Us Two & Franksy Bring the Heat on Three Six Zero

Congratulations on the release of ‘Simulation’ – you’ve been waiting to get this one out for a while, right?!
Thanks a lot, so happy it’s finally time. I think I originally finished the idea back in January so it’s felt like forever!

First things first… Franksy AKA Simon Franks provides the vocal on the track. Tell us about that experience of working with him? I imagine you grew up with Audio Bullys?
I think if you googled “geezer” then an image of Simon would pop up, he’s like something from a Guy Ritchie film. Working with him was a dream as he was really laid back but then talented too, so we managed to get it done in one afternoon.

How did Franksy first get involved with the record? We all recognise that distinctive tone, but why was his voice the right one for this record?
I originally had some reggae samples in the track but my manager suggested getting something original done instead. So we came up with the idea of approaching Franksy as we felt like we wanted to have an influence of British culture but still have that summer terrace sound to it, similar to what Groove Armada did with ‘Superstylin’’.

There’s definitely an air of Groove Armada – Superstylin’ within ‘Simulation’, but we also hear a bit of Butch in there as well in the way the track builds and builds and then keeps you waiting… what were the influences you had in mind when you started this record?
I think that’s the best compliment I’ve ever had on my music as I’m Butch’s biggest fan! I was lucky enough to see DC10 before phones took over and I always remember Tania Vulcano playing Basement Jaxx’s ‘Flylife’ on the terrace. I’ll never forget the terrace going mad on the drop and I try to put that energy and feeling into my productions.

‘Simulation’ also has shades of your release last summer ‘Breaking Dollars’ which was released on Sidney Charles’ Heavy House Society label. Was that a conscious choice given the success you had with that record?
Yeah definitely, the range of big DJs that played ‘Breaking Dollars’ was outrageous and my profile grew loads off the back of it. So, following it up this year with another one for the terraces made sense. Having Franksy’s vocals on top really helps make the track much more memorable too.

‘Simulation’ already has backing from ANOTR, SG Lewis, SOSA, LF SYSTEM and many others at club… are we right in thinking that ANOTR were the first to play it at Space Miami and the story developed from there?
I got in trouble with my manager for that… Once the vocals were finished, I was supposed to keep it to myself but Miami Music Week was on, so I sent it to ANOTR as they’ve played my music in the past. The next day I saw a video going viral on X of them playing it in their B2B with Marco Carola. All the replies were people trying to find out the ID on it, so I had a good feeling about the track from that point.

Any other great feedback you’ve had from DJs?
I was told recently that Jamie Jones wanted a copy after he discovered it from a SoundCloud rip, which really made me laugh. It was doing the rounds at Glastonbury which is always special to see, and then it’s been played at Circoloco a few times already this summer — so I couldn’t ask for much better feedback!

What’s the best video or reaction you’ve seen so far?
The ANOTR at Music On in Pacha video was mad to see, but then there was a clip of SOSA playing it at a festival in Canada. The crowd went crazy on the drop, and I thought — that’s the exact reaction I wanted when I made it.

How’s Simulation been going down in your own sets?
It’s become a real highlight; energy-wise it’s always at the peak of my sets so I’m buzzing to play it. I love that not many people would really know what song it is yet too, so I’m giving people that “first time they heard” experience.

Three Six Zero Recordings — what made it the right home for Simulation?
I’ve been speaking with them since 2023 and we’ve just had to wait for the right track before signing. In the modern world of algorithms and short attention spans, if your music isn’t being looked after by the right people then it’s not going to reach the audience it deserves. Three Six Zero are one of the best labels in the scene, so I was really pleased when Pete Tong and the team gave the thumbs up for this one.

Where does Simulation fit within your upcoming roadmap? Is there more music sonically similar to this, or will you continue to keep us guessing?
This is absolutely my sound, I just love high energy house music so will carry on with this style as the A-side of my future releases. I’m working on music for No Art and Cecille at the minute so everything is focused around groove, as always!

Finally, halfway through summer… how’s the rest of the summer, and year, looking?
I’ve got a few more Ibiza shows this summer as well as continuing my residency with TRMNL in Birmingham. I’ve got a tour in Australia and New Zealand lined up for September which is mad, and then a few other big parties to see the year out! Hopefully see you all on a dancefloor soon!