Future Focus 011: Motez, LO'99, Oliver Malcolm, Kilter
Words by Luke Byatt
Welcome to Future Focus 011, an editorial series providing a personable glimpse into some of best music releasing in the scene. Future Focus 011 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of Motez, LO’99, Oliver Malcolm, and Kilter.
Motez - Patience
Cherished Australian/Iraqi producer and mood curator, Motez has released ‘Patience’, an introspective house ensemble.
Since ‘Patience’s distribution into the world, I’ve had the record on repeat almost 24/7. The profound and poignant messaging of the record morphs with an elevating club house production, resulting in an enriching dance experience. This amalgamation of enlightened lyrics and passionate production is a vivid verification of Motez’s outlook on life and music. ‘Patience’ is a masterclass in astute club music and a complete package of individual improvement.
If you love Motez as much as I do, you can catch him on tour throughout March and April.
Motez (Provided)
“This track was created during a period of creative and personal change, while on an extended US writing trip for a longer-than-usual time. This always brings me frustration, as I am not particularly patient and I realised in order for me to capitalise on this change, I had to learn that patience is a virtue and what it truly means. It became clear that ‘Patience’ not only helps with the end result but also makes you enjoy and appreciate the process itself, to learn from it and think long-term.”
LO’99 - Thunderloop / Hans Zipper
If you're a dance music regular you’d likely be around the buoyant character of LO’99. The Sydney producer has just dropped a double release with ‘Thunderloop’ and ‘Hans Zipper’.
Together, ‘Thunderloop’ and ‘Hans Zipper’ generate a weighty concoction full of vigorous production. Listening with surround sound headphones, the driving percussion, swift synths and lively progression fills the listening chamber with potent energy. Each track’s five minute plus duration sends your endorphins into overdrive, as the notion of reality becomes abstract and your world becomes enveloped into euphonic rapture. Even though I write this at 2pm on a Sunday, there was more than one occasion I caught myself muttering “this is fucking filthy”, a phrase I reserve for 3am bangers.
LO’99 is a master of his craft, with ‘Thunderloop’ and ‘Hans Zipper’ being a testament to his prowess.
LO’99 (Provided)
Oliver Malcolm - Switched Up
Swedish-born, UK-raised and now LA-based Oliver Malcolm has burst onto the scene with his debut release ‘Switched Up’.
‘Switched Up’ brings together the best of lo-fi pop with contemporary R&B and audacious urban. Oliver Malcolm’s history as a producer and writer for Joey Badass, MF Doom, Del the Funky Homosapien, IDK (among others), is on full display throughout the record’s diverse and prosperous progression. The use of raw percussion, acoustic guitar, sampling combines with an attitude filled vocal performance. ‘Switched Up’s quality and execution is in line with the likes of top tier records such as Post Malone’s ‘Circles’, slow thai and Mura Masa’s ‘Doorman’ or BENEE’s ‘Find an Island’.
The succulent snack of a single leaves you craving more, be sure to keep an eye on Oliver Malcolm as he bolsters his presence in 2020.
Oliver Malcolm (Provided)
Thutmose and Rema - Love in the Morning (Kilter Remix)
Futuremag Music favourite, Kilter has dropped a vibrant remix of Thutmose and Rema’s ‘Love in the Morning’.
Kilter injects a jovial party flair to the original’s lush and sensual sonic. Thutmose and Rema’s cadence flows uninhibited as Kilter’s animated remix dances around the traditional structure. The remix is an electrifying continuation for the Kilter project, following ‘Catch a Case’ with Lil Spacely which you can read about HERE. Kilter is a mainstay in the domestic dance and electronic scene, with his remix of ‘Love in the Morning’ joining his impressive catalogue of releases.
Now with Kilter’s expansion into urban soundscapes, the Sydney based producer is set for an exciting future.
Kilter (Provided)
“I’m a big fan of both Thutmose and Rema so was super dope to put my spin on their track. I knew straight away that the OG slow-jam would be killer jacked up into club territory while keeping a lot of that afrobeat energy.”