Never Knew by Oots

Careening off the back of his self-released Hazard Tapes comes Melbourne/Naarm artist Oots (Kyle Coulter) maiden EP with Gallery, Never Knew. A collection of five tracks exploring a range of sonic zones across the melodic, breaks, big room and house music universes.

Venturing away from his techno and hard groove productions, the producer has pieced together a project that he’s immensely proud of.

The Never Knew EP is the result of a tumultuous 2023, one full of peaks and troughs as Oots felt pressure from his single “AllDatJunk” doing so well around the world, sparking his first experience with writer's block. Deciding to dial things back and tune into how he was feeling about everything is what spawned this considered bundle of dance.

The first offering is “Forever” a warm and thumping cut featuring a shuddering vocal hook with a hard 808 bassline and grungy percussion. The vocal is intriguing, somewhat haunting yet still so full of light and love.

Up next is “Lost Boy” which explores his passion for breaks, something the producer has yet to share with the world. Built around a reversed vocal sample (which he accidentally stumbled upon) the track combines sharp drum rattles and haunting synth progressions to create an absorbing atmosphere.

Over on the B-side is “Never Knew”, a song reminiscent of 90’s rave tracks with a banging euphoric vocal. Created with catchy synths and a punchy 808 pattern, the second drop is one you must hear!

Then comes “You”, a late and surprise addition to the EP. This one is faster with a frenetic vocal loop that is married with transient percussive elements. A sucker for square room basslines, Oots employs one masterfully on this pumped-up piece.

Rounding out the EP is “Top Gun”, a hard-hitting and grungy tune that harks back to Oot's early writings from 2021. Featuring a phonk rap vocal that blends nicely with a multi-layered kick, “Top Gun” leans into the rawness of what makes tough dance music so infectious.

The Never Knew EP equals new territory for Oots, a leaping-off point of sorts. Travelling through sub-genres in style, the Melb/Naarm native shows his flexibility and prowess in writing songs of great magnitude and feeling.

Oots is no stranger to the Australian underground scene. Since beginning his dance music productions in 2021, his tracks have been heard all around the world.

Oots’ contemporary new singles and memberable edits are making the rounds on dance floors around the world, Oots' unique sound has amassed him an ever-growing global audience.

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