Future Focus 035: CLYPSO, ASHWARYA, Jax Jones
Words by Callum MacDonald, Justin Pix, Luke Byatt
Welcome to Future Focus, an editorial series providing a personable glimpse into some of best music releasing in the scene. Future Focus 035 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of CLYPSO, ASHWARYA, and Jax Jones x Au/Ra
CLYPSO - Storm
By Callum MacDonald
Returning off the back of esteemed collaborations with KWAME and The Avalanches, Sydney’s CLYPSO lift’s our spirits with new single ‘Storm’.
Teaming up with Brisbane producer Konstantin Kersting (Tones & I, Mallrat, The Jungle Giants) on co-production, ‘Storm’ is an anthem for those friends who are by your side through the tougher times in life. The feeling within the rhythm of the crunchy bass, combined with the uplifting tone of the chords and subtle marimbas really accentuate the reassured feeling you get when that special person is there for you. As the song glides into the bridge, the instrumentation transforms into a dreamy world of nostalgia accompanied by the familiar sound of the recorder, which fits superbly!
Rest assured, CLYPSO has continually proven her prowess as a songwriter and producer over the years and ‘Storm’ is yet another reason to adore this artist! Not only has CLYPSO given us an instant groover to dance to, but she also delivers the perfect message we all need after this tumultuous year, and inspires hope for the year to come.
“Bye-bye fair-weather friends, the ones who are only there when times are good and you’re riding high. This year is the year of the storm-weather friend. They know you best. They know your worst. They feel like home. And when the storm truly hits, they’ll be the only ones standing right there with you.”
ASHWARYA - COMIN@ME
By Luke Byatt
Coinciding with the relaxing of Melbourne’s COVID lockdown was the prosperous release of ‘COMIN@ME’ from ASHWARYA.
Attitude rich, quirky and utterly infectious are the first things that come to mind when listening to ‘COMIN@ME’. The nostalgic vocoder styled vocal processing flirts with the lavish futuristic production bed, as an off kilter structure subverts expectations of a traditional pop structure. ASHWARYA is certainly up your ally if you adore the alternative sonic of Grimes, FKA Twigs, or Sevdaliza. ‘COMIN@ME’ joins my ever growing list of my favourite records to come out this year and is likely a prelude to more outstanding releases from ASHWARYA.
“‘COMIN@ME’ takes you through the toxic cycle of constantly coming back to someone who betrayed you and continues to hurt you. The song calls for confrontation, which eventually leads to the downfall of the relationship. The end of the song is me at my most vulnerable, showing that regardless of the pain this person has inflicted, it will always be challenging to let them go for good.”
Jax Jones x Au/Ra - i miss u
By Justin Pix
International chart topping producer Jax Jones returns with the long awaited deep house hit ‘i miss u’, featuring strong vocals by Au/Ra.
Jax Jones is no stranger when it comes to addicting hooks and vibrant dance beats, with hits like ‘You Don’t Know Me’ ft RAYE and ‘Instruction’ ft Demi Lovato already under his belt, we know that his new song with Au/Ra ‘i miss u’ will be a hit. From a tenebrous vocal performance by Au/Ra to the song’s addicting bassline, this definitely proves that it will be a summer classic. The track starts off with Au/Ra’s elegant yet foreboding vocal deliverance, immediately gripping the listener’s attention. The atmosphere then takes the stage, with a luminous violin harmony preparing the song for the chorus. The deep house groove arrives and strongly compliments the vocals, with a warm bassline in a descending pattern, upholding Jax’s nod to his beginnings with a club ready tone.
If you’re a fan of lustrous vocals and deep house grooves, be sure to check this song out!