Very rarely do electronic music and natural elements appear in the same sentence. I mean, we all know that EDM is an electronic form of music, so how does nature and technology even begin to connect?

The "Cypher Series" by Phuture Collective aims to do that. The project, curated by The Flourish, inspires producers to create a track influenced by a specific natural element. In order to create a track there a few rules that help it take a shape.

First, the designated artist creates a sample pack for download. You simply download this and then use at least five samples that will create a 60-90 second track with a tempo of 150 BPM. Then you submit back to Phuture, they give it a listen, and the finals becomes a mix that is posted on Soundcloud!

We live in a world that has lost appreciation of nature. Light pollution has obstructed our view of the stars and don't get me started on those trashed beaches. But even with all this destruction, nature is still the foundation for all living things. Even drumming traces its roots back to deerskin hides and Shaman fire. Electronic music may seem like such a futuristic idea of music in comparison to a drum circle, but the "Cypher Series" encourages artists to go back to those roots.

Through natural occurring elements and use of music technology, it brings producers together. Phuture Collective itself has created a community for both artists and listeners. Founder Michael Cullen III describes Phuture as a place, "where artists can get heard, and listeners can be inspired and have appreciation for life."

So far; the series has covered water, wind, ice, and currently in production of fire.

Water With The Flourish

The first in the series focuses on the element of water. A listen to this mix and you will realize that every artist perceives the concept different. Contributed tracks range from trap, to the ambient style of future bass, and more textured tracks.

Wind with M i s t e r/ L

The second element in the series was wind. This mix opens up with a "vibey" track with the use of space and reverb. It leads into trap and future bass tracks with filtered super saw.

Ice with ZARBON

For the third mix, the element was ice. This mix features glassy, hollow, struck sounds that can make you envision water freezing over. While I think that this mix is made up of more trap influences, it does have moments of melodic vibes that echo that concept of freezing over.

The next element in the series is fire, which is currently in production and will be released as a mix soon. The fire element will be curated by Røhaan, the sample pack includes fast-paced drum beats of tribal influence. There are four elements left in the series before it takes a new idea, the concept of flowers.

Phuture Collective allows producers and artists to have a platform to be heard from listeners. And while it lets creators be heard, it helps listeners find new music that is innovative and non-commercial. But it's not just music that they shine a light on. The collective aims to raise awareness and help to prevent suicide. In a time of accidental overdoses, a rise in suicides, and a huge climate issue; the Cypher Series is exactly what the music community needed.