Remi Archives • Howl & Echoes

You know when two pillars of Australian hip-hop get together on tour, surrounded by a bunch of their talented friends, you’re in for an unforgettable ride. That’s exactly the kind of ride we embarked on when REMI and Sampa The Great burned through Sydney on their Fire Sign tour.

This latest project is named after the new tune from Sensible J, Remi Kolawole and Sampa The Great, which was released earlier in June and is the follow up to another REMI/Sampa collab For Good; one of the tracks from REMI’s 2016 album Divas and Demons.

Last year also saw Sampa The Great headline nationally with her HERoes tour which was spectacular in itself. Get these two together and you’re in for one hell of an explosive time. First up was local MC B-Wise to set the vibe with some true blue finesse. He let it be known that this tour was all about family and bringing people together; a sentiment that was repeated later by Remi and Sampa. Warming up, he had everyone introduce themselves to a stranger standing nearby, after which we were well and truly off to a banging start.

On the Friday night, the Oxford Art Factory was packed to the rafters and the energy that was flying around even before Remi and Sampa took to the stage was purely electric. The two took turns in switching time slots each night and this evening we copped Remi and Sensible J up first. These two know how to throw the crowd into a groove. Remi rocks a type of flow that is largely unmatched amongst his Aussie counterparts. He’s been collaborating with Sensible J for 6-some-odd years now, who keeps a hefty beat on the drums; however, the full breadth of his production skills come full circle on both of their albums, as well as the tour’s title track.

Sampa took the stage not long after and absolutely tore it down – we wouldn’t expect anything less of this queen. Her highly acclaimed debut album The Great Mixtape led to support slots for the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Thundercat and Hiatus Kaiyote and a bunch of festival headline spots. Favourite moment was when she paid tribute to her idol Lauryn Hill with a slamming rendition of Fu-gee La.

Following their respective sets, they stormed the stage for a joint collab. Together, Remi and Sampa have an effortless flow back and forth. They have collaborated frequently in the past and we don’t see this sacred bond tiring any time soon.

B-Wise

Remi

Sampa The Great

Remi x Sampa

Photos: Dani Hansen/Howl & Echoes

You’d be hard pressed to find an Aussie hip-hop act who had a better 2016 than Remi. From playing entirely sold out tours across the country, as well as every major festival, to releasing his critically acclaimed album Divas and Demons, to speaking openly about racism and mental health, he’s about as relevant and necessary as they come. Kicking off 2017 with a bang, Remi performed at Sydney’s Field Day on January 1, where we were lucky to have a quick chat with the man himself about the year that’s passed, and looking ahead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrW7GNFwPsM

What are you guys getting up to after Field Day?

We’re heading up to Byron Bay for Falls Festival. It’s been a great tour. We did Southbound last Tuesday and Lorne on Friday, plus the Marion Bay show of course.

Were you guys around when the big crush happened after the DMA’s set?

Yeah, we heard all about it. DMA’s were the set after us. At the time we had no idea because we just got in the car and left, but we found out the day after when we woke up. It was so sad because DMA’s killed it. The worst part was that they didn’t have enough exits. It was so closed off and I understand that they need to do that for sound and all that, but when it comes to it if you have 19 people with serious injuries that really sucks.

On a more positive note, 2016 was a huge year for you. What were some personal highlights?

We were lucky enough to go out to Kalkarindji in the Northern Territory, about 10 hours south of Darwin, and celebrate the 50 year anniversary of the Wave Hill Cattle Station walk-off. It was such a beautiful thing to be involved in. We were the only non-indigenous act that were invited to come and play, so that was an honour, it felt special. We didn’t really know what we were getting into before we did the gig, but as soon as we rocked up the community welcomed us with so much love and positivity. It’s something that isn’t promoted enough when it comes to people who are indigenous. People can make them out to be some kind of animal or beast, which is so far from the truth. They treated us better than lots of people treat us here, so that was my personal highlight.

Indigenous artists are definitely gaining more momentum right now.

They are so under-represented but one of the most beautiful things that we’ve seen this year is the acceptance of A.B. Original‘s new album Reclaim Australia, along with the amazing stuff that they are doing through the live scene. There have been some incredible voices for the youth as well through cats like Thelma Plum. People that are willing to sacrifice their own personal peace to point out what is wrong. They speak their mind which can take a lot of heart to do. Everybody knows that the hardest thing is to speak out when it’s against the masses. They do that and they warrant a lot of respect for that.

You spoke a lot about your own mental demons on your new album. Was it cathartic to put all those feelings into a record?

Definitely. With time, making that kind of record, even if you get over your demons, it helps you process it. At the same time, if you go back to writing music in a similar headspace, you don’t want to hear that shit again. You don’t want to be living in that world. It would be so easy to just continually be creating music that’s sad because that’s what the world is like.

When you released the record do you write for personal catharsis, or does the audience play a role?

People connected to the song Substance Therapy because they could draw it back to their own experiences. It’s both a fortunate and unfortunate thing that it’s struck such a chord with people.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gwfm9wuIj40

And has performing it on tour taken its toll mentally?

I’m in a weird spot where some songs are too personal and we don’t perform them, but for other songs I don’t really think about it. I’m more thinking about the people in front of us and how they can get out their own emotions. It’s also hard to be as depressed as we were when we wrote those tunes when you have a whole bunch of people that are supporting you and showing you love. Especially when they tell you about how they listened to them and how they helped them and all that stuff. For us, we love people, so it helps so much. We were those kids with the headphones on listening to tunes, so to be on the other side of the fence is amazing.

When you recorded the songs, did you know they would be too personal to perform live?

I didn’t think that when I recorded them, but I also don’t ever think about performing live when I’m writing a song. I don’t think that the style of music that we make, that taking into account how people are going to react is going to be beneficial. We saw London Grammar last night, and they play chilled out stuff, but people are just going wild. It’s crazy. You see that, and we saw Matt Corby as well, and a lot of his songs, it’s not like you’re hearing a banger, you’re hearing these heartfelt songs. I don’t ever let that get into my mind, because if the song is good enough then people will love that shit. One of my favourite songs is by Jay Electronica, and it’s called Better In Tune With The Infinite. It doesn’t have a drop, but I would lose my damn mind if I heard that song live.

There’s some stuff, where if you’re talking about some sort of trauma, whether it be relationship trauma or depression trauma, if you continuously live there you’re not moving on – and that’s the whole point. You’re sad because you’re a human being, but most of the time it’s about that separation where one day you can wake up and realise “You know what, everything’s cool.” If you always rap about it and keep talking about it, you’re going to fantasise about the past and that’s the most dangerous place to get lost in because you can never go back.

Image: Dani Hansen for Howl & Echoes

Just in case you missed any, we’ve pulled together the best music videos released in the last week for you to enjoy all in the one place. The year may be winding down but the videos are still pouring in from the likes of:

Dave – 71

South London’s rising star is back again, dropping the fourth music video from his incredible EP Six Paths. Yet another cinematic masterpiece pieced together by director LX, the clip sees Dave flexing around sunny Hollywood alongside his crew of friends. Whether he’s made it or not, each one of his videos is certainly making it seem that way, but it’s not in a glitzy, girls galore way, he’s worldwide, and it’s inspirational to say the least. Big ups Dave.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VAsCZLW4vk

6LACK – Ex Calling

If you haven’t already heard, 6LACK is Atlanta’s newest R&B talent. After releasing his incredible debut album last month, he’s now back with the eerie visuals to one of the highlight tracks, Ex Calling. A ghostly black and white video, packed with slick imagery and locations, this brooding 808-laced anthem is most definitely worth your attention.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rh0228Xx0A

REMI – Lose Sleep feat. Jordan Rakei

He’s released one of this year’s best albums, Divas And Demons, and is currently touring the country with another of the country’s finest in Baro, yet he’s still making waves – Melbourne’s own Remi has released another video from D.A.D. Lose Sleep is an extremely personal, introspective slow burner coveringthe racism and mental struggles Remi has faced. The video parallels this, it’s hazy and mysterious, centering around the nightlife he and collaborator Jordan Rakei find themselves in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPqh_nJSafc

DMA’s – Play It Out

One of Sydney’s most cherished exports in recent times, the lads from DMA’s, have returned with a video for the final track on their 2016 debut album Hills End. Play It Out is gritty, jangly indie rock heaven and is incidentally the first track they ever recorded as a band. The video too was their first ever, recorded years ago for a mere $20. On ya lads!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTW3KgxBHcQ

Electric Guest – Dear To Me

Oh yes! LA’s indietronica synthesiser kings are back with yet another feel good anthem. Filled with moody jingles, throwback synths, and an absolutely soaring chorus Dear To Me is an amazing comeback for the four-piece. Pairing this with another slick and smooth black and white clip, packed with lovey moments with couples, this is sure to pull your heartstrings. Also, see if you can spot the cameos from Andy Samberg and Haim!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1AmkMuB0pA

Dune Rats – Scott Green

Brisbane’s premiere punk rock trio are back again with perhaps their craziest release yet, Scott Green (as in ‘who’s got green?’). Featuring their signature gritty guitar riffs, slapping bass, and singalong lyrics, the Dunies are in their finest form here. If that couldn’t get any better, their drug laden music video comes alongside an interactive, choose your own adventure like video clip, making us wonder why every artist doesn’t do this with their videos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ul6VV8XW9xw

Fortunes – 501’s

Fortunes’ 501’s is hip-hop laced disco revival at its best. Backed by a seriously grooving bassline, chiming synth tones and booming beats, the Melbourne singer’s silky smooth vocals glide over the mix with ease. The clip too is masterfully created, sewn together with a stream of nostalgia, based around a hot summers day in the local laundromat. Definitely one to keep an eye on in 2017.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSJkdTP9Ijc&feature=youtu.be

Novella – Does The Island Know

Shot in the style of a clip from the 80s, Novella’s latest single Does the Island Know definitely shares the same vintage, folky appeal too. A glimpse into their upcoming February album, ethereal harmonies shine through on the track, brilliantly wrapped up among a range of bouncy guitar strums and a bouncing bassline.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOn0VwwA7CY

Big Sean – Bounce Back

Chicago’s young stang Big Sean is going big with his latest trap infused banger. Booming 808 and rattling hi-hats ooze the fresh new sounds, no thanks to one Metro Boomin who provided additional production of on the track. Sean showcases a next level flow and lyrical capability on this one, mixing between harmonious singing and fast paced double time rapping with ease. The video is especially arty too, all saturated colours as Sean flexes around different areas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phr1pOFK1V8

PLTS – Call Me Out

Byron Bay’s much loved quartet PLTS are back again with another taste of beach rock bliss on Call Me Out. Wonderfully melancholic and introspective, the video shows the band in another light in serving as a tour video of sorts. From playing Tekken to hanging on tour with Brissie boys Columbus, it’s certainly an entertaining watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfwMSmIrvdY

Image: YouTube

@DUNERATSS
@fortunesband
@NOVELLA_NOVELLA
@BigSean
@pltsmusic

What do you do when your debut album becomes the first hip-hop record to win the Australian Music Prize? Push the second album even further. Divas & Demons is the highly anticipated follow up to Raw X Infinity from Melbourne’s Remi. A moody and soulful album exploring what’s going on both within and around him, the result is a dynamic, dextrous record you’ll be bumping on repeat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrW7GNFwPsM

Opening with the short track D.A.D Remi is comfortable in his topics, talking about the oppressed and the voiceless. Flowing seamlessly into Forsaken Man thanks to Sensible J‘s perfect production, Remi’s signature flow is so refined with the choice beats. Single For Good with Sampa The Great is absolutely sublime – easily one of Australia’s best hip-hop track of 2016 – a chill track that’ll have you calling out ‘Talk to me now!’ in your car. The song highlights exactly why Remi and Sampa are blazing trails for the local scene, with Sampa’s verse in particular showing off why she’s an absolute treasure. Recent single Substance Therapy is the standout track of the whole album, balancing powerful storytelling with catchy beats and a killer hook – a mixture attempted by many, pulled off by few, Substance Therapy is masterful in its smooth blend. You feel exactly how Remi does when he spits, Really I’m fine, I’m fine/When realistically/Thats me saying I’m lying/I’m dying. Anyone who’s ever struggled with addiction, hardships or mental illness knows exactly the feeling he is describing. It will be a crime if this song does not rank high in this year’s Hottest 100.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gwfm9wuIj40

A real strength of Divas & Demons is the features. Earlier in the year, Remi and Sensible J commented that they had really focused on careful curation of guest artists for this record, and they’ve succeeded in a big way. As well as the aforementioned Sampa, the album also features Silent Jay (Contact High/Hi/I), Syreneyisscreamy (Laaa La Lost) and Baro (Hate You) among others. Again, this blend succeeds where many fail; the selection of artists injects a whole series of different tones and colours, and, most importantly, these embellish and enhance what’s already there, rather than mask or take away from Remi’s own strength and dexterity.

Baro spits seamlessly on Sensible J’s beat, his smooth flow contrasting the pointed sound of Remi, as they call out ‘No one can hate you, like you hate you’ in one of the darkest, most confronting moments of the album. It seems like the goal was to showcase the best of Australia’s new generation of hip-hop, and sure enough, it delivered.

14067997_1511342778891560_9034374455922630937_o

Photo: Michelle Grace Hunder

It wouldn’t be a Remi album without discussing political issues. Outsiders is the the dominant track for this on Divas & Demons as Remi points out the struggle of immigrant families arriving in Australia, and the hard lengths they go to achieve a decent life in a foreign country, contrasting by calling out the white rappers who are too comfortable saying the n word in their songs. Remi shows he’s unafraid to tackle these issues and stand defiantly against intolerance, racism and stupidity, no matter what is thrown at him.

A strong album both lyrically and in production, Divas & Demons is on track to being one of, if not the best Australian hip-hop release of 2016.

Don’t sleep on this album.

Divas & Demons is out now via House of Beige.

There’s no doubting that Melbourne emcee Remi is on track to become one of Australia’s most influential hip-hop exports. Since 2014’s album Raw X Infinity, he’s gone from strength to strength, armed with his unique style, engaging rhymes and heavy beats. He dropped a mixtape in between their releases, but now it’s time for the next big thing.

Remi’s sophomore album Divas And Demons is now just around the corner. From what we can see so far, the project sees him venturing further into himself, made particularly clear on last single Substance Therapy, a track about the struggle with his personal demons, no doubt those referenced in the album title.

Last week saw Remi drop a third single from the album, the loose and jazzy Lose Sleep, featuring one of this year’s most exciting breakout artists Jordan Rakei. Backed by this smooth and tranquil boom-bap beat, courtesy of his production partner and ongoing collaborator Sensible J, Remi holds his own lyrically once again, venturing further into his past by detailing racial issues that have affected his past.

While he thought many would shrug off his personal experiences, he explained it was the opposite response that inspired him to actually continue. “Since our last record, a lot of young mixed race Aussie kids have come to me talking about how much they can relate to the racial struggle in our music. I don’t think that’s a good thing, but I’m proud that these kids feel a little less alone, because of some songs we didn’t think anyone would hear. It also became inspiration for me to continue opening up about my experience. Often you can feel like one crazy beige kid in a sea of ignorance shouting about equality. These kids helped change that for me” Remi explained.

Remi has just wrapped up his main support slot on Seth Sentry’s 1969 Campaign Trail tour, alongside packing out the Tiny Dancer tent at this year’s Splendour In The Grass, and he’s now announced a jam packed headline tour of his own in support of the new album. He’ll be bringing collaborator and fellow Melbournite Baro out as support – full dates and details can be found below and at Remi’s official website.

Divas And Demons will be released Friday, September 16, 2016.

Remi. Divas And Demons Tour Dates

Friday, 18 November
Karova Lounge, Ballarat

Friday, 25 November
Railway Club, Darwin

Saturday, 26 November
Rocket Bar, Adelaide

Wednesday, 30 November
Transit Bar, Canberra

Friday, 2 December
Newtown Social Club, Sydney

Friday, 9 December
Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Saturday, 10 December
Republic Bar, Hobart

Saturday, 17 December
Howler, Melbourne

Get Tickets Here!

Image: Michelle Grace Hunder

Australia is enjoying an incredible golden age of hip-hop right now. Sounds, subjects and crowds are diversifying and growing, and some of the very best were on offer last Friday night at the Enmore Theatre, during Seth Sentry‘s 1969 Campaign Trail Tour, with equally solid support slots from Remi and Sarah Connor.

Connor, who recently dropped her wicked new single Apex took to the stage first, warming up the audience with her powerful beats and insightful lyrics. The crowd was filling up from early on, and the already-rowdy crowd lapped it up. The entire night was filled with special guests and surprises, and Sarah brought out Natalie Slade, Bigredcap and Losty to help deliver the killer first set of the night. Apex in particular drew the crowd in, with each MC spitting their own dynamic verses with fervour and energy that made the song sound even better live on stage. For anyone who’s not yet aware of Sarah Connor, make sure to check her out – she’s one of the best upcoming rappers and she’s only just getting started.

Remi took to the stage shortly after, accompanied by longtime producer and collaborator Sensible J on drums, and Hau on hype man duties. Easily one of the most talented and most important voices in Australian music right now, his energy and stage presence was phenomenal. Remi is gearing up to release his own new album Divas and Demons later this year, and performed a handful of new tracks to huge reception, including his brand new single Substance Therapy. The addition of live percussion added tremendous power to the already hyped set, made even stronger by guest appearances from Omar Musa (who also just dropped a great new single, Freedom) and the one and only Sampa The Great. After noting to the crowd that there a little too much testosterone on the all-male stage, Remi introduced Sampa to one of the biggest cheers of the night. The pair delivered an outstanding version of their brilliant collaborative track For Good. Their chemistry is palpable and I can only hope these two will head out on a co-headline tour some time soon. Remi noted during the set that it was his job to warm the crowd up, and he absolutely did; the room was almost at capacity well before his set wrapped up.

Last time I saw Seth Sentry live was at the very end of his fifty-date tour last year, the first major run of his 2015 album Strange New Past. The gig was animated and raucous, but I was so not prepared for how much has changed and expanded since then. From the very first moments of his set, it became clear he’d stepped it up a notch – or twenty. Booming electronic beats heralded him on stage, as the dark room was immediately filled with wild applause.

During my recent interview with Seth, he explained that things were going to be different this time; updated arrangements, a live drummer, new songs in and old songs out. But I really wasn’t expecting the magnitude of the energy, the sound and the production to have stepped up that highly. Backed by more live drums from Stevie Cat Jnr and DJing/onstage antics from DJ Sizzle, the crowd response was insane – not just on his most tried and tested tracks like Run, Waitress Song and Dear Science, but the newer cuts from Strange New Past that are now getting played live for the first time. That said, a personal favourite was Hellboy, what with the blackened stage bathed in dim red lighting, a sea of hands making the devil’s horn sign, and that jazzy bass line ringing out.

The crowd were rowdy and receptive – although perhaps a little too much at times. It would’ve only been after the first or second track that Seth had to ask people to stop throwing stuff on stage. Although, when he later parted the crowd to walk through and grab a beer (his version of crowd surfing, he noted, as he’s claustrophobic and understandably wasn’t keen to jump directly into a sea of thousands of bodies), the crowd parted so quickly and easily that he said it was the easiest run they’d ever done. Unfortunately whoever gave him a beer decided to do so in a plastic cup, not a bottle, so by the time he got back on stage there was about one gulp left. Oops.

Remi later came back out to join Seth for their track Nobody Like Me, before rounding off the main set with the track of the night, 1969. From the beginning of the night to the end of the encore, Sarah Connor, Remi and Seth Sentry brought out their absolute best to the beautiful Enmore Theatre.

Below, check out our full photos gallery of the night. You can also check out the remaining 1969 Campaign Trail tour dates – I highly recommend heading along.

Sarah Connor

Remi

Seth Sentry

Seth Sentry Tour Dates

Photos: Danielle Hansen / Howl & Echoes

Seth Sentry has just embarked upon a new string of national tour dates in support of his new single 1969, from his 2015 album Strange New Past. We were lucky enough to catch the 1969 Campaign Trail tour at 170 Russell in Melbourne on Friday, July 8, the fifth date of his sixteen date tour, which kicked off last week in Ipswich and wraps up on August 13 in Margaret River. Seth was supported by fellow Melbourne rapper Remi, who is also readying the release of his new album Divas and Demons (out in September via House of Beige), and just last week released a powerful new song, Substance Therapy.

You can read our recent interview with Seth here, and check out our photo shoot too.

The remaining 1969 Campaign Trail tour dates can be found below.

Remi

Seth Sentry

Seth Sentry & Remi 1969 Campaign Trail Tour Dates

THU 30 JUNE | THE RACEHORSE HOTEL, IPSWICH QLD
FRI 01 JULY | HOTEL BRUNSWICK, BRUNSWICK HEADS NSW
SAT 02 JULY | THE TRIFFID, BRISBANE QLD
THU 07 JULY | WESTERNPORT HOTEL, SAN REMO VIC
FRI 08 JULY | 170 RUSSELL, MELBOURNE VIC
SAT 09 JULY | THE WOOL EXCHANGE, GEELONG VIC
FRI 15 JULY | ENMORE THEATRE, SYDNEY NSW
SAT 16 JULY | ANU BAR, CANBERRA ACT
SUN 17 JULY | HOME NIGHTCLUB, WAGGA WAGGA NSW
FRI 29 JULY | DISCOVERY, DARWIN NT
SAT 30 JULY | THE GOV, ADELAIDE SA
FRI 05 AUG | CLUB 54, LAUNCESTON TAS
SAT 06 AUG | UNI BAR HOBART, HOBART TAS
THU 11 AUG | PRINCE OF WALES, BUNBURY WA
FRI 12 AUG | METRO CITY, PERTH WA
SAT 13 AUG | SETTLERS TAVERN, MARGARET RIVER WA

Photos: Michelle Grace Hunder

With forthcoming album Divas And Demons slated for September, Melbourne MC Remi and collaborator Sensible J have whet appetites for that record further with the release of a brand new single and video, Substance Therapy.

It’s the second taste of Divas And Demons so far, Remi releasing the Sampa The Great featuring breakup jam For Good earlier in the year to a very positive response. The production from Sensible J is stellar, heavy bass thrumming underneath jarring, fuzzy synths and moulding itself to Remi as he waxes lyrical with a relentless flow on both the comfort and downside of drugs and the relationship they often have with depression.

It’s hugely introspective, Remi opening up his innermost thoughts across several verses and an infectious chorus and is another example of hip-hop’s continuing acceptance and open discussion around mental health and its issues.

Substance Therapy traverses a much more electronic path than the organic, rhythmic vibe of For Good, both intriguing as far as the direction Divas And Demons eventually takes. The accompanying video for Substance Therapy is a cracker too, Remi walking along train tracks and the pier, looking the viewer directly in the eye as he narrates his tale.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Gwfm9wuIj40&feature=youtu.be

Following up an award-winning debut like 2015’s Raw x was never going to be an easy task, but from what we’ve heard so far Remi is well on the way to matching, if not surpassing, that record here.

Divas And Demons is out September on House Of Beige.

Image: Michelle Grace Hunder

Melbourne MC REMI and musical collaborator Sensible J have been busy. After winning last year’s Australian Music Prize for Raw X Infinity, the duo have launched their own label House of Beige Records, dropped the single For Good featuring Sampa The Great, followed it with an accompanying video, announced a national tour and to top it all off, are working on their new album Divas and Demons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrW7GNFwPsM

So, I’m really excited to hear your new album. Can you tell us about it and how it differs from your first album ? What’s the progression, what sounds have you’ve been inspired by for this album?

Sensible J: Musically it’s quite similar, but this time I got actual musicians to replay my basic musicality. I got S I L E N T J A Y and Simon Mavin from Hiatus Kaiyote to replay all my keyboard parts and that has added to the evolution of our sound, getting it to where I want it to be.

Do you feel any pressure from the first album with winning the AMP?

J: It’s exactly the same, as long as myself and Rem are happy with the tracks, then I’m happy. You can easily fall into that vortex of worrying about what others are going to think after winning an award, you see how easy it would be and sometimes I have to check myself and be like, “It doesn’t matter, we’ve already won it, not gonna win it again.” So, there’s actually no pressure.

Remi: I was definitely conflicted after that stuff came through, but exactly what J said, we’re not going to win it twice and we only won that shit doing all we know how to do. So if we feel any pressure, it makes no sense. We just gotta do this next record.

So you’re starting your All Good tour next week, and then your tour with Seth Sentry. Are you guys excited to be on the road again?

R: I’m excited to go and see our fans again. We’ve done a lot of shows here and there and played at a few festivals but we haven’t been on our own tour since July last year. We’re looking forward to getting back to places like Perth which we haven’t been back to for almost eighteen months. We’re looking forward to connecting with people we haven’t seen for a long time.

I just want to go back in history a little bit. Can you tell us about your musical upbringing. Did you have a lot of music played at home, and what was the type of music that was played at home?

J: My folks were in a band when they met: mumma was a back up singer and dad was a guitarist. There were always guitars, basses, bongos, a toy drum kit for me when I was four. So yeah, the house was a very musical house. Dad would put records on and had speakers hooked up under my bed, so on a Sunday morning to wake me up he would turn music on loud. It would be artists like Stevie Wonder or George Benson so I couldn’t complain. At the time I was complaining, but now I see it, I’ll probably do the same when I have kiddies. Annoy them with Stevie Wonder.

R: My parents definitely weren’t in a band. My dad wishes he was in a band, but they played a few very integral albums as I was growing up. Off The Wall, Thriller, Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get It On.

J: Your parents were playing that?

R: Yeah.

J: In the privacy of their own room?

R: Nah man, in the middle of the house. Marvin was for the people.

J: Not that album bro.

R: *laughs* But yeah, Mum was always playing piano and they were both playing in Church. Listening to any other interview, that would sound like some incredible shit. D’Angelo’s dad was a preacher, so was Marvin’s, but it’s not like that in Australia.

Image: Michelle Grace Hunder

Can you tell us one thing no one knows about you?

J: I like trap music.

That’s a lie. You gotta say something truthful.

J: I like The Fast and the Furious. They’re the most classic movies I’ve ever seen. From the cinematography to the screenplay, the writing and the acting…

R: This may sound like a lie, but it’s the truth.

J: As if that doesn’t inspire you to get out and drift your car, no matter what car you have.

What about you Remi?

R: I was an OshKosh model when I was three or four years old. It was messed up, ’cause they asked me what I wanted to be when I was older, and I said I didn’t know. So, on the video of me walking down the runway – I literally had just learnt how to walk – I’m walking down and they say, “This is Remi and he wants to be a soldier when he grows up. I was like bullshit, no way do I want to be a solider.”

J: You didn’t say bullshit when you were three!

R: Nah, when I was older when I watched it, I was like “Hell no! You can’t be putting that stuff in a child’s mind.”

Can you tell us the most surprising thing you’ve ever heard or read about yourself?

J: I was listed as Special J in Perth. I thought that was pretty funny.

R: By a friend!

J: Who didn’t mean it, and who wasn’t trying to give me crap.

R: Still cold-blooded.

We always finish our interviews with quick fire questions. I’ve got six, so I’ll ask you three each.

Okay

Type or write?

R: Type

Bus or Plane?

J: Bus

Pasta or Kebab?

R: Pasta

Vinyl or digital?

R: Vinyl

Slum Village or The Roots?

J: Roots.

R: That’s cold-blooded. Sorry Slum.

J: I got into Slum Village because of a Roots album, when Questlove said to check out J D on the track Dynamite! so that’s why I had to pick The Roots. I’m sorry.

Catch REMI in a town near you.

This interview also aired on Back To The Future Hip Hop on Kiss FM

Image: Michelle Grace Hunder

Last year, Seth Sentry performed fifty shows in Australia alone, as well as European and UK dates immediately after. Evidently not one who enjoy’s life’s simplest pleasures, such as sleep, relaxation and binging on Netflix, he’s already back with a huge new tour, the 1969 Campaign Trail. The tour is kicking off on June 30 in Ipswich, running through to August 13, where he will play his final show in Margaret River, WA.

Joining Seth on tour is running mate Remi, who not only features on Sentry’s track Nobody Like Me, but recently dropped our favourite Aus hip-hop track of 2016 so far, For Good ft. Sampa The Great.

Seth’s 2015 album Strange New Past was easily one of the best Australian hip-hop releases of last year (for more, read our review), and his live shows are unmatched. The new dates are in support of his new single 1969, the fourth to be released from Strange New Past.

In addition to the tour announcement comes the premiere of the video clip for 1969, a journey through late 60s Americana, including Sentry as a president who lets loose once the cameras aren’t rolling, later transforming into a variety show-style singer. Check it out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VbrL65_RBo

Pre-sale tickets will be available from April 26, with general public sales the following day. Click here for more details.

Read our interview with Seth Sentry here

Seth Sentry 1969 Campaign Trail Tour Dates
With special guest Remi

Image: Michelle Grace Hunder