Inside HOTS 4 U: Chris Lorenzo & aMo (um) on Friendship, Rave Culture and Club Weapons

Chris Lorenzo and aMo (um) have known each other for over 20 years, but their new collaboration “HOTS 4 U” sounds less like a calculated reunion and more like two old friends instinctively reconnecting through the music that shaped them. 

Released via Three Six Zero Recordings as the label’s landmark 100th release, the track has already become one of the season’s most talked-about club weapons, earning support from the likes of Peggy Gou, Jamie Jones, Michael Bibi and Dom Dolla across stages from Coachella to Miami Music Week.

For Lorenzo, the DNA of “HOTS 4 U” is deeply rooted in the pair’s shared history and the sounds they grew up obsessing over in Birmingham.

“I think there are a few moments from that journey in the track,” he says. “I feel it contains elements of a lot of the sounds we grew up listening to. The rolling bass, the dub delays and sirens, the use of multiple samples and vocals to keep it interesting. They all tie back to the genres we have loved over the years.”

Long before global tours and festival main stages, the pair were housemates swapping records and ideas during their formative years as DJs and producers. Lorenzo remembers that period as creatively fearless.

“When you first start DJing and producing I would argue that is when you are most creative,” he explains. “The ideas are more raw and less refined and everything feels like you’ve never really heard it before so there is a genuine excitement for what you are doing. And being able to share records and ideas with like-minded people is what it’s all about.”

That sense of spontaneity still defines how they work together today. Despite “HOTS 4 U” weaving together elements of garage, hip-hop, reggae, acid and classic rave sampling, neither artist approached the track with any grand conceptual framework.

“With this record it’s not really that deep,” Lorenzo laughs. “aMo wrote the skeleton of the record and then we just added whatever felt right and it came together pretty effortlessly. They tend to be the best records.”

For aMo (um), one element immediately stood out above everything else. “The bass riff,” he says without hesitation when asked which part feels most personal to him. He still vividly remembers the exact moment the track began transforming into something serious. “When me and Chris were on FaceTime working on the track and he made the kick and bass sound PHAT!”

While the production process may have been relaxed, the reaction certainly wasn’t. Before release, “HOTS 4 U” had already become a staple in sets from some of dance music’s biggest names, with one moment in particular confirming its potential for Lorenzo.

“I opened my Space Miami set with it back in December and it took the roof off,” he recalls. “That was when I realized we had a weapon.”

For aMo (um), hearing one specific DJ support the track made it all feel real. “When Jamie Jones dropped the track as he’s one of my favourites.”

Even after decades in the industry, outside support still means something to Lorenzo. “It’s always great to see other DJs support your records no matter how long you have been doing it,” he says. “I am always grateful for the support on my music from all the DJs and all the listeners at home and at the raves. I will never block that out.”

Despite living on opposite sides of the world, Lorenzo in Los Angeles and aMo (um) in Ibiza, both insist very little about their friendship has changed over the years. “Apart from a few grey hairs, it’s always been the same,” Lorenzo says. “I can go without seeing Amo for years and when we link up it feels like I was with him just yesterday.”

aMo (um) agrees. “Nothing,” he says when asked what has changed. “We can go for months not speaking to each other as we live opposite sides of the world and the relationship is still the same as when we used to live together.”

Their dynamic in the studio also appears unchanged, including the occasional chaos. When asked who is responsible for the “slaps over mixing mistakes,” aMo (um) instantly replies: “Definitely Chris!”

Ironically, neither artist thinks their younger selves would have immediately embraced “HOTS 4 U.” Before house music entered the picture, both were immersed in speed garage and drum & bass culture. “I probably would have skipped it,” Lorenzo admits. “When I was 18 it was all Speed Garage, Bassline and DNB. My love for house music only came about after a few months stint in Ibiza back in 2011.” aMo (um) laughs at the memory too. “This track is too slow, as we were speed garage and DnB heads!”

Now released as part of Three Six Zero Recordings’ celebratory 100th release package, complete with a special vinyl edition featuring exclusive B-side “Close Your Eyes” - “HOTS 4 U” feels less like a one-off collaboration and more like the continuation of a long-running creative partnership.

“I have a feeling it won’t be the last,” Lorenzo teases. “Stay tuned.” 

Chris Lorenzo and aMo (um) – HOTS 4 U is out now. Grab it on Beatport HERE.

Read the interview with Chris Lorenzo and aMo (um) in full on The Night Bazaar HERE.