju Vu 23rd Birthday @ Funktion, Hull - Sunday 5th April