Indigo Dream
Hi Friends!
Hope you're doing well. In case you missed it, the newest feature on Sarang's Blog | Prodigy Strats is Music Mondays, where I'll share a playlist of music I love with analysis of the songs, spanning a spectrum of genres and eras! On 10/12 we explored Current Country Music, on 10/19 The Four Seasons, on 10/26 2000s Rap, and today, 11/2, Disco and Funk! Give this playlist a listen as you're reading this blog and whenever you want to groove to some legendary music from half a century ago!
Disco and Funk hit near and dear to my heart because for years I played in a disco band, Indigo Dream! The music is also the foundation for so much of the music we hear today! Indigo Dream was created by the late Conan McLemore, a dear friend and music teacher, whose untimely passing still hits hard today. In honor of the old band and Conan, you'll notice several paragraphs are in this color. These are the songs we played together as a band. Shoutout Phantom Lake Conservatory of Music. RIP dear Conan. Your creative vision and inspiration continue to inspire me every day. I've got my four on the floor ready to go so let's get to it! 1.. 2.. 3.. 4..
K-Jee - The Nite Liters (1971)
I performed this one with Indigo Dream. Without a lead singer carrying a lyric, the interest comes from the band's instrumental conversation: brass, guitars and rhythm-section responses. “K-Jee” particularly showcases the Nite-Liters’ combination of bold brass and a punchy rhythm section. The beauty is in how those parts fit together, not simply in any one player showing off.
Papa Was A Rollin' Stone - The Temptations (1972)
I also played this one with Indigo Dream. It is about children trying to understand an absent father after his death. “Rollin’ stone” means he never settled down or took lasting responsibility. The line "wherever he laid his hat was his home" describes someone who lived wherever he happened to be, rather than building a stable home for his family. The last line of the chorus "all he left us was alone" plays on "a loan".
Superstition - Stevie Wonder (1972)
This song is about the danger of letting fear and irrational beliefs control your life. It isn't celebrating superstitions; it's about avoiding them. Wonder refers to broken mirrors, seven years of bad luck, the number thirteen, and walking under ladders. These are examples of people treating ordinary events or objects as signs that something terrible will happen. His central message is that believing in things you don’t understand can make you suffer unnecessarily.
That's The Way (I Like It) - KC & The Sunshine Band (1975)
I played this one with Indigo Dream also. I like it because its groove is immediately enjoyable: the drums, bass, brass and vocals arrive with energy and the song keeps that feeling going. It's cheerful, catchy music built for moving to and doesn't need to be complicated to feel great.
Give Up The Funk - Parliament Funkadelic (1975)
Another one from Indigo Dream. The groove is infectious and the chants make everyone feel involved. As a drummer, I enjoy locking in with the bass to keep a strong foundation while the rest of the band builds around it. It's satisfying to play because the energy comes from not just one person, but everyone working together.
Get Up Offa That Thing - James Brown (1976)
Written by the "Godfather of Soul", this song is full of energy and instantly makes me want to move. James Brown's amazing voice, the punchy horns, and the catchy beat make it hard to sit still. It puts me in a good mood and makes me feel like I can let go of stress and just enjoy the music.
Stayin' Alive - Bee Gees (1977)
An instant classic; as soon as I hear the beat start, I recognize it and want to move. The unforgettable rhythm and distinctive vocals give it a cool, confident feel. It lifts my mood, and no matter how many times I hear it, I still want to sing along.
Boogie Oogie Oogie - A Taste of Honey (1978)
I performed this one with Indigo Dream. Its funky bassline and catchy beat make me want to dance right away. It has a cheerful, carefree energy that puts me in a good mood. The playful chorus is fun to sing along to, and I love how the song keeps that upbeat feeling going from start to finish.
Last Dance - Donna Summer (1978)
I like ‘Last Dance’ by Donna Summer because it starts out gentle and emotional, then builds into an exciting dance song. That change gives it a sense of anticipation, and when the beat kicks in, I want to get up and move. Her powerful voice and the joyful chorus make it feel like the perfect song to end a great night.
YMCA - Village People (1978)
I like this song because it brings everyone together. The familiar chorus and arm movements turn listening into a shared celebration, whether I'm with friends or in a room full of strangers. It's playful and simple; the kind of song many can join in on without worrying about looking silly.
September - Earth, Wind & Fire (1978)
I like ‘September’ by Earth, Wind & Fire because it feels like a happy memory brought to life. The bright horns and smooth vocals give it a warmth that makes me smile, and I love joining in with the ‘ba-dee-ya’ chorus. It reminds me of good times with people I care about, even when I’m just listening on my own. Do you remember the 21st night of September? You know I have a "perfect" memory, right? That night in 2026, I had a leadership call with Pawn to Queen Chess Coaching and listened to this song!
The last three songs on this list are extra special to me because not only did we perform them all the time with Indigo Dream over the years, but my brother, Vivaan, then six, made the band and got to sing all three!
I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor (1979)
This song is all about resilience. Whether it was a breakup or some other challenge, this song hits on a different level and empowers us all to rise up, push through, and thrive, using whatever adversity we faced as a springboard to new heights! I especially love the dramatic piano intro (shoutout Derek on the keys in Indigo Dream) leading into the singers singing the intro about initially being traumatized, then unlike the original, I opened with a wicked fill to cue in the rest of the crew dropping into the main melody!
Good Times - Chic (1979)
First off, shoutout Sugarhill Gang's Rappers Delight, which covered this song brilliantly! I love how the whole band kicks this one off and I got to count everyone in as usual. Conan may have been our vision and director, but when we were on stage, as drummer, I was the cue man, the beatmaker, and the conductor/facilitator of the squad! There's an awesome bass solo (shoutout Alyssa in Indigo Dream) in the middle with drums going strong and that was always one of my favorite moments in band, just the two of us cooking! Also, we need more songs that are happy.
Celebration - Kool & The Gang (1980)
This song is not from the 1970s like the rest, but it absolutely merits mention here. This was our closer at our shows and led to many standing ovations and uproarious applause! The chorus "Celebrate good times, come on!" is iconic and there are so many moments in the song that make you want to hug your friends, dance, and celebrate. After every one of our gigs, we'd call Conan up to the stage to get his flowers and humble as ever, he'd smile, walk off, and point to all of us again to take a bow and enjoy the celebration.
We hope you enjoyed today's homage to Disco and Funk. If there's any piece you'd love to add that we might have missed, please let us know in the comments. Also, if there are other genres or periods of music you'd like me to explore, let me know! Conan - If you're reading this wherever you are, know we're carrying on your vision and love for music in all the music we do and that you made an indelible mark on all of us who you taught.
That's all for today! See y'all next time! Sarang out.
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