Future Focus 015: PNK FME, Azura, Self Tape
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 015 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of PNK FME, Azura and Self Tape.
PNK FME - You Never Said
I’ve been a big fan of PNK FME for a number of years, so much that actually I signed him for management; you can read more about that here. The Adelaide producer, writer and vocalist has just dropped ‘You Never Said’, a continuation of his developing artist story.
‘You Never Said’ is equal parts raw and confronting as it palatable to wide audience. Gnarled piano and distorted synths reflect how reckless actions can shatter a facade and reveal the true nature of an individual. The ultimate betrayal of trust drives the fervent tension as PNK FME’s vehement vocal display slices with unapologetic ferocity. ‘You Never Said’ is a mournful yet empowering odyssey that probes the untamed surge of personal growth from breaking dysfunctional bonds.
I can’t wait for the world to hear what’s else is in store for the project throughout 2020 and beyond.
“While writing ‘You Never Said’, I was in a period of retrospection with rage resonating from my shattered emotional state due to someone’s destructive actions towards me. I was questioning why and how someone close could be emotionally abusive against someone they supposedly ‘love.’ This is my goodbye letter to them and my final ‘fuck you.’”
PNK FME by Zara Mutti
Azura - Melt
Melbourne producer, writer, and vocalist, Azura has a real knack for relatable pop records. The release of ‘Melt’ harvests the best of her discography and blends it into a delectable listening experience.
The lush and prosperous lyrical structure of ‘Melt’ is instantly infectious. Working with Joshua Karp (Macklemore, Kesha), Gab Strum (Japanese Wallpaper) and Jackson McRae (Eves Karydas), ‘Melt’ is stewing with textural instrumentation, garnished with a fresh sprig of pop lyricism. The record is a refreshing evolution of the Azura project; with previous singles, ‘Yours’ and ‘Seasons’ among others alluding the pristine pop transformation. If you resonate with the striking pop rhythms of early Britney Spears and the calculated composition of James Blake, ‘Melt’ will neatly nestle into your regular listening schedule.
Be sure to keep your eyes locked on Azura as she works towards her sophomore EP, From Your Past Love.
“I’m not sure how socially acceptable it is to flirt with someone by asking if they’re a nihilist, but I did, and
‘Melt’ is the story of that feeling - hope, fear, electricity.”
Azura by Katy Roubin
Self Tape - Night Swim
Sydney producer, Self Tape has been a figure on my radar for some time, and his music has filled many hours of my life. With the release of ‘Night Swim’, Self Tape captures what he does best, late night house grooves.
‘Night Swim’ is a resolute example of emotive club music garnished with easy listening aspects. The culmination of these two sonics are a staple in Self Tape’s production arsenal, with ‘Mexico’ and ‘12:51am’ being prime examples. Upon first listen I was hooked; now many replays later, the sense of elegance paired with a playful mystery, still carries weight. From the deep cutting percussion, to the opulent vocals cuts, ‘Night Swim’ is transportive as it is transformative. If you love Tourist, Roland Tings, or George Fitzgerald; Self Tape is an act you most certainly should be around.
With a debut EP on the way, Self Tape is someone I’ll continue to watch closely.
“‘Night Swim’ is a reflection of the time I spent in New York last year. It embodies a feeling that rang through my body, being surrounded by what felt like a sea of never ending people, and how isolating it felt. I envision the motion of swimming at night, something so lucrative and mysterious and essentially something that would be... done alone. In times like these, it’s important to remember that being alone isn’t a negative thing and in fact can result in going inward and finding beauty in moments that you wouldn’t usually associate that with.”
Self Tape by Chris Grundy