The Forces is a project that is successfully mixing 60’s psychedelia with hip-hop inspired beats, which can be heard on their fantastic ‘Voyages’ album.

‘Voyages’ takes listeners on a trip down memory lane with mind-bending sound effects, golden melodies, prehistoric synths, unconventional musical structures, and dusty English soundbites. Composed, written, and produced by Dutch producer Joshua Boon, with vocals by Manchester singer Tim Condor, along with more than 20 international musicians. Also featuring rapper Cavalier (Stones Throw’s ‘Quakers II’ album and BackwoodzStudioz’s ‘High Bias’).

The Forces is an organic continuation of Joshua’s decade-spanning work as a producer. First as one-half of the soul, dub & hip-hop-inspired duo Fuel Box in 2011 (with a digital reissue by Beats Broke in 2015). Then solo as Bone 40, followed by his mysterious alias of funketeer Funk Darker: a Clutchy Hopkins-esque persona crafting gloomy and dirty funk/soul.

“I love the sounds from 60s records, the tones and vibes”

The Forces are a fairly new project you started recently. Tell us what initiated the idea and what was the overall vision of it?

Joshua Boon: After my experimental Jazz Funk project in 2020, I really felt I wanted to try to make genuine but experimental songs like The Beatles or The Beach Boys. I’m a fan of the psychedelic stuff The Beatles did. As a psychedelic soul and hip-hop/trip-hop producer, I felt my background could mix well with these classic influences, adding something unique to my music. I also love the sounds from 60s records, the tones and vibes. I think if McCartney and Lennon (or Brian Wilson) had today’s equipment, they’d use it. But back in the 60s, they were restricted to the early Moogs, Clavioline, and tape loops etc. The melancholy of these sounds inspired me, and I tried to bring that vibe into my work.

I first heard your music via the self-titled debut EP, which was released in 2022. What was it like to work on it?

During that period, I was exploring diverse ideas, finding inspiration in the sounds of the 60s, and experimenting with piano melodies.

<a href="https://the-forces.bandcamp.com/album/the-forces">The Forces by The Forces</a>

As I developed a collection of songs I resonated with, I shared them with Danny at Rucksack Records, and he showed interest in releasing an EP. The creative journey still felt wide open, and I aimed to strike a balance between catchy melodies and intriguing sound concepts, drawing influence from both the psychedelic 60s and 90s hip-hop.

“Voyages represents the complete journey”

Would you be able to draw parallels to your most recent release? What are some main differences in your opinion?

The EP essentially laid the foundation for the entire album. After its release, I took some time to absorb it and contemplate how to expand upon it. I sensed a need for more robust tracks and an inclination to express my thoughts on the contemporary world, leading me to incorporate these elements into several songs. Additionally, I decided to explore a softer, almost folky side, exemplified by a track like ‘Overcome’. And it goes almost full psychedelic hip-hop on ‘The Piece,’ with rapper Cavalier. While the ‘Forces’ EP marked the initial steps, ‘Voyages’ represents the complete journey, the complete story.

Would love to hear about your recording process.

I usually start with the piano, playing around with ideas or recording melodies that pop into my head. From there, I build complete compositions and start producing. The program Reason is where I work most comfortably. I pick the right sounds and layers, and although I have some initial ideas for lyrics, I finalize them after the music is done. Next, I reach out to musicians, giving them a MIDI file and instructions on how to play. After getting their input, I mix everything down. Once the instrumental is ready, I record the vocals using a vocoder. I send the lyrics and vocals to Tim, who adds his magic touch to the project. I try to take time to put in echo’s, delays, the psychedelic stuff into production so to say…

<a href="https://the-forces.bandcamp.com/album/voyages">Voyages by The Forces</a>

How did you get to know Tim Condor?

Just online, while looking for singers. I started out with one song, and when the right vibe was there, I continued making more and more songs. That guy amazed me with his creativity and range each and every time.

The latest album is really complex and features a lot of international musicians.

Like I said in the recording process, it’s mostly going online and looking for musicians who have a home studio and want to corporate… Through these years I found many talented people that I get back to regularly!

Do you have any other ongoing projects?

Ah, always! At this moment I am working on finishing my fantasy/sci fi/horror short movie Una Volta. More information soon here. Furthermore, I’d love to have a second try at a psychedelic Jazz Funk EP. I am sure The Forces also will continue with more stuff!

What about Fuel Box, under which name you released an album and run a label as well.

True! In 2011 I self released the psychedelic Soul album Fuel Box. After that I used that set up to release my other music projects.

What’s next for you?

Balancing a day job – that I enjoy – with the side projects can be challenging. However, my aspirations for the near future include submitting my short film, Una Volta, to film festivals. In 2024, I plan to dedicate time to writing my second graphic novel and releasing some psychedelic Jazz-Funk. As for 2025, I’m open to whatever opportunities and experiences come my way.

You also work as a designer, illustrator and screenwriter.

Being a designer is my day job, and I’ve previously released a comic. Not greatly drawn, I just wanted to tell the story. I enjoy writing, especially short stories for comics and film. Despite having plenty of ideas, the challenge lies in finding the time to bring them to life. And I also love to write and produce music, obviously!

Let’s end this interview with some of your favourite albums. Have you found something new lately you would like to recommend to our readers?

I recently discovered Silver Apples, a 60s psychedelic electronic band, which has had a significant influence on albums like Portishead’s ‘Third’—an all-time favorite of mine. More recently, I had the privilege of witnessing Domi and JD Beck’s experimental jazz collaboration with the Metropole Orchestra, a performance that left me utterly amazed. André 3000’s ‘New Blue Sun’ leans more towards new age and experimental jazz than psychedelic, but it’s an intriguing listen. Additionally, I’ve been exploring the realm of psychedelic hip-hop, and one notable project is ‘The Overview’ by Jermiside & The Expert. It’s possible that many readers might not be familiar with this, so it’s worth mentioning the emergence of captivating psychedelic hip-hop like this in the current music scene.

Thank you for taking your time. Last word is yours.

Thanks so much Klemen, for having me here. I’ll just leave with a shout out to ClearSpot, the distributor of the vinyl of ‘Voyages’. You can find it in the better record stores. And that you can find more information on my Bandcamp. Thanks for reading!

Klemen Breznikar

The Forces Twitter / Bandcamp
Fuel Box Music Official Website / Facebook / Instagram