Welcome to the third edition of Future Focus, the one stop shop of the weird and wonderful, as well as the forward thinking sounds within the scene. This week’s feature sees the return of PNK FME, a debut release from Vlossom, and two progressive records from Francis Novotny and Trophie.

PNK FME - Not Okay (Stripped Back)

Mental health, though more widely discussed and acceptable now than ever before, is arguably the most prevalent issue for young people in any line of work right now. Coupled with the inherent unstable nature of the music industry it becomes a particularly poignant issue, with over 73% of musicians reporting suffering from mental illness.

With services like Support Act, Listen Up, and Entertainment Assist specifically available to support those working in the music industry, many musicians are using the positive power of social media and their art to bring light to common struggles. 

It’s a topic that PNK FME touched on in ‘Not Okay’, his latest contemplative dance track released on World Mental Health Day. The Adelaide producer and songwriter, sings about this common thread of the human condition over a bed of lush hip-hop tinged electronica, bringing to mind the likes of Post Malone, What So Not, Joji, or Flume.

Now, PNK FME has unveiled his stripped-back take on the track. A version that strips away the industrial production flair of the original to uncover vulnerability and honesty beneath. Coupling the song’s trademark melancholy synths with spacious piano in lieu of a beat, the fast-rising producer reveals personal torment through a raw and honest portrayal of the heavy lyrical themes.

Vlossom - Catch Your Breath

Two Australian musical heavyweights, Nick Littlemore (PNAU, Empire of the Sun) and Alister Wright (Cloud Control) come together as Vlossom. Their debut release ‘Catch Your Breath’ is a funky, disco tinged piece that’s sure to be just as at home on a French dance floor as it will be in an Australian festival pit. Vlossom was born out of a “naive, child-like urge to play and have make believe come real” states Littlemore. ‘Catch Your Breath’, along with other forthcoming tracks from the project, was created in a reverb-stained art deco building in LA in the midst of demo sessions which were “assisted by plant medicine” and otherwise. The duo’s influences culminate in this debut full of driving disco baselines, house grooves and retro synths that are sure to make ‘Catch Your Breath’ a party favourite.

Francis Novotny - Air

Wonky, late night synth bass leads ‘Air’, the latest gem from Swedish producer Francis Novotny. Bringing a more up-tempo feel than his earlier releases, the track grooves with house driven drums and lush, layered vocal harmonies that build to a drop tailored for the dance floor. 

‘Air’ showcases Novotny’s obvious production prowess and couples it with the all too relatable sentiment of feeling non-committal in relationships before finding that person you finally want to commit to. Coming from a house, techno, and trance background, his influences combine in a distinctive and unique sound that melts driving dance influences seamlessly into the captivating vocal melodies.

Trophie - Birthday Party

Adding to the growing scene of PC music coming out of Australia, newcomer Trophie has dropped her new single ‘Birthday Party’. Taking influence from underground dance and bubblegum pop in equal measure, Trophie’s brand of industrial pop comes this time in the form of a high energy, four-to-the-floor, rave ready track. 

While the Sydney artists vocals switch between robotic and angelic, heavy, cutting production by Mattu drives the song from moments of PC madness, to swirling, shimmering synths, and a club ready mid-track breakdown. It’s a step up tempo-wise from previous single ‘Fantasy’, and showcases Trophie’s versatility, expanding on her growing collection and cementing her sound.

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