Future Focus 028: YAAK, Ivoryghost, Luboku, Treasure
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 028 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of YAAK, Ivoryghost, Luboku, and Treasure.
YAAK - Above The Clouds
Melbourne may be in the depths of a COVID lockdown but that’s not stopping YAAK, and his transcendent new single ‘Above The Clouds’.
‘Above The Clouds’ is an intimate affair that’ll enlighten you to the beauty of life. Departing the Hip Hop focus of his previous records, YAAK injects a sense of warmth and comfort into the three and a bit minute duration. The uplifting and divine tones present throughout ‘Above The Clouds’ is a welcomed juxtaposition to the current state of the world. Through encapsulating the sentiment of music acting as a form of escapism, YAAK transports the listener into a realm of tranquility. If you enjoy the quirky tones of experimental Flume and the earnest nature of Tourist, YAAK’s ‘Above The Clouds’ is your isolation anthem.
Although YAAK has only crossed my radar, I’m hooked and eager to hear what’s in store.
“After a few hip-hop focused releases, it felt like the right time to deliver something a little more intimate. With so much uncertainty around us at the moment I wanted to give people a window into how I’ve been feeling. I wanted to create a song that takes the listener on a journey without giving them the answers – I think every listener will take something different from this track, and that’s exactly the point…”
YAAK (Provided)
Ivoryghost - I.D.F.K
Hailing from The Netherlands, Ivoryghost is back with an absolute Hardwave heater, ‘I.D.F.K’.
Released on renown Wave label Liquid Ritual, ‘I.D.F.K’ taps into the experimental and dynamic nature of the genre. Drawing parallels to RL Grime, SLUMBERJACK, NGHTMRE, and early Da Vosk Docta, the single evolves Ivoryghost’s sonic to new bounds. Through morphing boisterous bass with an ethereal undertone the track is another hard hitting weapon in the Wave arsenal. If you are a Bass-head or frequented festivals, Ivoryghost’s ‘I.D.F.K’ is perfect for your playlists while you wait for a post COVID world.
Ivoryghost is certainly positioning himself as a vanguard of the rapidly developing Wave scene. I’m fascinated for what’s to come from the Dutch artist.
“‘I.D.F.K’ refers to me going back to the most essential part of what makes producing fun for me, experimenting. I didn’t know what I was going to do but I knew I wanted something heavy, so I played with it.”
Ivoryghost (Provided)
Luboku - Circles
Melbourne’s Luboku has once again tapped into my soul with ‘Circles’.
‘Circles’ is another odyssey into the expansive universe of Luboku. From the vast pads and samples that lie under the core composition, to the melancholic aura present within all the artist’s releases, ‘Circles’ is an auricular cosmos worth exploring. The delicate dance between the prosperous production and Luboku’s entrancing vocal performance is a sonic journey within itself. The result of the multitude of layers and sirenic sound design is a full bodied listening experience that sings to the soul.
With an EP on the way, Luboku is set to release more sensational singles in 2020!
“‘Circles’ is about feeling stuck in motion, unable to work out whether to move forward or back. I found myself overcome with indecision during the early stages of lockdown; I think a lot of those feelings are reflected in the lyrics of this one.”
Treasure - Isolation
Treasure blends lo-fi R&B and bedroom pop in ‘Isolation’.
‘Isolation’ is a slow burner that oozes with somber semblance. The laidback production sets the stage for Treasure’s raw and heartfelt vocals to shine. A sense of vulnerability is present as Treasure invites the listener in as a companion, rather than a passive observer. ‘Isolation’ blends approachable acoustics and soothing electronica into a reassuring sonic that is a space of nostalgia and hospitality. If you resonate with the likes of Sampha, Moses Sumney and Blood Orange, Treasure’s ‘Isolation’ is right up your alley.
Treasure has snuggly positioned himself into my chillout playlists, and I’m blissfully waiting on his next release.