If you’re looking for new music, you’re in the right place. This is our 8th edition of Focus Five, our monthly dive into the best under-the-radar artists. This month we’ve got a Kiwi bass producer, a multi-genre duo, a future beat wizard, one of New Orleans’ finest and a trap producer that will remind you of a certain OG. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s at least one (or five) new acts you’re sure to fall in love with.
ASHEZ
ASHEZ is yet another Kiwi producer to grace Focus Five. After impressing us with a TroyBoi-esq banger with Troy Kete entitled ‘Kazoo,’ ASHEZ has kept his foot on the gas dropping impressive collabs with nu and his sister Katie Ashworth. The former is a dark bass nightmare riddled with creepy laughter and tribal drum work. On the other end ‘Snakes & Ladders’ allows Katie’s emotive vocals to linger over heavy basslines before dropping into a wonky trap bounce that’s sure to draw comparisons to TroyBoi once more. Looking to get even deeper? Take a ‘Wander,’ you won’t be let down.
-C
Far & Few
Personally, I’ve been following this dynamic duo since early 2016 when they teamed up with LOKI to remix Alison Wonderland ‘Already Gone.’ Since then, Far & Few have offered up some of my favourite experimental, future bass, trap, and midtempo. They have an incredible ability to design dazzling drums, striking synths and wrap them around whatever genre they feel like tackling. So while you can quite easily scroll through their discography and find handfuls of top notch tracks in either the terrifying, turnt trap sphere or fantastical, feels-ridden future bass field, let me share an example from each. First, their more than menacing, gritty grinder of a take on josh pan and X&G’s ‘Gravity’. It is overflows with the same kind of ominous unease as a DOOM level, leaving behind a trail of destruction and scorched earth (if there was earth in outer space). Second, my favourite Far & Few production, and the one that had me hooked, their original ‘Street Signs’. Beautiful and buoyant, this bright future bass number displays deft drum work, killer chopped chords and a surprising, heavenly vocal in the second half. Raw and resplendent, it takes me back to a time when future bass was the future. If these appetize you, dig into their discography and fill your face.
-OJ
hvtcher
Remember when future bass was exciting and new? That fresh, upbeat, serotonin-inducing sound, before it became overly generic and watered down? Well Hvtcher’s future beat feels bring that sensibility back to life. Tracks like ‘seaside’ and ‘sunrise’ give off a jubilant energy that’s as infectious as it is delightful. The keys on ‘sunrise’ are nothing short of pure beauty. But it’s not all sweet though, cuts like ‘alienkush’ show he has the ability to balance out the light tones with some serious darkness. As Hvtcher continues to evolve his sound, be sure to keep a close eye out.
-C
Klutch
The New Orleans bass scene is quickly becoming one of the world’s best. We’re well aware of the strength of sfam and killer CRWNS, but there’s another awesome act whose captured our attention recently. Klutch first appeared on our radar via a viral video of Rusko playing his remix of Beethoven’s ‘Für Elise’. Getting the Rusko stamp of approval is one thing, but we reckon however you first heard this mix, you’d be blown away. There’s no denying Beethoven’s brilliance, but hearing it as though the titular Elise were a hardened criminal is truly a trip. Its wobbles are wicked and wild, as they play perfectly against the classic piano piece. Klutch is also able to oppose the ominous feel of ‘Für Elise’, as he’s also got hot, hot heat, in happy hardcore versions of San Holo ‘Light’ and more recently RL Grime’s ‘I Wanna Know.’ Finally, he’s just released a fire original on plugged records, ‘Nine Whine Whine’ which in itself shows off Klutch’s killer creativity and range of abilities.
-OJ
paaus
With a stripped down trap sound that’s bolstered by emotive textures, Austin based producer paaus is likely to draw comparisons to the trap OG HU₵₵I. While the majority of the industry is vying to see who can come up with the craziest sound design, paaus is taking it back to the basics. Snapping 808s, knocking bass and perfectly crafted foundations make every release worth checking out. From the theatrical sounds on ‘RAGE,’ to the hypnotic slaps on ‘DESOLATION,’ to the breathe of fresh air that is ‘GOLDEN’ with capshun, each track is pure trap bliss. Add to the fact that he often lets off multiple releases per month with no slips in quality, and it’s clear that paaus has something special brewing. Oh and if you’re a fan of what you hear, don’t forget to check out Bonsai, a new collective curated by paaus and Focus Five alumni capshun.
Stream the Focus Five: Volume 8 playlist below.
Words by Colin & Oggie James.
