43 months in and the heat does not stop. Back with a fresh installment of Focus Five we present you with some impeccable new wave, a versatile trap master, two future beats producers currently on fire, and some wildly experimental sounds. Check out all five below.
Affectwave
As I addressed in my editorial earlier this year, my experience with wave music and culture began with a compilation. As the scene matured and the industry evolved, this practice has slowed down, with less notable examples in the past couple of years. During the summer, however, I surprisingly stumbled across a few brand new albums, but the real bomb arrived just a few weeks ago. I think it’s safe to say that IMMINENT CYBERCORPORATION broke the scene with their ‘ARCADIA compilation. Besides the insane lineup of all-star acts we already know very well (Deadcrow, skeler, Kareful, just to name a few) I really enjoyed getting familiar with the new names. Affectwave turned out to be my favorite. Hailing from Anapa in the Russian Federation (on the northern coast of the Black Sea) this wave and future garage producer impressed me with the consistency of his current repertoire. Often sitting midway between wave and hardwave, with also a not-so-common predilection for 4/4 rhythms, all his creations are extremely solid and qualitatively satisfying. Suitable for both novice and experienced listeners. Oh, and when I say “all,” I mean from his very first upload on SoundCloud. Get familiar with Affectwave below and be sure to check also his brand new mixtape featuring “unreleased tracks that most likely they will never be released”.
-AA
K HARDEN
There’s seems to be something in the water in France right now because the country is setting the future beats scene on fire. The latest producer to wow us is Nice’s K HARDEN. If you’re looking for breezy beats with all the bounce this one is for you. One play of ‘Flow’ and you’ll be sold. The first half is as wavy as it gets while the back portion ups the energy with some wild synths. It’s a perfect intro point to future beats, or another gem to be enjoyed by the genre’s deepest fans. If you’re looking to drift into a deep sea of tranquility then ‘Miles Away’ is your ticket. This track is kush clouds as the sun warms your skin. Your to-do list no longer exists, you haven’t seen your phone in who knows how long, and you’ve never felt more at peace. Embrace the expanse.
-C
kas
Riding the wave of the future, kas has to be one of the most notable beat makers out there. With every release, she’s spreading knowledge and wisdom through sound and funky grooves. And if you’re just discovering her now, you’re about to have your days truly blessed from her art. From dreamy melodies, nasty 808s and more, she’s taking the future beat scene by storm! Her self-release catalogue is filled to the brim with angelic anthems. She’s even worked with some other notable heavy-hitters such as pandi, venexxi and more.
Her newest collaboration with lvus called ‘pressure’ is an airy-toned lullaby. If you love chill and atmospheric backgrounds, you’ll fall head over heels for this one. The light and gentle characteristics create a refreshing feeling around your aura. Making the listener become truly addicted and hypnotized by their teamwork. Creating an endless journey of peace. Finally, we wanted to share kas’s newest single, ‘SIERRA.’ Now this one has an indescribable energy and soul to it. Being a flip of ‘SIERRA NIGHTS’ by Kevin Abstract and Ryan Beatty, the icon wanted to savor the same feeling as the original but also bring something brand new. And that’s exactly what she did. The tuned-down vocal mixed with a wide and vast arena of bliss qualities was such a genius route to take. No matter where you are, you’ll create a safe and relaxing space whenever you throw his tunes on. We highly recommend checking out her whole discography in general!
-JD
lalanoi
Japan-based lalanoi isn’t one of those artists that has been on my radar for a few months and that I’ve waited to feature on Focus Five when the time was right. Conversely, when I first heard of lalanoi through his contribution to Halcyon’s Cerebrum Vol. I, I was immediately blown away and knew I had to get his name out to as many listeners as possible, as fast as possible. From one of the most extravagant pieces of music released this year in ‘luminous flux’ to consistently mind-melting originals such as ‘Caesura,’ lalanoi’s style touches on everything from drum and bass, to neuro, to glitch hop, and every piece boasts an attention to detail that is out of this world. The sound design, percussion arrangement, and layers to lalanoi’s tracks are unparalleled. Topped with hypnotizing melodies and complexities that are almost unfathomable, there really is not anything to dislike about lalanoi’s discography. Don’t sleep.
-SC
So Dope
As his name suggests, the New York producer really is So Dope. Hip-hop-influenced trap music seems to be his specialty but the range within that sound is truly immense. From heavy bass leaning sounds, to soulful slaps, club-infused bangers, and aggressive anthems, So Dope has something for whatever you’re craving. If this is your first foray into So Dope’s sound I’d suggest you start with ‘Never Gonna Find.’ The emotive and addictive vocals loops are reminiscent of early Keys N Krates while majestic synths are sprinkled in with knockin’ percussion. It’s a feel-good summer heater that’ll have you smashing replay. Other notable originals include the brilliant banger ‘Waiting 4 U’ and Eazy-E sampling ‘Concrete.’ With some fire flips on his So Dope vip account, there’s a wealth of heaters ripe for you to explore. Take a hit below.
-C
Word by Alessio, Colin, Steph & John.
