deepState Returns with ‘Games’
deepState is the musical project of Jessica Morgan (she/her), a musician and songwriter based in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Teaming up with Sunreturn in 2021 for her debut MMXXI, Morgan has made her name for herself while exploring the nuances of House, Electronica, Downtempo, Garage and Breakbeat. deepState would go on to release MMXXI Remixes (featuring the likes of Dbldbl & Grecco Romank) along with singles with esteemed local electronic labels like Echo Train and Big Fresh Collective.
In 2023 she released Dreams that would see her win Te Tohu Kohinga Mariu (Favourite Album) at the 2023 Student Radio Network Awards and nominated for 2024 Te Manu Taki Tāhiko o te Tau (Best Electronic Artist) at the 2024 Aotearoa Music Awards. deepState’s tracks long for the dancefloor and she’s performed at The Others Way, Cross Street Music Festival, Newtown Fest, Camp A Low Hum and supported international talents such as Iglooghost.
Following the moody, immersive atmosphere of Rain, deepState returns with Games, a new single that pays tribute to the pioneering electronic artists who have soundtracked the dance floors at festivals, clubs & warehouses. The release is accompanied by a radiant music video created by Te Whanganui-a-Tara animator Simon Ward, with support from NZ On Air Music.
Drawing inspiration from the timeless energy of classic house and EDM Games helps listeners transcend the dancefloor with swooshing synths, iced strings, octave jumping vocal samples balanced on to a classic four to the floor house beat.
“I feel Games really encapsulates my love of house and electronic dance music.” asserts Jess. “The song’s lyrics allude to the often repetitive nature of day to day life and the ways we seek out excitement or difference in on and offline social interactions. I wanted Games to be uplifting, make you feel good and want to dance, aligning back to the original intent of house & dance music.”
“For me, the song’s sound has a carefree feeling that juxtaposes the lyrics and I hope people can enjoy that aspect of it.”
For Games, deepstate teamed up with acclaimed animator Simon Ward to provide visuals depicting what goes on behind the door of your local dive bar. Throughout the clip figures joyously ascend into celestial bodies of movement, encapsulating the communal power of electronic music.
“I was so excited to have Simon make this video as I have been a fan of his work for a long time, going back to my art school days so to say I was stoked would be an understatement! He brought the song to life with all the movement and colour, he’s managed to manifest the song’s intent visually in such a beautiful way.”
Games is the second single from deepState’s new album Rain, out digitally via Sunreturn on September 11.
Stream deepState – Games
Photo Credit: Frances Carter
