Throttle – Japan Review

By Griff Stevens

Australian producer Throttle is an Australian DJ and producer that has developed a sound that has made him one of the hottest names in house music. Collaborating with the likes of Galantis and Oliver Heldens, officially remixing Ed Sheeran and performing at Tomorrowland all before his 21st birthday; while a dream for most, this is reality for Throttle. Drawing from disco, jazz, hip-hop and funk – he fuses together countless references and eras into a genre he calls ‘dirty-disco.’ Old-school meets new-school as he puts his own unique stamp on every production. Racking up 5 million plays, his breakthrough video led to him being asked by the mighty Avicii to remix “You Make Me,” which he flipped into a potently euphoric electro house jam. The remix received its premiere from Rolling Stone, hit #1 on blog aggregator Hype Machine’s chart and #12 on Beatport.

“Money Maker,” on the Spinnin’ label, combines classic disco samples with new school house bounce and lashings of funk, this fresh jam picked up well over 1 million plays online before Positiva/Virgin EMI picked it up for an irresistible vocal version that made a serious crossover chart splash. Following the success of his rework of Earth, Wind & Fire’s  “September,” the only time the legendary act has ever allowed an official remix of their music—it again made clear his love of classic ‘70s sounds, with his retro-leaning approach setting him apart from his contemporaries. He’s also provided music for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. Throttle signed to Warner in Australia and scored another big crossover in his stellar remix of AlunaGeorge’s “I’m In Control,” which was presented exclusively by Shazam in partnership with a Victoria’s Secret fashion show. Throttle’s recent single “Dreamer,” which marked his return to Monstercat after six long years, puts him firmly back on the map in a ‘home’ with one of electronic music’s most forward-thinking imprints. Throttle’s new single “Japan,” is out now on Monstercat.

“Japan” continues to show Throttle’s ability to blend energetic vocals and inspiring lyrics with strong melodies and a soft drop that will inspire you to dance. “Japan” expresses a wistful and yet hopeful mood with lyrics about emotions of feelings that deal with being lost and alone in the world at some point in our lives, longing for a familiar place to call home – maybe your childhood house or favorite vacation spot, or a loved one’s arms. “Japan” builds with each pass of the melody, layers flow in and the sound grows organically. The beat develops a feel that is inspired by Throttle’s House background but reaches to funk and R&B for a wider appeal. Nothing is overdone in “Japan,” even the drop is relaxed and presented in mellow fashion. The interplay between the sounds and introspection of the lyrics is interesting and lets the mood become applicable in a wide range of settings. That is the allure of Throttle’s music, ambiguity that make you want to move.

Throttle focuses on chill emotions and sounds with his production of “Japan.” Never one to set on musical clichés, Throttle brings out the Disco vibe in a chill way. The beauty of the track is illuminated by the collaboration of an equal amount of creativity and stellar ideas and performances, the melody is memorable and encompasses the electronic genre with sincere creativity.

About the author

Griff Stevens