Future Focus 048: Micah Jey, Mickey Valen, Sol Flare, RUFUS DU SOL
Words by Joshua Bowling (Dream Coast), Luke Byatt, Justin Pix
Welcome to Future Focus, an editorial series providing a personable glimpse into some of best music releasing in the scene. Future Focus 048 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of Micah Jey, Mickey Valen, Sol Flare, and RUFUS DU SOL.
Micah Jey - Rewilding
Words by Joshua Bowling
Making her debut solo release, singer-songwriter, producer and visual artist Micah Jey stuns with the soulful ‘Rewilding’. After previously working with other producers (including a feature on Kilter’s ‘Fool For You’) as a top-line writer, Micah Jey returns re-energised after a brief hiatus and period of artistic growth.
Self-produced, the introspective single contains elements of psychedelic rock, trip hop and electronica. Suggesting an emotionally cathartic experience in finding her voice, ‘Rewilding’ invites the listeners to re-centre and reconnect with nature.
With shows and an EP on the way, expect to hear more from Micah Jey in the coming months.
“Through the process of writing ‘Rewilding’ I was able to reflect on ways that I strayed from my path, like getting caught up in the wrong crowd and allowing myself to feel drained by my environment. By disconnecting from nature and my higher purpose I felt an internal wound emerge and it began to fester over time. Breaking the bonds and layers of the built-up pressure of trying to belong in society and returning home to truly love your wild self is the remedy.”
Micah Jey (Provided)
Mickey Valen - RIP (Feat. Heather Jeanette)
Words by Luke Byatt
Mickey Valen is back with ‘RIP’ featuring Heather Jeanette released on coveted curator and label, CloudKid.
Haunting and chilling are the first words that come to mind when listening to ‘RIP’. Like a horror movie, the single exudes an uneasy aura that is also equally alluring. A blend of enchanting pop aligned vocals with an alternative electronic production, results in a soundscape that is commercial enough to hit mainstream audiences, while also remaining admissible for tastemakers.
CloudKid have a knack of signing wonderful records, with ‘RIP’ being no exception.
Mickey Valen (Facebook)
Sol Flare - Creature (Feat. Jova Radevska)
Words by Joshua Bowling
Combining retro synth tones, deep-house beats and a lush vocal feature, Sol Flare returns for his first single of 2021 with ‘Creature’.
Touching on timely themes of isolation and yearning for release, Jova Radevska compliments the dreamy synthesiser melodies with a soulful delivery that would fit nicely in a Sasha mix. Following a string of singles including ‘Blueshift’ & ‘Retrofit’, Sol Flare has seen support from BBC Introducing, London Live, 6Music & Amazing Radio. Now based in Melbourne, Sol Flare has kept busy finalising upcoming releases and organising online streaming festivals as a founder of Synth Stream.
“This single is a departure from the usual 80’s vibe but there are little nods to it. I find the amazing vocals from Jova create this introspective world. In lockdown the meaning of the song changed for me and I found myself re-writing the ending to finish in an uplifting way, trying to capture the feeling of resilience.”
Sol Flare (Provided)
RÜFÜS DU SOL - Alive
Words by Justin Pix
Carrying on the success of the vigorous record Solace, RÜFÜS DU SOL break their 3 year silence by celebrating their return with the soothing ‘Alive’, alongside the announcement of the North American fall tour.
Beginning with warm arpeggiated synths, RÜFÜS’ Tyrone Lindqvist brings in a distinctly immeasurable vocal performance that cements the triumphant return of the group. The piece flows beautifully with the vocals by introducing warm sanguine and zestful drums. Though the Alive’s aura is reminiscent of the transcending nature of the band, its sonic brings us into a new energetic and buoyant era for them. From its ethereal trance synths to its dream-like drum sequences, the song marks the roaring comeback of RÜFÜS DU SOL and we cannot wait for more!
“It’s a heavier song in some ways, but at its core it’s hopeful. We are - all of us - living in this transitional moment right now and we wanted to focus on the hope that the future holds for us all. To focus on the light at the end of this tunnel.”
Want More Future Focus?
