FSQ, Moniquea, XL Middleton – Feeling Wide (Soul Clap Records)

Soul Clap Records has just unleashed a vibrant blast from the past with a forward-looking twist: “Feeling Wide.” Released on October 16, 2025, this magnetic new wave funk jam is a testament to the collaborative brilliance of FSQ, Moniquea, XL Middleton, and Caserta. The track immediately transports you to the electric pulse of 1980s New York City downtown disco, successfully blending rich funk grooves with layered synths and strikingly honest lyrics.

The song’s depth comes directly from the pen of Chuck Da Fonk Fishman of FSQ. He crafted “Feeling Wide” as a multi-layered reflection on self-deprecation and personal struggle, perfectly encapsulated in lines like, “I can’t get out of my own way, I’m feeling wide today. Walking down the street, I can’t get around myself.” Adding to this emotional core is Moniquea’s dynamic vocal delivery. Her sassy, multi-dimensional performance amplifies the feeling of being overwhelmed—whether you interpret that sentiment literally or metaphorically, her voice packs emotional depth right into the groove.

The musical composition is a masterclass in nostalgic texture. FSQ core members Matt Coogan (One Era) and Tate Masimore handle multi-instrumental duties, joined by a unique ukulele performance from G Koop. Crucially, Chuck Da Fonk, XL Middleton, and One Era saturate the sound with iconic Roland Juno-6 synthesizers, giving the track that lush, wet synth texture reminiscent of the era. The energy truly peaks during the bridge, where heavy percussion and thick, immersive layers underpin XL Middleton’s punchy, standout synth solo.

This track’s final form reflects a decade-long creative journey, with Chuck Da Fonk mentioning it was developed through various recordings over 10 years. For the crucial final mix, the team consciously chased a specific sonic quality, one that evokes the legendary work of mixing engineer Alex Sadkin. They enlisted the precision of Caserta (Joe Caserta), who had previously engineered FSQ’s first album, to deliver this signature sound. Caserta’s effort is spectacularly showcased in the sweeping, eight-minute “Feeling Dubbed Mix,” which adds a deeper, dub-inflected dimension that beautifully complements the original single.

“Feeling Wide” is a standout release that demands a listen. It is a funk-forward track packed with multi-layered vocals, delightfully nostalgic synths, and clever, danceable introspection. Fans of new wave funk and disco-infused house will find a rich listening experience here—one that perfectly balances heartfelt emotional lyricism with certified dancefloor-ready grooves. Released as a digital single edition on Soul Clap Records, this track showcases the polish and care the label is known for, making it an essential addition to your playlist.

Soul Clap Records