Future Focus 009: Quiet Bison, Sarah Wolfe, Mindsight, Commandeur
Welcome to Future Focus 009, an editorial series that’s a personable glimpse into some of best music releasing in the scene. This article features Futuremag Music favourites Quiet Bison, Sarah Wolfe, Mindsight, plus a blossoming act, Commandeur.
Manu Dia - Kids in America Feat. Panama (Quiet Bison Remix)
Quiet Bison continues to dominate 2020, now returning with a vibrant remix of Manu Dia’s ‘Kids In America’ featuring the soaring vocals of Panama.
Quiet Bison’s rework of ‘Kids In America’ retains the lush essence of the original release but flips almost everything else. The striking soundscapes that we’ve grown to know from the ascending artist is a prevalent feature within the remix’s spacious ambit. Panama’s soothing and free form vocals juxtapose the sharp sonics injected by Quiet Bison. This amalgamation between two ends of the mood spectrum equalise to generate an immersive and fascinating listening experience.
Be sure to keep a close eye on Quiet Bison as he sets out for a mammoth year ahead.
Quiet Bison (Provided)
“I had a lot of fun working on this remix and I think it allowed me to experiment with how I use vocals in tracks, I hope it shows in the end and that everyone enjoys it!”
Sarah Wolfe - U Think This Is A Game?
Sydney’s Sarah Wolfe burst into the alt pop scene with ‘The Devil U Know’, which you can read about HERE. For her sophomore single, ‘U Think This Is a Game’, Wolfe challenges the conventions of a love song.
The release of ‘U Think This Is A Game’ coincided with Valentines Day; a date shrouded in romanticism. The track’s messaging undermines the traditional notions of a break up, opting for an empowering stance. Through writing collaboration with Muki (Slayyyter, Jessica Mauboy, The Veronicas) and Xavier Dunn (Jack River, CXLOE, GRAACE, Carmada, Peking Duk), the single ignites an evocative anthem. In concert with the lively lyrics is an attitude plump piece of production also courtesy of Xavier Dunn. This combination of powerhouse talent has resulted in a single that certain to be a staple in playlists.
You can catch Sarah Wolfe at Women In Pop Present on 20 March.
Sarah Wolfe by Ash Lim
“When I went through my last break up, I found myself gravitating towards real sad and depressing songs, which definitely served their purpose of making me cry loads. After a few weeks, I was a bit done with my sad spiral, and made a playlist with only happy breakup tracks, which is what inspired ‘U Think This Is a Game?’ I wanted to create a song for ‘past me’...a song for anyone in the midst of going through something unpleasant and icky. Music is so powerful, in that it really can alter your emotions, so sometimes in pretending we are over something by listening to ‘I’m Good’ by Wafia, we magically do get over it!”
Mindsight - Patient People
OG Futuremag Music artist in residence, Mindsight is no stranger to pushing the fringe of electronic music. His most recent release ‘Patient People’ encapsulates the spirit of the German producer and composer.
‘Patient People’ blends funk and electronic ambient elements with modernist soundscapes. The propulsive energy exuded from the record’s bounds challenges the listener into a discourse of “what is music?” One moment the track is an eclectic mix, the next it has shifted into an elating realm of experimentation. The flow and transfer between ‘Patient People’s segments is a feat of artistry and audio engineering. I can guarantee there are countless renditions of this single lying on the cutting room floor before the final masterpiece of ‘Patient People’ was born. This methodical and diligent attention to details culminates in a composition that’s cohesive and impeccable in execution.
Be sure to keep a close eye on Mindsight with further releases planned for 2020.
Mindsight (Provided)
“‘Patient People’ is a groovy, atmospheric yet energetic composition about feeling strong ambivalences due to love, the accidents surrounding it and the world breaking down around you. While having deceptively simple components with a retro synth pop touch, there is a lot of subtle textures and progression in this song towards almost fluttery, dark and almost industrial parts. It sets the tone for my releases to come in 2020.”
Commandeur - Nothing Else
Commandeur might be a familiar face in music, performing with the likes of PNAU, Tkay Maidza, Dua Lipa, King Princess, Panama, Hot Dub Time Machine and more. Now the Sydney multi-instrumentalist and producer has signed a label deal with Risque (TMRW Music) and released ‘Nothing Else’, a electro pop bop.
‘Nothing Else’ is a vibrant affair filled with buoyant beats, sensual synths, pristine piano and swooning vocals. Releasing on Valentines Day, the track is an ode to love, telling a story Commandeur’s engagement to his partner. The swelling exhilaration and the boundless tenderness of love, promenades within ‘Nothing Else’s abundant vistas.
Commandeur is a seasoned musician with a knack for creating memorable pieces of music on and off the stage.
Commandeur (Provided)
“After spending some time in Bali, I wanted to make a song that immersed you in those laidback summer feelings. A few months after writing the music, I was travelling in the US at which time I proposed to my girlfriend. The next day I went to LA and took the song to Jesse Boykins where he wrote the lyrics about my engagement and we ended up with the summer love song that is ‘Nothing Else’, bookmarking such a momentous part of my life.”