Twenty-five years ago Phil Martin locked himself in his home studio in Dordrecht and recorded an album entirely by himself. Bass parts by Ton van der Kolk, guitar by Ron Smith and everything else by Phil: drums, keys, programming and arrangements. That album was Mystical Funk and it became the blueprint for what Social Beats would eventually become as a label.
Fast forward to 2026 and Phil is back with Mystical Funk II. A vinyl release that brings together over thirty productions worth of experience. Where the original was a raw solo mission rooted in afro funk and sample-based grooves, the sequel is a richer, more layered affair blending afro groove, disco, funk and samba. It still sounds unmistakably like Phil but with the confidence of someone who has spent decades refining his ear.
The story of Mystical Funk and Phil’s approach to making music is now the subject of a feature article on The New Funky. The piece dives into the Dordrecht soul and funk scene, the creative process behind the music and why rhythm has always been at the heart of everything Phil does.
We are proud to have Phil as one of the founding artists of Social Beats. From that first solo album on Feelgood Records to Mystical Funk II on vinyl. It has been a journey built on groove.
Read the full article on The New Funky
Mystical Funk II is available now in our shop.
