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 020 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of Taka Perry, Just A Gent x Yvng Jalapeno, Jonas LR, and Mindchatter

Taka Perry - Only U (Feat. Gia Vorne)

From working with some of the largest acts in the scene to dropping his own heavy hitting cuts, Taka Perry is a force to be reckoned with in the Australian music industry. The release of ‘Only U’ featuring Gia Vorne is an impressive insight to Taka’s diverse and sincere artistic journey.

If you’ve been around Taka Perry’s evolving career over the years, you’d know the young act has dabbled in a vast array of sounds… ‘Only U’ is a hommage to this early experimentation, while also acting as a sturdy development to the sonic he established in ‘Introspect’, ‘Kuruna’ and ‘21 Orbits’. The record departs a hip hop focus, opting for a lush and smooth pop soundscape. Gia Vorne’s pristine vocal performance delicately dances upon Taka Perry’s plush bed of production. Although ‘Only U’ leans into pop, the record flaunt’s a subtle urban flair that distinctly sounds “Taka Perry”.

With a clear vision and sound design, Taka Perry is one of the most exciting producers on the rise.

Just A Gent x Yvng Jalapeno - Geekin’ (Feat. Nerve)

Buckled up, because these boys are about to take you for a wild ride! Bass heavy weights Just A Gent and Yvng Jalapeno have teamed up with hip hop prodigy Nerve for ‘Geekin’’.

‘Geekin’’ is everything you wanted and so much more when it comes to a fall to the floor hip hop, bass hybrid. The relentless onslaught boisterous bass strikes as Nerve’s lyricism slices with malicious intent. While in iso, I highly recommend opening up all the ingresses of your residence and pump ‘Geekin’’ on full volume. Might not be the brightest idea if your neighbours call the cops for a noise complaint, but at least you educated them with some of the best bass the scene has to offer.

Just A Gent, Yvng Jalapeno and Nerve’s ultimate release is a testament of Australia’s collaborative tone.

Jonas LR - Better Than This

Hailing from the UK, Jonas LR has dropped ‘Better Than This’, an intense insight to mortality.

‘Better Than This’ is a deep dive into to Jonas LR’s mentality after the tragic passing of two friends. The lo-fi production and spacious soundscape engenders an eerie sense of dysphoria. While this unease is a lingering presence throughout ‘Better Than This’, the record also incites an internal dialogue of mortality and acceptance of the transient nature of life. Jonas LR address a taboo in western culture with graciousness and in a manner that encourages conversations surrounding an uncomfortable topic.

I can’t wait to hear what’s to come from Jonas LR as he continues to have an astute look into the human condition.

Mindchatter - Scared To Go Home

New York’s Mindchatter releases ‘Scared to Go Home’, a quirky yet downtempo addition to his discography.

If you enjoy Bonobo, Tycho, Jamie XX, or the chill cuts from LCD Soundsystem, ‘Scared to Go Home’ is right up your alley. An off kilter vocal twirls through the avant-garde production establishing a texture rich track. Mindchatter’s genre blending disposition results in an intoxicating listening experienced that exudes a chilled magnetism. The fluid persona constitutes a sense of weightlessness, guiding you through the track’s duration.

Mindchatter is a master at his craft, and I highly recommend checking out his other records.