The ground is thawing and summer is finally coming. For Australian music industry, that only means one thing: festival lineups and summer tours are being announced by the bucketload. We’re especially excited to see a small but exciting list of hip-hop artists coming down under for festival appearances and headline tours, and to make life easier for you, we’ve placed them all in one big convenient list.
We’ll update this as the announcements keep rolling out. For now, here are our picks for a summer of hip-hop via festivals and live music.
Falls Festival
Our picks: Run The Jewels, D.R.A.M., Vince Staples
Run The Jewels haven’t visited Australia since Falls Festival 2014-2015, and though Vince Staples visited twice last year, he’s since released a whole new album, Big Fish Theory. D.R.A.M., meanwhile, cancelled his Groovin The Moo appearance earlier this year, so we’re hoping he makes his debut Australian appearance for New Years Eve.
Dates
28 Dec – 31 Dec: Lorne, VIC
29 Dec – 31 Dec: Marion Bay, TAS (All Ages)
31 Dec – Jan 2: Byron Bay, NSW
6 Jan – 7 Jan, Fremantle, WA
Beyond The Valley
Our picks: ScHoolboy Q, Stormzy, Sampa The Great
One of Victoria’s favourite newer festivals has had a hip-hop-loving presence across each of its three years so far, and this year is no different. Both ScHoolboy Q and Stormzy just chewed up and spat out Splendour in the Grass, and will be visiting again in just a few months’ time. ScHoolboy’s last album, Blank Face, was one of our favourite records of 2016, while Stormzy claimed the grime throne with this year’s Gang Signs & Prayer. Joining these will be our favourite local artist Sampa The Great, who always delivers one hell of a show.
Dates
Dec 28 – Jan 1: Lardner Park, Vic
Meredith Music Festival
Our picks: Noname
The eclectic Meredith Music Festival lineup isn’t particularly hip-hop heavy, but it does include the incredibly talented, soulful artist Noname, who will be visiting Australia for the very first time. Originally emerging as Noname Gypsy, the Chicago singer was largely noted for her association with Chance the Rapper, namely for her guest verse on the Acid Rap track Lost.
Since then she’s well and truly made a name for herself, releasing one of last year’s best albums, Telefone, and establishing herself as a beacon of honey in a world
Dates
Dec 8 – 10: Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, VIC
Laneway Festival
Our picks: Anderson Paak
The Laneway lineup hasn’t even been fully announced yet (we’ll update this when it is), but it’s already whet our whistles with the news that the amazing Anderson Paak will be on our shores once more in January and February 2018. The Malibu artist last toured for Listen Out 2016.
The Laneway lineup does traditionally feature a slew of great hip-hop acts, and we’re expecting a few more to join in – my guesses include Tyler, The Creator, if he’s actually allowed into the country this time, The Internet, Aminé (that’s just wishful thinking) and Frank Ocean (okay now I’m just fantasising, this guess has literally zero basis in fact).
Dates
Mon 29 Jan: Auckland
Fri 2 Feb: Adelaide
Sat 3 Feb: Melbourne
Sun 4 Feb: Sydney
Sat 10 Feb: Brisbane
Sun 11 Feb: Fremantle
Migos
6lack
LVRN upcomer 6lack (pronounced “black” ) will be supporting Migos at their shows, but he’s also making his debut headline appearances, and well worth a mention on his own. His debut album Free 6lack was a dark, smooth display of things to come, spawning huge singles Ex Calling and PRBLMS. There’s something about 6lack that really sets him apart from many of his contemporaries, and we have high hopes for his headline sets.
Dates
Wed 11 Oct: Metro Theatre, Sydney
Mon 16 Oct: 170 Russell, Melbourne
Khalid
Crooning R&B upstart Khalid has already had a killer 2017, delivering one of the year’s smoothest debuts with the amazingly earwormy American Teen. Following sellout tours in the USA and Europe, he’s just announced his debut shows in Australia, and it looks like fans can’t get enough – he’s already upgraded and sold out almost every show, so get in quick if you’re planning to catch the magic in action.
Dates
Tues Nov 7: Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (Sold out)
Wed Nov 8: Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
Thurs Nov 9: Festival Hall, Melbourne
Fri Nov 10: Eatons Hill Outdoor Stage, Brisbane
The Weeknd
Abel Tesfaye himself is finally, finally bringing his mammoth tour down under for the very first time. The ludicrously successful Canadian singer, who tiptoes the line between pop and R&B with more Max Martin-produced finesse than a Cirque du Soleil performer, is coming in hot with a full round of arena shows this November.
Joining Tesfaye will be French Montana and Nav, whose recent album with Metro Boomin was one of the shittiest records of 2017 so far, but hey, maybe his live show will be more fun. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Dates
Wed Nov 29: Spark Arena, Auckland
Sat Dec 2: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
Sun Dec 3: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
Wed Dec 6: Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
Fri Dec 8: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Sat Dec 9: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Mon Dec 11: Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
Thurs Dec 14: Perth Arena, Perth
GZA
Wu-Tang Clan’s brilliant GZA is returning to Australia once more for a solo tour, having last visited with (most of) the full Clan in 2016. His last solo tour was way back in 2012 (I was there and can personally guarantee this is not a show you’ll wanna miss), so this is set to be pretty damn exciting, especially given how small the venues are. It’s not often you get to see a living legend in such intimate settings.
Dates
Sat 11 Nov: The Studio, Auckland
Sun 12 Nov: San Fran, Wellington
Wed 15 Nov: Fowlers Live, Adelaide
Thurs 16 Nov: Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
Fri 17 Nov: Manning Bar, Syd
Sat 18 Nov: Max Watt’s, Melbourne
Sat Nov 19: Rosemount Hotel, Perth
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
Africa-born, Australia-based rapper Sampa The Great has returned today, with an incredible new tune that once again proves her to be at the forefront of Australian hip-hop.
Teaming up with British soul singer Estelle and producer Rahki, known for his work with hip-hop legends including Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul and Talib Kweli as well as fellow Aus rapper Illy, Everybody’s Hero is the first track from Sampa’s upcoming EP HERoes Act 2, set for release on May 12.
Musically, Everybody’s Hero is smooth, slinky and understated. Sampa is at her most low-flying temperateness, with powerful yet thoughtful, provocative verses, set to low-slung, jazzy production from the man who worked on i and Institutionalized from To Pimp A Butterfly. Lyrically poignant as always, the song preaches the need to be your own hero, even when you can’t be one for everybody else.
One of Australia’s best rappers and live performers, Sampa the Great continues to live up to her name. Watch this space – she’s just getting started.
https://soundcloud.com/redbullsoundselect/sampa-the-great-everybodys-hero-feat-estelle-prod-by-rahki
Sampa is touring with Remi later this year – dates below, tickets here. Don’t miss out on what might be the country’s two best rappers kicking it together.
Welcome to The Soundtrack, a column where we plumb the depths of our musical knowledge to bring you the best* (subjective) music to listen to for very specific life situations. In our first column of the year and on International Women’s Day, we bring you tunes to celebrate and appreciate the women, femmes & non-binary lovelies in your life.
Miss Blanks – Fuck Real Slow
Miss Blanks is not on Spotify, but she is one of the most important voices in Australian music right now. Her crowd-pleasing tunes are a combination relentless and wholly justified bravado and sticky, sweaty beats. Miss Blanks doesn’t just put sexuality & sexual expression on display, she struts confidently all over it with a wry grin to the camera. In a political and social climate where women – particularly WOC, and more particularly trans women – are consistently shamed, degraded and much worse for daring to be sexual, Fuck Real Slow bears a timely and important message. That being said, it’s entirely possible you’ll be too busy grinding to this to reflect on that too hard because it’s a CERTIFIED GOLD BANGER.
Crime Mob – Stilettos (Pumps) feat Miss Aisha
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that women are consistently made to feel that they are lesser if they have interests that line up with what some consider to be “feminine”. We are constantly made to feel like we are worth nothing unless we decry things like manicures and high heels with gusto, declaring ourselves to be “not like the other girls”, when in reality there is nothing wrong with other girls or being like them. Miss Aisha & ex-Crime Mob member Diamond do not give a fuck. They gets their nails and hair done, they wear stilettos, they go out to the club with their girls, and they know they look damn good doing it. If you’re someone who enjoys these things, you deserve to feel good about that, so this is for you. If you’re someone who loves pizza and video games, that’s awesome too, because it’s what you like! Of course, it is very possible and very common to enjoy ALL these things, but don’t anyone tell cis men that. Their heads might explode. (Just kidding, PLEASE TELL THEM)
Rachel Maria Cox – A Phone I Can’t Use
Rachel Maria Cox is the founder of the wonderful Sad Grrrls Club, a DIY record label/bookings agency that began in 2015 and has a commitment to working with non-male artists. Their songs are intimate, anecdotal and cuttingly relatable – perfect for when you really need to have a good cry (which we all do, sometimes). There’s some really lovely guitar work here, all clean and chime-y, but it’s the raw, honest exploration of longing that really draws you in. Being vulnerable is a radical action in a society that aims to stamp it out, and it’s easy to forget to nurture that side of you when the goings-on of the world call so consistently for armour and biting your tongue.
Sampa the Great – F E M A L E
How many modern, local tracks boast a bloody upright bass? That is cool as heccc, and that’s to say nothing of Sampa The Great and what she unpacks on this track. Sampa is a certified badass and she’s all about shouting out to empower others. This song will help anyone who identifies as female celebrate on all the things that make you such an untouchable boss. The adversity you’ve overcome (and keep overcoming every day)? I can’t speak for everyone, but that shit feels like water off a duck’s back while I’m mouthing along with Sampa: F E M A L E, F E M A L EEEE. Would recommend screaming the same at anyone who ever gives you grief over the course of your life, honestly (please do not do this in a TERF-y way, gender and sex are social constructs).
Grimes ft Aristophanes – SCREAM
This collaboration, off Grimes‘ objectively perfect LP Art Angels (yes, objectively – fight me) features kick-ass Taiwanese artist Aristophanes, who spits dark, gory bars in Mandarin over the top of heaving production. It does not even matter a little bit if you don’t speak or understand Mandarin. What makes this track so cathartic is its ability to be completely unapologetic about being loud, messy, and angry; three things women & femmes are historically Not Allowed To Be. The release comes in the chorus, made up of piercing, prolonged screams that culminate in guttural growls – and what a release it is. Have you ever been spoken over by a man? Have you been cat called or otherwise objectified? Does your boss constantly undervalue you? Do you watch men get showered with praise for things you never get recognition for? Are you carrying trauma with you? It’s not my place to tell you how to deal with any of these things, but personally I find it very therapeutic to SCREAM.
Image: The Odyssey Online
The supremely talented Chicago rapper Mick Jenkins is currently in Australia to perform at Laneway festival, one of the only international hip-hop names, and one of the biggest drawcards for us here at H&E. Quickly developing a devoted fanbase and a critically acclaimed name for himself through a pair of groundbreaking EPs – The Water[s] and Wave[s], he released an incredible album last year, The Healing Component (THC). Known for his engaging, magnetic live performances, he took to one of Sydney’s most intimate and respected stages, The Basement, for his headline sideshow on Thursday February 2. Joining Mick on opening duties was the ever-amazing Sampa The Great, who has previously opened for artists including Kendrick Lamar and Thundercat.
Sampa The Great
Photos: Tom Wilkinson
Welcome to The Soundtrack, a column where we plumb the depths of our musical knowledge to bring you the best* (subjective) music to listen to for very specific life situations. This week, we help you walk home alone at night with a touch more confidence.
There’s really nothing quite like a solo stroll. Calming, good for the environment and introspective – even cathartic – we wholeheartedly endorse walking as a mode of personal transportation. However, walking alone at night can bring its own set of issues. Of course, violence can occur at any time of day, and let’s dispel the myth of “a stranger hiding in the bushes” being the primary cause of it right off the bat. But that doesn’t mean that most of us don’t feel a little uneasy when trotting home under cover of darkness by ourselves. That goes double for those who identify as women/non-binary/LGBTQ. I’m not saying we’re fragile lil kittens who need constant reassurance we’re going to be okay (altho that does sound pretty nice tbh), but the reality is that these groups are by and large the most targeted by this particular brand of assailant. Of course, listening to music isn’t going to assure physical safety, but what it can do is provide a much needed confidence boost when you’re thinking about recent incidents in your area and flinching at every shadow or cicada noise. We gotchu.
friendships – When I Feel Like Killing, I Murder
I’ve always felt unreservedly intrigued by friendships. The Melbourne duo are more of an art project than a band, pairing Nic’s audio with Mischa’s visual to hypnotic effect. This cut, driven by dark, skittering synths and a monster-esque pitched-down vocal, is positively horror movie worthy. BUT you’re the one listening to it, so guess who the big bad wolf is that everyone within five suburbs should be terrified of? You. You’re a force to be reckoned with, and friendships are gonna make sure you don’t forget it. Ignore every passerby with a steely glare. They scatter to the sides of the pathway as you cleave through the streets to your dwelling with only one thing on your mind: that really great book you’ve been reading and a cup of herbal tea.
Sleigh Bells – Rule Number One
Pretty much any song in Sleigh Bells’ discography would be right at home on this week’s The Soundtrack. But this track – which I’ve already sung the praises of – honestly takes the cake. Pop rocks and coke make your head explode, according to Alexis Krauss, but we beg to differ. It’s this song that really puts you in danger of cranial combustion. And we mean that in the best way possible. Rule Number One marks the part of your journey were you really start to get your strut on; the strut of a person who could burn their enemies to the ground with a snap of their fingers. Nobody is a match for you and your immense power. May god have mercy on the souls of all who’ve wronged you, because you won’t. You’ll just unhinge your jaw, eat their souls, and launch them into the sun.
Grimes – Kill V. Maim [Little Jimmy Urine remix]
One of our favourite things about the endlessly talented producer is that she flat-out refuses to write about romantic relationships, preferring to mine more unorthodox premises for her art. According to the almighty Grimes herself, this track is basically about The Godfather if all of the mobsters were vampires. How fantastically batshit is that? Anyone familiar with this song will know it’s already as ferocious as a rabid jaguar, the sort of song that threatens to throw the earth off its axis. Maybe invest in some anti-gravity boots to wear on your walk, or something, because this remix takes it to a level we didn’t actually know existed. Personally, when I’m feeling a little anxious walking home alone, I like to take one earbud out for maximum awareness of my surroundings, but like I’m not rly sure that’d even make much of a difference with this one cos it’s so ~hectic~.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Heads Will Roll [A-Trak remix]
Ahhhh what a classic – except – different? If you saw that (imho) very dumb movie Project X a couple years back you’ll recognise this from the soundtrack of that. Erase that memory and from this day forward, only recognise it as being from The Soundtrack Of This. This is equal parts threatening and bouncy, so you can kind of get your walk-dance on while you give the mental middle finger to the world for being so awful that the simple act of walking home is troubling. There’s enough of a blatant party vibe here to get lost in that hopefully you won’t have the energy to freak yourself out over whether that white car is the same as the other white car that passed you ten minutes ago. That is *not* to say don’t be alert and safe. It’s just to say, take care of yourself, babe.
Sampa the Great – F E M A L E
This is definitely the most chill track on this playlist, sonically speaking. How many tracks in your collection boast a bloody upright bass? Hell yessss, that is cool as heck, and that’s to say nothing of Sampa The Great and what she unpacks on this track. Sampa is a certified badass and she’s all about shouting out to empower others. This song will help you focus on all the things that make you such an untouchable boss. The adversity you’ve overcome (and keep overcoming every day)? I can’t speak for everyone, but that shit feels like water off a duck’s back while I’m mouthing along with Sampa: F E M A L E, F E M A L EEEE. Would recommend screaming the same at anyone who ever gives you grief over the course of your life, honestly.
Image: The Mary Sue/A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
True to her name, Sampa The Great is fast establishing herself as one of the most vital voices in hip-hop, in Australia and beyond, as well. We’ve been huge fans since day one, and last week, we grooved with her in Sydney. Taking to the Oxford Art Factory stage, Sampa celebrated her powerful new single and collaborative project HERoes – more details here.
Photos: Dani Hansen/Howl & Echoes
Another week and another crop of fresh music videos from some of your favourite artists and some of your new favourite artists (you just don’t know it yet). We’ve taken the time to round them all up for you to take a gander at below
Emma Louise – Illuminate
The video for Emma Lousie’s hugely successful Illuminate is a beautiful marriage between music and visuals. Under blue lights, there are dancers moving together as one to bring the words to life and the video paired with the music is so natural and seamless it is as though they were created together as one performance piece.
Coming together for their fourth video, it is a collaboration between the singer and director Dylan Duclos using choreography by Jason Winters and it is a true testament to the adage that sometimes, less is more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yBgjYOyPY0&feature=youtu.be
Bloc Party – Stunt Queen
They may have only released Hymns in January, but already the revamped Bloc Party have dropped a new single Stunt Queen. Written along with a bunch of other new material during their tour with Falls Festival earlier in the year, the song is reminiscent of their earlier work while (note the the hints of Silent Alarm, particularly at the open) with the renewed energy that comes with a fresh lineup.
The video is a classic tour diary, sticking strong with the theme and narrative that finds its footings somewhere between the sticky floors of The Forum (Melbourne) and Enmore (Sydney) Theatres.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVPulAbfAj0
AYLA – Like The Other Kids
A decked out abandoned train carriage, lush fields and daisy chains make up the sweet, sun-drenched visuals for the new video from Sunshine Coast’s AYLA. Going her own way as she frolics through the greenery, chops firewood and takes aim at beer cans with a slingshot, the video is a symbol of personal libation and a celebration of the wonderfully feeling of fulfilment that comes with forging your own path.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd838scz2NE
The song might be called Down At The Beach, but the new video from Sydney’s Big White was filmed in an abandoned Belgian castle between shows in Paris and Amsterdam. Shooting the footage themselves, they opted to avoid a beach clip as the song is about “killing something that’s old”, letting go and finding time and space to reflect.
With the filtered, hand-shot footage, the video has a certain poignant nostalgia about it, ensuring that they achieved just that. A far cry from (and far better than) the cheesy tourist beach shots they could have gone for instead.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2p5A8vgF7M&feature=youtu.be
Dave – Six Paths
Fresh from his game-changing remix with Toronto’s incumbent king Drake, South London’s Dave has returned with the third visual accompaniment from his incredible Six Paths EP. Embodying the same stunning artistic direction, the title track video shows Dave stunting eerily in black and white with a medieval castle as his setting. Tying in with the dark, gritty, string lead beat, Dave brings his same razor sharp bars.
To keep with tradition, there’s even a cameo from collaborator AJ Tracey proving these two are bros ‘til the end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuV_cyckCqY
Sampa The Great – HERoes (The Response)
After sending out a call to action in the first half of HERoes earlier this month, the incredible Sampa The Great has returned with its answer. Sporadic electronic tones open the tune, making way for a truly neck shattering African-influenced drum beat.
Sampa flexes a seriously incredible flow alongside her always constant attention to lyricism. As she raps at an incredible pace, despite it being a lyric video, it’s hard enough just to read along.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1nLFBy_weU
Action Bronson – Durag vs. Headband
Everyone’s favourite Albanian rapper turned chef in Action Bronson has finally returned with the new hilariously named track Durag vs Headband. Featuring the whole Fuck That’s Delicious crew, plus producer and Ancient Aliens co-star Knxwledge.
Both the video and music are outstanding, the whole gang filling the screen with their raw tenacity over a rough boom bap beat by Knx and always on point verses by Bronson. Not to mention Big Body Bes on the hook, reminding all once again how incredible he is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWLg7_G0_go
The Avalanches – Because I’m Me
After returning oh so wonderfully at the start of this year and dropping their highly anticipated sophomore album Wildflower, The Avalanches have been casually releasing a number of music videos from the project over the last few months. Obviously, they’ve saved the best until now though, with the video for Because I’m Me.
This heartstring-plucking love tale follows a young kid in the subway trying to seduce the girl behind the ticket desk. What results is an incredible sing and dance video which is simply put, brilliantly acted, choreographed and scripted. It’s pretty much the definition of feel-good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eu0KsZ_MVBc
YG – One Time Comin’
A possible glimpse into an upcoming project, YG’s One Time Comin’ continues with the police brutality themes which are evident throughout much of his music.
Shots of YG evading the police by car are paired with shocking first person footage of an innocent man frantically on the run, who is inevitably shot for no reason. It’s a powerful video with a similarly intense track below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nTCUI5reJw
I AM D – Seven Deuce
Brisbane’s most veracious emcee, I AM D, has come a long way since his 90s inspired boom bap tracks early in his career. After releasing a range of new and fresh, yet similarly dark anthems over the last few months, the D has now returned with yet another straight to the point track in Seven Deuce.
Paired with bold cinematography, this track is nothing short of fire. There’s no sugarcoated hooks to be found here either, just three minutes of the ill-est verses around, demonstrating I AM D’s skill brilliantly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWomlPOS73o
twelveAM – On My Own
One of Melbourne’s latest rising stars in twelveAM has released the video to his catchy heartfelt tune, On My Own. The track leads his debut EP, demonstrating briefly his ear for brilliant hooks, alongside his unique melodic flow and deep tone, painting a vivid picture as he longs for a lover.
No doubt he’ll be one to watch in the months to come.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po-RQD36–M&feature=youtu.be
Johnossi – Air Is Free
One of Sweden’s largest bands, the platinum selling Johnossi, have returned with yet another rock scorcher to get you grooving. Backed by harsh guitar riffs, bopping bass lines, marching drums and incredible, powerhouse vocals, Air Is Free follows a young nomad as he yearns for independence and freedom.
The result is a truly moving journey, with a soundtrack that is oh so sweet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQDTG-caCOs
High Klassified – Gold feat. Mick Jenkins
One of Montreal’s finest upcoming producers, High Klassified has blessed us with a vocal collaboration with a similarly incredible artist in Chicago lyrical legend Mick Jenkins. With its smooth, jazzy and booming beat, we see its producer starring in a spooky love story.
Just in time for the Halloween period, the surrealistic clip is fit with creepy bunnies, eerie dolls and clowns, not to mention the sheer insanity of the narrative. Definitely a see it to believe it type video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzsaHjE27zo
Bad//Dreems – Mob Rule
After recently wrapping up their tour with Sydney rockers DMA’s, Adelaide kings Bad//Dreems have followed this up with the release of an incredible new track Mob Rule.
This rough and tough anthem sees the lads reflecting on Australia’s own culture, and what better way that to piece the whole track together with a range of hazy, 80s TV excerpts and clips.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmsffFCA4fQ
Image: Pitchfork
Swiftly up-and-coming MC and one of the most inspiring and talented young women in Australian music is Sampa The Great. With only a mixtape’s (The Great Mixtape) and a couple of singles worth of her own recorded material released, she’s taken the music scene in Australia by storm, in hot demand for collaborations (already laying some down with Urthboy and Remi) and wowing everyone who has had the privilege of witnessing it with her live show. This week she has announced a brand new project and some Australian shows to support it in the moving HERoes.
The project itself is a slam poetry video featuring Sampa. Partnering with Red Bull to produce it and directed by Priit Siimom and with creative direction by clothing label Sydney Romantics, the video serves as an introduction of sorts to Sampa, the title stylised as HERoes to reflect that this is her story. You can watch it below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cR69MnomgbI
“Sugar, spice, fighting for human rights. Breathing in belief and choking on polluted skies. These are the ingredients that raise the question: who am I?”, it begins over sparse percussion, before Sampa waxes some intense lyrical on what it means to be (or not to be) a hero. The bassy synths and echoes creeping their way in will have your spine tingling, as will Sampa’s voice, which is absolutely ensnaring. All of this atop a roof at night overlooking a skyline (it looks like a scene out of Batman truth be told) and you have one amazing project both visually and sonically. That it only lasts two minutes is its only fault, one could listen to Sampa impart introspective wisdom like this for hours.
We’re not sure what the rest of the HERoes project may or may not entail, this is the first and only taste we’ve been given of it, but more may be revealed at her upcoming shows in support of it in both Sydney and Melbourne. The dates for this are below.
Sampa The Great HERoes tour dates:
Thu, Nov 3rd: Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
Fri, Nov 4th: The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Image: Facebook
2016 has flown by and it is already almost time for the best event on Brisbane’s musical calendar; BIGSOUND. It seems like the happy, hazy buzz of last year’s event has only just worn off, with many of the bands coming up through the festival’s ranks and rising to success in recent months. Remember when Tiny Little Houses were still just a blip on the indie radar? Or before Baro burrowed his way into your head for days?
The three day music industry conference and showcase will take place from the 7th-9th of September and is this year spanning across a mammoth fifteen venues, with over 150 bands creating an orchestra of mid-week madness for professionals and music lovers alike. Not to mention the pre/post/lunch time parties that promise around the clock frivolity throughout the entire week.
We know as well as anyone how hard it is to break out those highlighters and commit to a schedule dictated only by your inability to clone yourself, the disappointing lack of technology to speed up or slow down time, and the lack of super human speed to transport you between stages. To help you along the way we have compiled our list of ten moments that are not to be missed at this year’s event if you want any bragging rights for the next twelve months.
BIGSOUND is where the world discovers Australian music and in case you haven’t noticed, we are a little bit excited about what this year is going to bring.
Get all your ticket info here.
Mushroom Free For All
Tuesday 6th September, 8pm – The Flying Cock (Free entry)
In the pre-event to make the next few festival days a guaranteed struggle, Mushroom are again throwing their free and fabulous party to kick off BIGSOUND on Tuesday night. Featuring the likes of ALTA, Kyle Lionhearted, The Belligerents, Tiny Little Houses, I OH YOU DJ’s and Soothsayer DJ’s, RSVP’s are essential so be sure to register here.
https://youtu.be/CjWIakdCWzc
Secret Sounds ‘The Night Before BIGSOUND’
Tuesday 6th September, 7pm – The Foundry (Free entry)
Remember how we already decided cloning isn’t a thing? It will be a tough call to decide how to divide the time between these two epic Tuesday night shindigs. Another free event with an even bigger lineup including A.D.K.O.B, Alice Ivy, Austen, Ayla, Born Joy Dead, Braille Face, Coda Conduct, Confidence Man, Leena, Gideon Bensen, Ivan Ooze, Mid Ayr, Naations (US), Robbie Mill, Verge Collection, WAAX, Woodes and a bucket load of DJ sets, register your space on the dance floor here.
https://youtu.be/0iNf-1Gfq_s
Mallrat
Wednesday 7th September, 8:50-9:20pm – The Elephant Hotel
Described as the Hannah Montana of the rap game, sixteen year old Mallrat will make you lament your wasted youth with a slew of tracks that are creating hype worldwide. With stunning production and lovely lyrical insights, she’ll make you feel like the most unsuccessful adult around, but it’s worth it.
https://youtu.be/PqlGSQgcL7I
Flowertruck
Wednesday 7th September, 9:40-10:10pm – New Globe Theatre
Hailing from Sydney, this throwback four piece bring a powerhouse of emotions evoking Morrissey or Brisbane’s own The Go-Betweens. Poignant and sway-worthy with plenty of audience banter, cracking single Sunshower is a damn near religious experience live. Be sure to catch them on their way to greater heights and check out their debut EP Dirt here.
https://youtu.be/yvT1J4-H_Wo
Polish Club
Wednesday 7th September, 10:40-11:10pm – Woolly Mammoth Alehouse Stage
Polish Club sound like the cassette you found in your dad’s shoebox and played twenty years later marvelling at the excellent taste he had before he tortured you with Shannon Noll. Their scuzzy haze has all the charm of a pop song and all the vitriol of a late night brawl. Catching these guys live for the first time might be a bit like drinking the first beer on a Friday; unparalleled satisfaction.
https://youtu.be/E-iy8ns0CLg
Kučka
Wednesday 7th September, 10:50-11:20pm – The Flying Cock
It’s a voice that you couldn’t have possibly escaped this year, featuring on Flume’s smash hit track Smoke And Retribution alongside Vince Staples. This singer also has plenty of her own to offer. Get a taste of those angelic sounds and R&B stylings before Kučka heads overseas for the remainder of the year.
https://youtu.be/ZoiBN8QdDu0
Pandora Lunch Party
Thursday 8th September, 2:30pm – Ric’s Big Back Yard
Featuring APES, Young Tapz and Ecca Vandal, this promises to be an afternoon of raw energy. From the hard hitting guitar rock of APES, to the smooth flow of Young Tapz to the infectious raucousness of Ecca Vandal, this will get your final BIGSOUND night off to the right kind of start.
https://youtu.be/wbkJsg9w4hU
B Wise
Thursday 8th September, 8:50-9:20pm – The Elephant Hotel
B Wise has broken out on the local MC circuit in 2016, scoring supporting slots for huge names like Tuka (Thundamentals), Vince Staples, Yelawolf and Freddie Gibbs. The Sydney-based rapper lays his slow swagger atop luscious production and is sure to bring a glow to The Elephant stage.
https://youtu.be/WEs_jPyORDc
Terrible Truths
Thursday 8th September, 9:40-10:10pm – The New Globe Theatre
Our calendar couldn’t be complete without some DIY bedroom jams, and Terrible Truths bring just that in spades. The Melbourne three piece ooze 70’s post punk and riot grrl charm on their self titled debut and will bring all that fuzzy goodness to the stage on Thursday night.
https://youtu.be/sHX_r1oXn4s
Sampa The Great
Thursday 8th September, 11:20-11:50pm – Oh Hello!
Undoubtedly one of the most exciting voices in Australian hip-hop, Sampa The Great will be bringing her fusion of poetry and rhyme to the stage, transcending definition and connecting on every level. Off the back of her debut release The Great Mixtape, this might be the most anticipated set at this year’s event.
https://youtu.be/lHoE43gcB1A
Well that was extremely difficult and we’ve only just scratched the surface! Pumped yet? 7 days and counting!
Image: Sampa The Great