Future Focus 017: Mammals, Chelsea Warner, Malana, Skarma
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 017 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of Mammals, Chelsea Warner, Malana and Skarma.
Mammals - Mansion
Mammals have been a continual figure in the the Aussie scene for a number of years, and the release of ‘Mansion’ is a lush continuation for the project.
‘Mansion’s spacious and eerie aura sets the stage for Mammals to ponder the metaphorical weight of existence. The track is a vessel of expressionism containing the collective cargo of society during a time of amaranthine anxiety. Accompanying the release of ‘Mansion’ is a music video directed by Jordan Lister, that admirably integrates the recording into an audio visual masterpiece.
With each release, Mammals further bolster their stance in the Australian music scene. I’m eager to hear what’s to come.
“Mansion explores the depths of being totally consumed under oceans of powers we can’t control. While recording it, I felt distant and insignificant - in the dark. I wanted to explore this through the track’s production and with lyrics that express the weight of relationships and existence.”
Chelsea Warner - How Come You Don’t Pick Up Your Phone
Sydney’s Chelsea Warner’s debut, ‘How Come You Don’t Pick Up Your Phone’ is a striking insight to the next generation of Australian pop.
‘How Come You Don’t Pick Up Your Phone’ emanates a lush neo-soul flair, where swooning vocals and sultry production flirt to produce a sonic allure. A grooving cadence promenades with confidence, as acoustic and analogue stems tenderly touch the listener. Although on first impressions the track is fairly minimal, the lyrical personality and crisp composition has imbued ‘How Come You Don’t Pick Up Your Phone’ with character and amiable charm.
With only record under her belt, Chelsea Warner has already landed herself a place in my favourites list. I’m enthralled with the project so far and can’t wait to hear what’s to come.
“At the time, I was really obsessed with Eryka Badu and 90s hip-hop, and I think that influenced my writing and production. I loved the moog/synth bass on De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest tracks, and I thought it would be interesting to draw inspiration from these old school sounds for a track with fairly modern subject matter.”
Chelsea Warner (Provided)
Malana - Now It's Whatever
UK based producer, Malana is a master when it comes to sound design, and it’s fully apparent with his debut release, ‘Now It's Whatever’.
‘Now It's Whatever’ is a timeless piece that emanates immense charm and warmth. In this chaotic world, Malana explores the notion of the human condition. The succulent use of samples result in a fruitful composition that blossoms within the record’s three and a half minute duration. Sweeping synths and prosperous pads morph with kinetic percussion, a delicate dance of sonic bliss.
With only a remix and an original under his belt, Malana is a figure to be seriously watched.
“I started sketching the demo last year on the road while travelling through India with a cheap notebook and just kind of laying down the chords and basic drum groove before fleshing it all out when I got back to my studio in the UK. I was thinking a lot about life back home while I was away, reflecting on what it means to be in love and ultimately whether or not that’s something I’ve experienced, so this track is basically about that questioning and uncertainty.”
Malana (Provided)
Skarma - Lilac
‘Lilac’ is a delightful debut for Canberra producer Skarma.
‘Lilac’ is an impressive hybrid of melodic french house with a touch of vapour twitch (Think Jerry Folk or HWLS). Entering the scene with a bang, the culmination of two sonically divergent genres is a radical move for a debut release. Textured pads and an infectious vocal cut drive the record forward as a lofty beat elevates ‘Lilac’ to new heights. Striking synths sweep adding a metaphysical aura to the track, as it ascends further into the ether. Skarma’s release of ‘Lilac’ has kicked off his music career with some serious style.
I can’t wait to hear what’s to come from the Canberra lad throughout 2020 and beyond.
“My aim for this song was to create something that has both relaxed melodic house elements with some bigger synth heavy parts on top. I could imagine driving to this or listening to it while going for a nice walk. I hope you enjoy!”
Skarma by Gabby Williams