Future Focus 045: DENNIS., Sumner, KAVERN, Airwolf x Yeah Boy

Welcome to Future Focus, an editorial series providing a personable glimpse into some of best music releasing in the scene. Future Focus 045 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of DENNIS., Sumner, KAVERN, and Airwolf x Yeah Boy.

DENNIS. - Stuck In My Ways

Gold Coast’s DENNIS. is back with glamorous new single, ‘Stuck In My Ways’.

In ‘Stuck My Ways’ DENNIS. exhibits her a-grade understanding of composition and what it takes to make a Pop hit. From the lavish lyrical nature to the blossoming production, the record effloresce with divine sophistication. DENNIS. is undoubtably one of the best Pop acts currently traversing the Australian music scene. That being said her abilities haven’t gone unseen with the Gold Coast Music Awards awarding her the coveted inaugural Gold Coast Music Prize.

I can’t wait to hear what’s to come from DENNIS.

“All your fears and worries suddenly are thrown in your face and there is nowhere to hide. However in my experience
you realise that your new home is not so much about that four letter code and how you fit into this new world
together, instead your home is the person you share this new way of living life with.”

— DENNIS.

Sumner - South

Tasmanian duo, Sumner are making some serious waves since the release of ‘Stranded’ earlier in the year. Now the pair have returned with their equally enchanting single, ‘South’ released on PNAU and etcetc’s Lab78

‘South’ is a slight shift in sonic for Sumner, opting for more of a feel good Electro Pop concoction rather than a Dance aesthetic. Regardless the record boasts the same charm and alluring nature the Tassie creatives imbued into their previous records. Complementing the release of ‘South’ is another Super 8 styled music video; which much like the song was expertly executed. In conjunction with Lab78, Sumner have created a stunning audio visual world that I want to be fully drenched in.

I can’t get enough of Sumner!

“South is a love song to Tasmania. Our home state provided a place of comfort and healing in a time of searching and longing for a state of contentment. We were spending a lot of time in Hobart around that time, and with every trip I felt like I came back having found a little more of the person I wanted to become. I found solace in heading South.”

— Sumner

KAVERN - Somebody Else

For those who are involved in the Wave community, you’d be familiar with my utter obsession with KAVERN’s ‘Flamberge’. Now the wibby wobbly synth king is back with ‘Somebody Else’; a grandiose return to premiere Wave labe, Liquid Ritual.

I’m slightly lost for words when it comes to KAVERN’s unique ability to morph old school Wave with a new Hardwave philosophy. This amalgamation between the two sides of Wave is a rarity in the scene; proponents usually opt for a singular genre subset. KAVERN expertly bridges this divide with boisterous bass ensembles filling out the drops, while more subdued ethereal elements occupy the breaks. This balance proves that Wave and Hardwave are two sides of the same coin, conjoined through an entirely unique sonic, unrivalled in the wider Bass and Dance scene as a whole.

KAVERN is an expert of his craft and his catalogue is testament to that.

Airwolf x Yeah Boy - Everything You Do

Melbourne’s Airwolf has teamed up with prolific artist Yeah Boy for ‘Everything You Do’.

Airwolf and Yeah Boy’s ‘Everything You Do’ ticks all the boxes for a good time. From a jovial aesthetic to a pumping Piano House, the duo have created (in my opinion), one of the best commercial Dance records of 2021. Set the stage; a cruisy Sunday session with margaritas and rosé flowing all topped off with a beautiful view… These are the images that come to mind when listening to ‘Everything You Do’. The next time I DJ a Weekend session (post COVID), I can bet you top dollar that this masterpiece is going to be on my playlist.

Airwolf is an adept act at the top of his game!

“After I wrote the track, I don’t think I’ve listened to a demo so much as this one. It just made me want to dance. I knew whatever Johnny (Yeah Boy) came up with would be absolute magic… It just elevated the track into something super special.”

— Airwolf