287: Steven Greenberg (Lipps, Inc)

Steven Greenberg is the creative force behind “Funkytown,” one of the most enduring dance tracks of all time. A musician, producer, and innovator, Greenberg’s story is one of persistence, adaptation, and an instinct for musical trends that transcended generations.

Growing up in the Twin Cities in the '50s and '60s, Greenberg was immersed in a diverse musical landscape. He started as a drummer before becoming one of the first party DJs in Minneapolis, where he recognized the power of dance music to bring people together. Rather than just playing other people’s records, he saw an opportunity to create his own. That vision ultimately led to “Funkytown,” a song that would sell over 20 million copies worldwide and define a moment in pop music history.

Released in 1980 under the name Lipps, Inc., “Funkytown” bridged the transition from disco to the synth-driven pop of the coming decade. At a time when disco’s dominance was waning, the track’s pulsing electronic beat and futuristic energy hinted at the rise of new wave and electronic dance music. Its influence can still be heard in today’s music.

Despite Lipps, Inc. releasing four albums and achieving a few other charting songs, “Funkytown” remained their defining success. Yet Greenberg’s impact extended beyond the track itself. He later became a mentor to aspiring musicians, including his nephew, producer John Fields, who credits Greenberg with helping shape his approach to music production.

Greenberg’s story is one of unwavering dedication to his creative instincts. His meticulous approach to “Funkytown”—crafting it from the ground up in an era before digital shortcuts—contrasts sharply with modern production methods, where music can be assembled in minutes using pre-made loops and AI-assisted tools. His success underscores the difference between having an idea and the discipline required to bring it to life.

With Steven Greenberg, December 2024 in Palm Springs, CA.

I’ve been hoping to interview him for a while now, and I finally got my chance last month. Here he talks about crafting one of the most enduring dance tracks of all time, bridging the transition from disco to synth-driven pop, and the discipline required to bring musical ideas to life in an era before digital shortcuts.