Future Focus 016: DVNA, Two Neighbors, Luna May, Hii Spirits
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 016 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of DVNA, Luna May, Two Neighbors and Hii Spirits.
DVNA - Half Past Sober
Futuremag Music favourite, DVNA has returned with ‘Half Past Sober’ a subversion from her bubbly R&B.
‘Half Past Sober’ leans into a more melancholy and moody sonic structure, where acoustics and warm tones flourish unbridled. This shift in direction is a welcomed change, providing a deeper insight to DVNA’s ability as a songwriter, producer and vocalist. Working with Fractures, the record pushes the project’s boundaries to new extents, a natural continuation of what we saw with DVNA’s remixes of AUSTEN and Keelan Mak. A multifaceted act, with a knack for all things music, DVNA is quickly becoming a staple in playlists around Australia and the world.
With more music on the way, DVNA’s 2020 has only just begun and I’m keen to see how things progress for this ascending act.
“My friend’s told me about her relationship that was equally as passionate as it was toxic. A dysfunctional, heated, electric love affair that probably never should have happened, though glad it did. We’ve all been in situations where feelings aren’t reciprocated. You begin to feel weak, desperate and a slowly turn into a shell of your former self. Pricking your fingers on the staples barely holding the relationship together and learning to love the pain.”
DVNA (Provided)
Luna May - Castles
Australian pop is going through a period of resurgence at the moment, with Luna May joining the movement with the release of ‘Castles’.
‘Castles’ is bitter sweet concoction of somber semblance, retrospection and personal development. On the surface, the record is a smooth affair where lush production flutters and aerial vocals dance freely. Digging deeper, Luna May captures heartbreak in wrenching detail, dissecting the callousness of brutal abandonment and the following growth. From a withering affection to a blossoming new life, ‘Castles’ is an exploration of love and the impact it has on the human condition.
Luna May is set for a prosperous future be sure to keep a close eye on her development.
“‘Castles’ is about building a life with someone only to have them turn their back on you. It’s about being locked out of the castle you built with them. I wrote it on Christmas Eve, five years ago and over the years, I’ve tweaked the production and lyrics but was never really ready to release it to the world. That was until I met Matt Sofo who gave the production of the song the love it needed.”
Luna May by Phoebe Harford
Two Neighbors - Never Talk To Me Again
Love the rocktronic sounds of Bishop Briggs of Samsaruh, you’ll fall for ‘Never Talk To Me Again’ by Two Neighbors.
‘Never Talk To Me Again’ is a masterclass in genre amalgamation. The gritty guitar and vivacious vocals slice with a driven punk rock attitude as prosperous pads and potent production fills the space. The criss-cross of genre based sonics neglects traditional structures, as it forges its own path in the forever diversifying musical landscape. Although Two Neighbor’s challenges expectations, ‘Never Talk To Me Again’ still retains a palatable presentation.
Two Neighbors are infectious, I can’t wait to hear what’s to come.
“The song is about being addicted to an ex. Hoping that person treats you so badly you can finally have the strength to walk away. In my case, I didn’t have the strength and our last fight ended our relationship. The song is a reflection on the lack of self control, obsession, drug addiction and physical fights that occurred back then with that person.”
Two Neighbors by Julian Drozario
Hii Spirits - Get Better
When Jack Arentz A.K.A. Haxx (also half of Kult Kyss) slid into my inbox with his brand new project, I knew I was in for a treat well before listening to any music. With the launch of Hii Spirits and its debut release ‘Get Better’, Haxx can add another stellar project to his name.
Dawning a darker driving tone to electronic music, Hii Spirits is a departure from the vibrancy and exotic sonic aligned with the Kult Kyss project. If you love George Fitzgerald, Willaris K, Midland, or Motez, ‘Get Better’ is the fiery warmth you need as we descend into winter. Textured and gritty, Hii Spirits production prowess is on full display throughout the track’s six minute endeavour; with transportive introspection engulfing every listen. I mentioned in a previous article that Motez’s ‘Patience’ is “a masterclass in astute club music”, I can hold the exact same sentiment to Hii Spirits’ ‘Get Better’.
With a bountiful catalogue of original releases under Kult Kyss and Deja, plus credits on copious other records, Haxx can add Hii Spirits as a fine addition to the roster. I’m excited to see what else this accomplished act has in store.
“I created Hii Spirits as an avenue for me to explore my love of transcendental electronic music. ‘Get Better’ is the first single from a collection of songs that are texturally and sonically different from anything i’ve worked on before. I’m really excited about the infinite possibilities of this new project.”