Future Focus 013: Airmow, BKLV, Ivoryghost
Words by Luke Byatt
Welcome to Future Focus, an editorial series providing a personable glimpse into some of best music releasing in the scene. Future Focus 013 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of Airmow, BKLV, and Ivoryghost.
Airmow - Time (Feat. ROSA)
Paris based producer, Airmow has a knack of producing bold electro pop ballads and the release of ‘Time’ featuring is no different.
Dramatic horns and progressive persuasion invite you in as ‘Time’ launches into its three and a half minute journey. A sense of monstrous space is generated by the Airmow’s boundless composition. The cosmic nature of the release is brought back down to earth with ROSA’s vivacious vocals. The culmination of thunderous production and grounded lyricism, results in a release that’s equally profound as it is palatable.
Released through CloudKid, Airmow’s ‘Time’ is a prime example of a phenomenal ground roots A&R find from independent label and curator.
Airmow (Provided)
“The song is about a broken relationship. It tells the story as one of them realises they aren’t being treated well and chooses to leave. Having realised the damage done, the other person in the relationship keeps trying to reconnect but it’s too late, ultimately leaving them trying to figure out whether their relationship should be brought to a close, or whether it just needs time to bring them both back together”
BKLV - Lunar Dust
Australia’s wave scene has been on the rise with Perth’s Skeler garnering international attention though a string of notable records. Sydney’s BKLV is set to follow suit with ‘Lunar Dust’ a meaty piece of hybrid wave.
‘Lunar Dust’ captures the essence of UK dubstep with its sub heavy half step, while retaining the euphoric delicacy of wave, as pristine pads dancing lightly above. Underpinning the sonic is a weird sensation of weightlessness paired heft; a juxtaposition that compliments. Without the ominous low end or the shimmering highs, ‘Lunar Dust’ wouldn’t be the mystical and engrossing composition it is. BKLV has mastered the balance of light and dark, while also making his mark on the ever growing wave scene.
I’m looking forward to seeing what else BKLV has in store over the coming year.
BKLV (Provided)
“The bass sound at the beginning is from the Kepler telescope which once converted, translates as an internal vibration revealing itself as a subtle, rhythmic brightening and dimming of a star. I had fun with this track because it had a sense of playfulness that was kind of an ode to my initial style but with new found knowledge in sound design.”
Joji - Will He (Ivoryghost Flip)
I’m a big fan of Joji and if you’re a regular reader you’d know I’m a stan for wave. When Ivoryghost flip of Joji’s ‘Will He’ popped into my inbox, my interested sparked.
The haunting beauty of the original is not only maintained but elevated in dramatic fashion. A crisp cadence and succulent soundscape wrap around Joji’s warm vocal display to create a cushioned composition. This layering of divine sonics morph in electrifying fashion as Ivoryghost collates his composition with Joji’s original rendition of ‘Will He’.
I hope to see more remixes, flips and bootlegs translating pop culture into wave, as it becomes further prevalent in the electronic landscape.
Ivoryghost (Provided)
“Joji’s original broke the cycle of negativity and self-doubt I found myself in for over a month, the idea for this flip gave me that motivation back.”