After more than two decades of friendship, record collecting, DJing and shared musical evolution, Chris Lorenzo and aMo (um) have finally reunited in the studio for “HOTS 4 U”, a rave-fuelled house weapon already tearing through dancefloors worldwide.

Blending acid lines, rolling low-end, nostalgic vocal samples and the pair’s deep-rooted love of UK soundsystem culture, the track has quickly become one of the season’s standout club records, earning support from some of the biggest names in electronic music.

Ahead of the release, the longtime friends spoke about the making of the track, their early days living together in Birmingham, the music that shaped them and why this collaboration feels like a natural continuation of a 20-year creative bond.

Chris Lorenzo Interview

You’ve described “HOTS 4 U” as a product of 20 years of friendship, what’s a moment from that journey that directly shaped this track?

I think there are a few. 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.

Chris Lorenzo & aNo (um)

You and aMo (um) go way back to being housemates, did that early environment feel like the start of something creative or was it just two mates into music?

I think it’s a blend of both. When you first start DJing and producing I would argue that is when you are most creative. 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.

The track pulls in everything from garage to hip-hop to reggae, how did you decide where to draw the line so it still feels cohesive? That combination of samples is bold and nostalgic! What made you confident it would feel fresh in today’s scene?

I think that music cycles always loop back around as people tend to draw inspiration from what has already been done. It’s truly difficult to create something new out of nothing. With this record it’s not really that deep, 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.

You’ve been playing “HOTS 4 U” out for a while, what was the first crowd reaction that made you think, “this is special”? Did the Miami Music Week B2B with Skream change anything about the final version?

I opened my Space Miami set with it back in December and it took the roof off. That was when I realized we had a weapon. I barely remember the B2B with Skream so I can’t comment there!

Being the 100th release on Three Six Zero Recordings is a big moment, did that influence how you approached the track at all? With DJs like Peggy Gou and Jamie Jones already backing it, does that still give you a buzz, or do you try to block that out?

The record was made before tszr picked it up so no label influence. It’s always great to see other DJs support your records no matter how long you have been doing it. 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.

Grab a copy of Chris Lorenzo & aMo (um) – HOTS 4 U on Beatport here. Click on the image.

From digging records in Birmingham to global stages, what’s something about your friendship that hasn’t changed at all?

Apart from a few grey hairs, it’s always been the same. I can go without seeing Amo for years and when we link up it feels like I was with him just yesterday.

If you could play this track to your 18-year-old self, what do you think their reaction would be? 

I probably would have skipped it. When I was 18 it was all Speed Garage, Bassline and DNB. My love for house music only came about after a few month stint in ibiza back in 2011

Now that you’ve released this together, is this just the beginning of more collaborations?

I have a feeling it won’t be the last, stay tuned.

amo (um)

aMo (um) Interview

Having been mates for 20 years, do you still surprise each other creatively?

Yes, every time I see Chris release a new track, it still make me go wow, another banger!

What was your first reaction when the core idea for “HOTS 4 U” came together?

When me and Chris were on Facetime working on the track and he made the kick and bass sound PHAT!

Was there a specific moment where you both knew, “this is the one”?

When Jamie Jones dropped the track as he’s one of my favourites.

The track blends so many influences, what part of it feels most personal to you?

The Bass riff!

You mentioned those “slaps over mixing mistakes”, who’s the worst offender?

Definitely Chris!

The track was already gaining traction before release. When did it start to feel like it had real momentum?

Seeing some of the biggest DJs in the world playing the track.

From digging records in Birmingham to global stages, what’s something about your friendship that hasn’t changed at all? 

Nothing, we can go for months not speaking to each other as we live opposite sides of the world (LA and Ibiza) and the relationship is still the same as when we used to live together.

If you could play this track to your 18-year-old selves, what do you think their reaction would be? 

This track is too slow, as we were speed garage and DnB heads!

Now that you’ve released this together, is this just the beginning of more collaborations?

Yes more to come, we also have a 2nd track which was released on the Hots 4 U vinyl side B. Vinyl only.

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

Head to Beatportal to read The Night Bazaar exclusive interviews in partnership with Beatport HERE.