Alissia: Funk, R&B, and Pop Producer: Biography, Style, and Production Tips

Who is Alissia Benveniste?

Born in Switzerland and raised in Italy, Benveniste has worked with Anderson.Paak, Bootsy Collins, 21 Savage, Mary J. Blige, Kaytranada, and more.

One of her big breaks came after Prince saw a video her playing bass on the song “777-93-11.” Another of her influences, Quincy Jones, also gave his nod of approval before passing. Benveniste, a multi-instrumentalist, also plays drums, guitar, and piano. It’s one of the things that makes her a standout among many of today’s producers.

“There are so many producers who are not using instruments. Prince would say, ‘We’ll end up sampling the sample of the sample of the sample.'” – Alissia 

 Alissia’s Studio Workflow

This Grammy-nominated producer has her own studio in New York, the Spaceship:

You don’t have to build a home studio to make funk hits like Alissia. Bay Eight’s rates are more affordable than you might think.  

“If I’m going to a studio, or even at my studio, I’m listening to music. I’m burning some Palo [Santo]. I’m setting the vibes mentally and doing something that puts me in the right headspace. If I’m cooking by myself, a go-to… a good synth, like a JUNO-106 or -160 or a Prophet. And then probably a bass and a guitar if possible. I always have my little portable MIDI controller, that’s also a must especially if I’m studio hopping…I’m an analog type of person. I love experimenting with sounds, and I feel like the best sounds are always achieved through analog gear.”

– Alissia

What is Funk Music?

Widely credited as the founder of funk music, James Brown remains the most sampled artist of all time. This is undoubtedly proof of funk music’ continued influence, even among those who don’t feel knowledgeable about the genre.

As the progenitor of funk, Brown’s style defines the genre. The call and response vocal-styling that is a staple of Black American churches, rhythm driven (rather than melody-driven) songs, and improvised lyrics are key parts of funk. Because it’s so rhythm oriented, there is the notion that in funk music, every instrumentalist has to “think like a drummer.”

While true funk is believed to have been short-lived, its legacy lives on in post-funk genres, and in the second life of funk hits in sampling. Just the song “Get Up Offa That Thing” has been sampled over 400 times. Other funk artists to know are Pee Wee Elis, Parliament, Sly and the Family Stone, and Bootsy Collins.

Fun Fact: Funk shares its affinity for syncopation, it’s prioritization of rhythm over melody, and improvised lyricism with the afrobeats genre.

How to Produce a Funk Song

One of the most distinct characteristics of funk music is that the emphasis is on the one. Don’t know what that means? That’s okay. Funk music legend Bootsy Collins explains it quite simply below.

Next, use syncopation in drumlines, basslines, and / or guitar riffs. Keep in mind that with so many rhythmic elements, it can be easy to overdo it. Prevent overfilling your track by keeping some instruments to specific portions of the song only.

Create a signature bassline that you can’t resist humming along to. Basslines don’t need to be complicated to be memorable. “Space is a note,”  the bassist Nik West advises. This advice is especially helpful because ghost notes play a major part in funk grooves.

Lastly, improvise! Improvisation is important for making funk music. In a studio setting, that means improvising melody-driven lyrics, encouraging session musicians to improvise, and doing what feels good rather than focusing on structure.

Note: Tempo is usually between 90-110 BPM for funk music, which is slower than many dance genres.

In Summary:

1. The Emphasis Is Always on “The One”

Bootsy Collins himself describes this as returning to the foundational downbeat.

2. Use Syncopation Intentionally

Layer syncopation across drums, bass, guitar, and keyboards — but avoid overcrowding the mix.

3. Build a Memorable Bassline

A humming-friendly bassline is often the signature of the song.

4. Leave Space in the Arrangement

Ghost notes + space = groove.

5. Prioritize Improvisation Over Perfection

Funk is about feel, not rigid structure.

“There are some incredible women producers out there, but I would love to see more.” – Alissia

Berklee notes that a 2023 study of “1,100 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 from 2012 to 2022 found that among more than 1,700 producing credits, a mere 2.8% went to women.”

Other Influential Female Producers to Know

Chloe

Chloe is one half of the duo Chloe & Halle. She has posted several videos showcasing her skills. The Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist, singer, and actor produced the majority of tracks on her solo debut In Pieces.

WondaGurl

WondaGurl started her producing career as a teenager, making her one of the youngest women to be part of a platinum-selling hip-hop album. She has worked with Jay Z, Mariah Carey, Lil Uzi Vert and more. 

Arca

Arca has worked with artists as far ranging as Rosalia and FKA Twigs to Kanye West and Sia. Avant-garde and experimental is her forte, but she explores an impressive range of genres in her work as a producer.

Tokimonsta

Tokimonsta is the first Asian American to receive a Grammy nomination in the Best Dance / Electronica genre. She has produced for Anderson.Paak and Earthgang. She’s also done remixes for Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5 and more. 

Ready to Record Your Funk or R&B Track in Miami?

If you want the professional sound that artists like Alissia, Anderson .Paak, Bootsy Collins, and Kaytranada are known for, you need a studio with:

• world-class acoustics
• analog and digital hybrid gear
• experienced engineers who know groove-based music

Bay Eight Recording Studios in Miami offers premium vocal booths, SSL-equipped rooms, analog synths, and engineers specializing in R&B, funk, pop, trap, and modern soul.