Words by Callum MacDonald, Joshua Bowling (Dream Coast), 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 041 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of Ivy Rose, Catch The Rise, little luna, Running Touch, and daste.

Ivy Rose - I've Been Watching You

By Callum MacDonald

Along with signing to the renowned Lab78 (the label from PNAU’s Nick Littlemore and Peter Mayes), Houston’s Ivy Rose delivers her debut single ‘I’ve Been Watching You’. A beguiling, emotive love story moulding panned guitars and soft synths to provide the perfect cloud for Rose’s emphatic vocals. 

Written with Nick Littlemore and Donny Sloan of Empire of The Sun, ‘I’ve Been Watching You’ is a beautiful anthem, tied together by the melancholic tone of Rose’s voice it truly alludes to the double-edged sword of love. The drums glide us along like a heartbeat as the combination of guitars and synths provide the perfect layering to the track’s emotion. As the song transitions into the chorus, the influence of Littlemore is distinct as Rose’s layered vocals spread across the stereo field, creating a lush wall of sound. 

When asked what to expect in the near future, Rose put simply “I want people to feel inspired and motivated, and to feel the real pain and feeling that’s behind my voice”. If this debut is anything to go by, we can certainly feel confident in what is to come from Ivy Rose.

Rögg Collins - Off My Mind (Catch The Rise Remix)

By Josh Bowling (Dream Coast)

For his first published remix, Catch the Rise approaches ‘Off My Mind’, from fellow Greenville, SC local Rögg Collins.

While retaining the vocal hook of the original track, Catch the Rise eases the tempo and replaces much of the core instrumentation. The result is a leftfield bass roller with hints of Tycho-esque guitar tones. ‘Off My Mind (Catch the Rise Remix)’ begins with a sparse ambient introduction. Reverb heavy synth-lines and gorgeous post-rock influenced guitar set the scene. The dreamy atmosphere continues throughout, complemented with rich sub-bass and solid drum production.

Following on strong from the August 2020 release of debut EP Trust, Catch the Rise has shown he is one to watch in the dedicated downtempo bass scene.

little luna - therapy

By Luke Byatt

Appearing on our radar in late 2020 with her debut ‘shift & go’, little luna has returned with a superb follow up single, ‘therapy’.

The groundwork laid by ‘shift & go’ has allowed little luna to explore her sonic architecture in ‘therapy’. The construction of creative vision has translated across multiple mediums including video and visual design. Each element’s capacity to carry the little luna story is galvanised by the other aspects, creating an interlaced concoction of expression. Although ‘therapy’ is a standout record on its own accord, its connection to ‘shift & go’ is undeniable. I highly encourage you to immerse yourself within little luna’s narrative as it gradually unfolds across all facets of the artistic realm.

As little luna continues to make her mark on the scene, it’s clear that she’s here to stay. Be sure to keep an eye out for any activity from this incredible act.

Running Touch - Juno

By Justin Pix

Following his previous rock-infused single ‘Signs’, Melbourne powerhouse singer-songwriter and producer Running Touch returns with the boisterous new track ‘Juno’. 

What can be described as one of his most infectious works to date, featuring harmonious vocals and dazzling guitars, the Melbourne act marries the constituents of rock, electronic and pop into a one beautiful hybrid. The song immediately focuses on Running Touch’s refined vocals, ushering the listeners into the sonic of the song, filled with airy drums and spacious ambience scintillating with the instrumental. ‘Juno’ welcomes the listener into a new era of the ebullient sound of his artistry, unmatched in his ability to merge together the worlds of rock and electronica as one. 

We can’t wait to hear what's next for the Melbourne artist as he leads himself into his new era of sound.

daste. - somebody like you

By Luke Byatt

Gold Coast trio and all round vibe curators, daste. have delivered your Sunday session soundtrack in ‘somebody like you’.

‘somebody like you’ is your quintessential daste. record encapsulating the essence of Summer in an appetising sonic package. Much like a Golden Gaytime the crisp and crunch exterior cascades over the caramel and creamy internals. After consuming ‘somebody like you’ the remnants of the flavourful tones and instrumentation pleasantly linger. Yet agin daste. have delivered cool, sugary snack; perfect for those hot day hankerings. Unlike an ice cream you can devour ‘somebody like you’ without any guilt.

daste. are undoubtably one of the highlights in the Australian indie electronic scene, and I can’t wait to hear what’s to come.

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