Words by Joshua Bowling (Dream Coast), Luke Byatt, Justin Pix
Welcome to Future Focus, an editorial series providing a personable glimpse into some of best music releasing in the scene. Future Focus 048 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of Micah Jey, Mickey Valen, Sol Flare, and RUFUS DU SOL.
Words by Joshua Bowling
Making her debut solo release, singer-songwriter, producer and visual artist Micah Jey stuns with the soulful ‘Rewilding’. After previously working with other producers (including a feature on Kilter’s ‘Fool For You’) as a top-line writer, Micah Jey returns re-energised after a brief hiatus and period of artistic growth.
Self-produced, the introspective single contains elements of psychedelic rock, trip hop and electronica. Suggesting an emotionally cathartic experience in finding her voice, ‘Rewilding’ invites the listeners to re-centre and reconnect with nature.
With shows and an EP on the way, expect to hear more from Micah Jey in the coming months.
Micah Jey (Provided)
Words by Luke Byatt
Mickey Valen is back with ‘RIP’ featuring Heather Jeanette released on coveted curator and label, CloudKid.
Haunting and chilling are the first words that come to mind when listening to ‘RIP’. Like a horror movie, the single exudes an uneasy aura that is also equally alluring. A blend of enchanting pop aligned vocals with an alternative electronic production, results in a soundscape that is commercial enough to hit mainstream audiences, while also remaining admissible for tastemakers.
CloudKid have a knack of signing wonderful records, with ‘RIP’ being no exception.
Mickey Valen (Facebook)
Words by Joshua Bowling
Combining retro synth tones, deep-house beats and a lush vocal feature, Sol Flare returns for his first single of 2021 with ‘Creature’.
Touching on timely themes of isolation and yearning for release, Jova Radevska compliments the dreamy synthesiser melodies with a soulful delivery that would fit nicely in a Sasha mix. Following a string of singles including ‘Blueshift’ & ‘Retrofit’, Sol Flare has seen support from BBC Introducing, London Live, 6Music & Amazing Radio. Now based in Melbourne, Sol Flare has kept busy finalising upcoming releases and organising online streaming festivals as a founder of Synth Stream.
Sol Flare (Provided)
Words by Justin Pix
Carrying on the success of the vigorous record Solace, RÜFÜS DU SOL break their 3 year silence by celebrating their return with the soothing ‘Alive’, alongside the announcement of the North American fall tour.
Beginning with warm arpeggiated synths, RÜFÜS’ Tyrone Lindqvist brings in a distinctly immeasurable vocal performance that cements the triumphant return of the group. The piece flows beautifully with the vocals by introducing warm sanguine and zestful drums. Though the Alive’s aura is reminiscent of the transcending nature of the band, its sonic brings us into a new energetic and buoyant era for them. From its ethereal trance synths to its dream-like drum sequences, the song marks the roaring comeback of RÜFÜS DU SOL and we cannot wait for more!
Wave has taken the Dance scene by storm. In Future Focus 055 we showcase the next generation of artists.
Future Focus 054 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of Cabu, warner case, and Kendl.
Future Focus 053 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of Emei, PNK FME, Kenaj, and Adembo.
Future Focus 052 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of Taka Perry x Leon Fanourakis, Kumarion, ASHWARYA and Jarrod Jeremiah.
Future Focus 51 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of Ivoryghost, warner case, GANZ x Nicole Millar, YAAK x Z. Lewis, and Beso Palma.
Future Focus 050 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of jas., Matveï x warner case, Strict Face and Yujin.
Future Focus 049 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of Heimanu, Duskus, and 2 Man Embassy x Jake Neumar.
Future Focus 048 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of Micah Jey, Mickey Valen, Sol Flare, and RUFUS DU SOL.
Future Focus 047 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of Farrah, Pachinko, San Joseph, and Holow.
Future Focus 046 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of PNK FME, Dyzphoria x Yedgar, YUJIN, and Comakid.
