Contributing WriterTwo dancefloor heavy-hitters collide in the form of ‘Follow Ur <3’, the debut collaborative single and video from hotly-hyped London DJ, producer and community organiser ABSOLUTE. (He/Him) and Eora/Sydney-born, LA and UK-based AK Sports (They/She), out today via Astral People Recordings.
Previously teased during sets at ABSOLUTE.’s Pitch Music & Arts main stage closing slot, Glastonbury, LA Pride and AK Sports’ own Rinse FM show, ‘Follow Ur <3’ is officially unveiled in all its euphoric, hands-in-the-air glory just in time for the those long, Aperol-soaked sunset hours. Centred around a vocal earworm and backed by the typically hard and fast yet melodic production that both artists have built their names on, you’re just as likely to hear ‘Follow Ur <3’ blaring out through the soundsystem of some strobe-lit, subterranean club as you are in the open, communal fields of a summer dance festival. The single is accompanied by B-side ‘Andale!’, a potent techno weapon that showcases the pair’s formidable credentials for setting unruly raves alight.
Longtime distant admirers of each others’ work, the story of the pair’s eventual coming-together is nothing short of a blush-worthy musical meet-cute. AK Sports shares that, “Scrolling away one day I saw a photo of ABSOLUTE. just outside my house and without hesitation reached out… we had never met before in real life but next minute he was in my living room/home studio and we were off to the races having the time of our lives, writing the most feel good and uplifting track I’ve ever made”.
“This track is full of positive energy, adventure, zest for life and a touch of cheeky,” she continues. “It’s a beautiful reflection of Anthony as a person as well as our friendship, which has been a whirlwind since day one. To me, ‘Follow Ur <3’ is about celebrating adventure, new beginnings and of course my friendship with BIG NEON NRG himself”.
ABSOLUTE. elaborates that “It was one of those tunes that came together so fast, we were over-excitedly jumping around their home studios and knew then that both a special friendship and special tune was born”.
“After some tweaks remotely between London and LA, we were both on tour in Australia and I played it for the first time at Pitch Music & Arts Festival, closing my main stage set with it. ‘Follow Ur <3’ has been my most played closing track since. The reaction from the crowd that day and us hearing it out for the first time was one I will never forget. That captured moment also became the starting point for the music video”
A DJ, producer, party promoter and community organiser ABSOLUTE. has established himself a standout fixture of London’s enviably rich underground electronic scene, rising above the rabble of contemporary dance music with recent releases on La La’s Sound As Records, Shall Not Fade, DJ Haus’ Hot Haus and Chrissy’s Maximum Airtime, alongside massive crossover house hits such as ‘String Theory’, ‘Stuck in Love’ and ‘Voices’, and remixes for the likes of Kylie Minogue (‘Padam Padam’), George Michael, Tony De Vit, Django Django, Flight Facilities, Tiga and more. With wide-ranging industry support from Annie Mac, Bicep, Pete Tong, Gerd Janson, TSHA and The Blessed Madonna, he has previously graced the covers of Mixmag and Gay Times, as well as airplay across triple j, BBC Radio 6 Music, Capital Dance Rinse FM and BBC Radio 1, who shortlisted his previous record Wonderland for Dance Album of the Year.
Born in Eora/Sydney and now based between LA and London, AK Sports has captured audiences worldwide with their high-energy blend of rave and techno, highlighted by DUMMY Mag as one of their “10 Best Emerging Women, Trans and Non-Binary Producers” and named by Beatport on their “Ones to Watch” list. Having recently unveiled their own RINSE FM residency show, AK Sports has also enjoyed widespread radio support across both Australia and the UK, with airplay across BBC Radio Introducing, BBC Radio 6 Music, NTS, FBi Radio, 4ZZZ, triple j Unearthed, Balamii Radio, Kiss FM and more. Landing in DJ Mag’s Top Compilations of 2021 for their Club Glow Vol. 3 release with Kessler, she’s also provided guest mixes for the likes of Alan Fitzpatrick, Parfait, RAW, BBCO, 6AM Group, Boiler Room and others. A founding member of WARP MODE collective, AK Sports also took part in the group’s Boiler Room takeover earlier this year, paying homage to LA’s renegade soundsystem roots whilst celebrating the next generation of QTPOC and femmes working to sustain the culture.
Between them, the pair have amassed a reputation for regularly delivering show-stopping DJ sets across an abundant array of club and festival appearances, including sets at Boiler Room, Glastonbury’s Temple Stage, Fabric Nightclub, Pitch Music & Arts Festival, Revolver, Splendour in the Grass, Zoo, Lost Village and many more.
ABSOLUTE. & AK SPORTS ‘Follow Ur <3’ is out now via Astral People Recordings – BUY HERE.
Follow the artists:
ABSOLUTE.: Instagram – Facebook – YouTube – TikTok – Soundcloud
AK SPORTS: Instagram – Facebook – YouTube – Soundcloud
