Future Focus 030: Hii Spirits, Chase Zera, Chelsea Warner, Khamsin
Words by Luke Byatt, James Guido, Callum MacDonald
Welcome to Future Focus, an editorial series providing a personable glimpse into some of best music releasing in the scene. Future Focus 030 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of Hii Spirits, Chase Zera, Chelsea Warner, and Khamsin.
Hii Spirits - Free
By Luke Byatt
Melbourne’s Haxx is a man of many talents, and now he’s back with ‘Free’ a cut from his Hii Spirits project.
‘Free’ is a stunning second single from the Hii Spirits project. Building upon the rich sonic world in his debut record ‘Get Better’ (which you can read about HERE), the Melbourne creative taps into the visceral core of progressive electronica and house music. Blending a verdant soundscape with rich emotion, the record is everything I adore about electronic music and so much more. Hii Spirits hits the nail right on the head with ‘Free’ encompassing everything I love from his contemporaries Jon Hopkins, Burial and Bonobo.
The Hii Spirits project is a worthy addition to Haxx’s blossoming portfolio.
“In creating the track I wanted to harness a combination of organic vs electronic textures, conjuring sounds and imagery that hopefully allows listeners to be transported to a different place and time.”
Hii Spirits (Provided)
Chase Zera - Saving Bugs
By James Guido
Following the release of 'Bring Me Down', Chase Zera has teamed up with production powerhouse Xavier Dunn to bring us 'Saving Bugs'.
Drawing influence from BENEE and Aurora, Chase Zera’s 'Saving Bugs' opens up with some 8 bit percussion and lo-fi guitar riffs. On this perfect bed lays the soothing vocals and earworm melodies accented by Chase Zera's characteristic vibrato. The pre-chorus is a testament to the incredible songwriting and vocal performance of the Sydney artist and the production prowess that is Xavier Dunn. Making use of pedal tone guitar hooks above classic analogue bass develops tension and positions the explosive swing chorus. If you're after the ultimate hybrid of 5SOS, Youngblood mixed in with Dua Lipa’s 'Hallucinate', Chase Zera's 'Saving Bugs' is for you.
Chase Zera has positioned herself into my bops playlist and I’m excited to hear what is next for this exciting Sydney Artist.
“I took that idea of saving bugs from drowning and thought of how it could represent the proud feeling I’ve had, witnessing people I love grow and become independent after moving on from something that had been burdening them. ”
Chase Zera (Provided)
Chelsea Warner - Back On My Bullshit
By Callum MacDonald
Teaming up with Sumatra and Zyad, Chelsea Warners delivers ‘Back On My Bullshit’, a mercilessly self-indulgent anthem.
Since her debut in April with 'How Come You Don't Pick Up Your Phone', Chelsea Warner has reiterated her strength and maturity as a songwriter and producer in 'Back On My Bullshit'. The single moulds nostalgia of 90’s R&B/pop with a modern hip-hop fusion courtesy of Sumatra. Alluring listeners with gliding synths and heavy bass lines, ‘Back On My Bullshit’ crafts a darker mood, coupled with a message of focusing energy onto yourself. Up and coming Sydney rapper, Zyad uses his confident style and vocal delivery to further the positive attitude in his verse.
With such an impressive catalogue already, Chelsea Warner continues to prove herself as a major figure to keep an eye on in the future.
“‘Back On My Bullshit’; is a track about being apologetically selfish in the name of putting yourself first - without worrying about ramifications. It represents a shift in focus from over-investing in others, to putting that energy back into yourself.”
Chelsea Warner (Provided)
Khamsin - Led By The Sun (Feat. Saavan)
By Luke Byatt
Releasing on renown indie electro label bitbird, Khamsin drops ‘Led By The Sun’.
‘Led By The Sun’ is your indie electro dreams wrapped up in a neat little bow. From lush synths, vivacious vocals and a buoyant beat, the single sings to the soul. With a focus on following dreams regardless of the emotional rollercoaster that’s attached to it, ‘Led By The Sun’ is a heartfelt affair. The delicacy of textures that morph with marvellous melodies act as a prelude to Khamsin’s forthcoming debut album.
Khamsin has set a high precedent of quality for his upcoming album due out sometime this month.
“‘Led By The Sun’, as it fits into the narrative of the full record, is still in the opening phase of discovery and excitement but as it ends, the negative repercussions begin to show themselves. This song is meant to inspire people to chase their dreams no matter what happens along the way.”
Khamsin (Provided)