January 2014 Sydney Hip Hop events

Whenever you find yourself asking the inevitable question, "What's on this weekend?", keep this page handy so you'll never be left wondering.  In fact, this is only a taste of what's to come this month, check back for regular updates, or feel free to contact me with gigs you'd like to add.  If you didn't know I've even posted links to all pre-sale tickets, no more searching!

2nd

BRKLYN Presents- Bar BRKLYN (downstairs Hotel Steyne), Manly
The only hip hop night on northern beaches is back this year and bigger than ever!  This and every Thursday for the foreseeable future will be filled with dope hip hop beats.  Local and international acts will grace this stage with their undeniable talents each week, all thanks to our host State Advanced and his partner in crime, DJ Prolifik on the decks.  You're still on holidays?  Well this is the perfect time to make the trek north.  This week check out local producer and DJ Pro/gram.  Haven't heard of him yet? Check out his unearthed page here.
9pm-late
FREE event

4th

Dead Prez and Talib Kweli- The Metro Theatre, Central
Want to start your new year out right? Throw out all those dodgy habits like wasting your money on lame hip hop acts with no substance.  Sydney has spoken and we want real artists!  Presales for this night sold out in a matter of hours, so get in early as there's no guarantee of tickets on the door.  If you want a night of real lyrics that attack social and political issues head on then this is the place to be. Both these acts have made bold statements on where they stand, Tweli has even enjoyed some commercial success without ever compromising his integrity. Though almost two decades in the game, they are still active members of the community.  Talib Kweli even released two albums just last year.  Not only that but the whole line up is incredible.  There are not many Australian acts who could share this bill in my opinion.  But L-FRESH the LION would certainly be on that list and he will make the show even better as he is a perfect example of someone who carries the movement forward beautifully.  This is one I've been really looking forward to.
Tickets $50
Doors 8pm

9th

Beat Thieves- Bar BRKLYN (downstairs Hotel Steyne), Manly
As part of this week's BRKLYN presents you can check out this brand new hip hop group Beat Thieves in one of their first ever performances.  True to the name, no original beats have been created for this project, they simply jack beats that they like from other artists and use them as they wish.  Before you ask yourself, "is that even legal?" Just calm down for a minute and realise that this project was only created as a bit of fun and is a side project for the three emcees who are all involved with other separate groups.  Their FREE EP "Grand Thief Audio" can be downloaded here.
Comprised of emcees: EaRelevant (Broken Thought Theory), Semantics Uno (High Noon), and DLB (Hometeam) with DJ Prolific on the decks
9pm- late
FREE Entry

10th

Freshly Squeezed- The Factory Theatre, Marrickville
Back for 2014 and in a new venue, our hosts have gathered together a diverse mix of Sydney hip hop royalty along with up and comers to support Hyjak in the release of his first solo studio album, "The Light at the End of the Tunnel." In the spirit of new releases young Melbourne artist, Dr Flea will be launching his own EP- "Keep On Moving"
Also DJ Izm, P. Smurf, Swarmy, Son of Sam & Big Hustle, Juzlo, Thorn, & DJ Raine Supreme
Tickets $10
Doors 7pm

Hand That MC a Mic #3- Brighton Up Bar, Darlinghurst
A yearly event started by Electric Elements crew back in 2011, this is a night focused on giving up and coming and brand new emcees the chance to perform on stage, possibly for the first time, and also gain exposure and confidence by working with established artists.  A video competition held during the year has led to the selection of these finalists, who will perform as guest emcees on the night- Pyne, Wooncrew, Casa, Ennisey, Vursified, and Jinz. The night will include performances by Electric Elements, Koolta, Sleepwalkers, Nhostic & DJ Riley JM, and 316.  The last two years have sold out, so best to secure tickets early!
Tickets: $10
Doors 8pm

Roleo X Papertoy Double EP Launch- The Sly Fox, Enmore
Presented by Die High Records
Daily Meds DJ, Roleo- Purple Island FREE EP out now.  Get it here!
Special Guests: Klue, Meare, Tobio, Yonderkid
FREE Entry
830pm

16th

Funkoars- Carmens Night Club, Miranda
Since they're skipping out on a Sydney city show, this is about the closest that you're going to get to seeing these hip hop legends, at least for the first part of this year.  Word is this is because they want to stick to the beaches on this tour.
Joined on tour by Mr Hill & Rahjconkas and supported locally by Willis & Miz Lush
Tickets $23.50
Doors 8pm

Hip Hop House Party- Oxford Arts Factory, Darlinghurst
Oxford Arts has come to the rescue once again to bring us a brand new monthly hip hop night!  And just in time really as nights like these have been sorely lacking! Starting off strong, this first night brings two of Sydney's best- Daily Meds and Mind Over Matter.  Also some of this city's up and comers will be allowed to shine with performances by Sleazy Greazy, Papa Tear, Shadows, DJ Skae, Kosmic Culture, and eGASM. Come out and support the community and let people know that we want more nights like this!
Tickets $15
Doors 8pm

BRKLYN Presents- Bar BRKLYN (downstairs Hotel Steyne), Manly
If you like your hip hop nights a bit closer to beachside, you should check this one out.  If you live on the other side of the harbour like me, you could complain about how it's too far, or you could attempt to be posh and tell your friends that you're "going overseas." har har har, but really this place has got the dope hip hop beats spinning every Thursday with DJ Prolifik.  Come for end of week drinks.  Thursday is the new Friday! Let's chill.
9pm-late
FREE Entry


18th

Loose Change-  Civic Underground, Sydney city
They've toured the country and now they're back home to present the launch for their 2nd LP "Listening Party." This trio which consists of emcees Ellesquire and Rapaport and producer P. Major have been creating music together for a solid 5 years now.  And their back to say, they may be growing older but they're certainly not growing up. (Well not too much anyway.)
Supported by: Beastside, Billy Green, and DJ Morgz
Tickets $15 presale/  $20 on the door
Doors 9pm

21st- 26th

Tom Thum- Sydney Festival, Sydney city
This Brisbane beat boxer has amazed audiences at festivals worldwide going solo on stage with just a mic.  You will be amazed by the sounds he can make come out of his mouth.  He is certainly one of the best in the world at his craft.  If you want to hit up any shows in the Sydney Festival this is something you won't want to miss, and it will be family friendly too.
Tickets and more info here ($42 or $140 family ticket)
Tues- Sun 8pm
Saturday 2pm & 8pm

22nd

Hip Hop Arcade- Flinders Hotel, Surry Hills
After a holiday break, this mid-week hip hop night is back and even better in the new year!  After finishing up last year with a Street Fighter II tournament, this crew is ready to bring you what you love the best.  A new tournament has finally been announced and it's NBA Jam! This will be Round 1, new competitors will be taken on each week for 7 weeks, and all the winners will go head to head in the final on March 5.  Stay up to date with all the details by signing up here.  As always Sydney's finest, DJ Raine Supreme, will be spinning hip hop beats all night, along with other special guests throughout the coming weeks.  Come to play or just to hang out and chill in this super fun and relaxed environment.
6pm- late, competition starts about 8pm
FREE Entry

23rd

Sloppy Joe ft. State Advanced- Bar BRKLYN (downstairs Hotel Steyne), Manly
Sloppy Joe is an improvisational funk band that has been playing together for over 10 years.  They are comprised of Michael Wheatley on keys, Steel O'Neil on drums, and Serg on bass. Them combined with the witty wordplay of Canadian born emcee State Advanced and you've got a night you don't want to miss!
9pm- late
FREE Entry

Bayside Wreckers- The Standard, Darlinghurst
Nothing like a last minute gig for some excitement! Just heard about this one yesterday.  Why not make the weekend a bender?  We're at the height of the summer and I've got gigs for days! This duo layers styles upon styles, always keeping their live show interesting. 
With hip hop/ soul group- Apollo Creed and DJ Bobby Digital
Doors 8pm
Tickets: $10

24th

Def Wish Cast- Beach Road Hotel, Bondi
If you don't know then you really need to know.  Def Wish Cast could be considered the grandfathers of Australian hip hop.  They were representing the culture way back in the late 80's, before hip hop was even a genre in Australia.  Though Hilltop Hoods gets the most credit for making Australian hip hop what it is today, Def Wish's first album, released in '93 was probably the first full length hip hop album out of Australia. Having said that, new music is on its way with an album dropping later this year.  Their new single "City Knights" features Thavy Ear, who will be joining them on the night along with DJ A.S.K. and DJ Secret Weapon. Also with Lez Beckett on the didge, you know you'll be starting off your Australia Day weekend the right way. Also it's free so why the hell not??
8pm
FREE Entry


25th

Astronautalis- Brighton Up Bar, Darlinghurst
I'll come right out and say that this one means a lot to me, and I would love to see as many of you there are possible.  Have you ever wished that you could travel the world just on a dream of spreading your love of music to as many people as possible?  Does the thought of spending most of your life in motion- from never ending highways on the back of a motorcycle to long hours spent crammed in the middle seat of coach section as you plane hop around the world- appeal to you?  This is the life of a drifter.  And though a drifter this artist is, Astronautalis is a drifter with a purpose.  The goal is not just the feel of the open road, but the promise of concocting some new form of magic each night.  I'd be hesitant to call this strictly hip hop music because his raps and flows can traverse such a wide range of backup music.  Also he is an impeccable freestyler, something he will indulge in each night, making each show a truly unique experience shared between him and his audience.  He has played the world over and again, truthfully stating that he will travel anywhere in the world that he is able to book a show in.  He has played at tiny bars in eastern Europe, right through to stadiums in New York city.  This short run of Australian shows will be his first introduction to the local hip hop scene, and I assure you this trip will see him gain some new fans.  So even if you have no idea who this emcee is, take a chance on something new.  Come for the local supports, and stay for to witness the magic that follows.
Supported by an eclectic mix of killer local acts who would make a stunning lineup all on their own:
Empire Rising, Deadbeat and Hazy, & Broken Thought Theory
Tickets $17
Doors 8pm

Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion aka Snoopzilla- Enmore Theatre, Newtown
This will be your first chance to catch the reinvented Snoop Dogg after that inspirational trip to Jamaica that changed his perspective and his name and saw him breaking into the reggae market. Having reached the pinnacle of his rap career, there was really nothing else that this hip hop pioneer could hope to reach for. And so after an in-depth study of the homeland of Bob Marley, and meeting the reggae legends past and present there, he came out of this smokey haze of a trip dubbed "Snoop Lion." And upon listening you have to admit that he really goes for this new genre, and he does it WELL.  This show will include a mix of his hip hop classics along with new reggae hits.  We can only hope that a hologram Tupac will join him on stage.   Hey you never know! This could be one of those nights where years from now you'll be telling your kids you where there!
Joined by Mac Miller
Tickets: $78.60
Doors 7pm

26th

One Day Sundays- The Projects behind Vic on the Park, Enmore
Last year, the celebrations at this space on Australia Day (although I missed out cause I was never able to actually find it that time) was the inspiration for beginning  a regular event there.  This car park turned entertainment venue has been the perfect space to bring hip hop heads together each month for celebrations.  With a space big enough for a small stage setup, walls for graff, a basketball court, as well as food and drinks available, this space has it all.  Always taking place on the last Sunday of each month, this one has been lucky enough to fall right on Australia Day itself, and I'm sure the celebration will be huge. Although the specifics haven't been announced yet, there's no way this will be one you can miss, it's sure to be the biggest yet!
1pm- late
Free Event

29th

Hip Hop Arcade- Flinders Hotel, Surry Hills
Play arcade games on the big screen, with real joystick controllers.  Register here for the tournament (NBA Jam) or just hang around for some free play on the night.  Followed by some great hip hop DJs, stay as late as you dare on a school night! Food and drink specials all night.
6pm- late
Free Event

BRKLYN Presents- Bar BRKLYN (downstairs Hotel Steyne), Manly
I've said it before and I'll say it again.  The ONLY hip hop night at the northern beaches.  Definitely worth a trek for a night of good beats, good people, and cold drinks.  DJ Prolifk spinning the best mix of classics and newness all night.
9pm- late
FREE Entry

31st

Vent- Valve Bar (upstairs Agincourt Hotel), Ultimo
Brand new monthly hip hop night hosted by Izzy (Izzy & the Profit) bringing you tons of fantastic local acts. This is a relaxed and somewhat informal setting where anyone who likes can feel free to jump on the open mic/ cipher at the end of the night.  This month all these great acts will be preforming for you:
Savilian, Sarah Connor, Volatyle, Oakbridge, and Planet Crushers.
I'm really excited about this one!
Tickets $10 on the door
Doors 9pm

Reverse Polarities- The Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst
To kick off their full national tour, Big Village will be hosting an album release party for "On the Contrary," RP's debut album, which has been an extremely long time in the making.  But not to worry, that has only given them all the more time to make sure this one is a stand out classic.  If you're getting a little bit confused on this Daily Meds & Reverse Polarites debacle let me give you a bit of a rundown.  Reverse Polarities as it is today began back in 2005, although the concept came much earlier.  The three emcees: Mikoen, Mute MC, and P-Smurf had similar political ideas, and thought it would downright atrocity if they didn't hit Sydney with the truth.  They are joined by sometimes rapper and full time producer/ DJ Kit Complete and also guest rapper/ singer Billy Rose.  This standout group had cemented a name for themselves through their high energy shows and their hard hitting lyrics.  By 2008 they had released their first self titled EP.  Then due to personal reasons Mute MC moved away for a year. Out of a need to keep their creative energy flowing, Mikoen and P-Smurf formed a new group, this time with Smurf's sister Billy Rose as a full time member and beat maker Roleo on production/DJ.  And just like that Daily Meds was born.  The new group saw even more sucess and acclaim, but by late 2011 the boys were eager to get the old group back together and since then have wowed us all with their new album, touching on social and political topics that many shy away from.  Their fast paced punching lyrics are sure to bring on some changes to the system if only we can all listen and act.
Supported by: Soul Benefits, Jamima Jonez & SK, and Nookie
Tickets: $18.50
Doors 8pm



New Music Alert: As a little extra for everyone I'd like to bring you an exclusive, just released, brand new track! You know I wouldn't steer you wrong, so if you're looking for some intelligent raps from the best in Sydney's underground check the link below.

Read (Breathe-Fabolous Remix)- Skase a.k. featuring EaRelevant


Also look out for brand new PBX and Skase a.k. collaboration album TEN FIFTEEN POINT SIX coming early 2014......   skaseak.bandcamp.com

King Amongst Many

Review: Horrorshow "King Amongst Many" album

Released: 2 August 2013                
Elefant Traks


I have to admit right now, on my first listen, I didn't "get it".  Although I enjoyed Horrorshow's first two albums immensely, I have since moved on.  The first couple listens I skipped through the majority of the songs thinking Horrorshow had disappointed me by only providing more of the same, emotional and soft hip hop that doesn't push any boundaries or take a stance on anything too controversial.  But at a second glance I realised that I was looking at it the wrong way.

It wasn't until a very late night walk with the dog down near Blackwattle Bay with the air thick, damp and heavy as it is before the rain, my quiet and reflective mood finally latched onto the music and the words. What was revealed to me was something beautiful, dense and meaningful.  The meaning behind the words finally stood out to me as though I was stepping out of the fog, and the music provided the perfect backdrop for them to whirl around within.  So what I'm saying is don't set this album aside if at first you're not in the mood to embrace it, cause it definitely has the potential to come back and surprise you.

This is not a lighthearted album.  This is a deeply pensive, listen alone in your room with the lights off type album.  Not that there aren't tracks would work in a concert setting, but it's not dancing music. This is sway on your feet with your lighters in the air music.  This is the type of music that will make us take a collective breath and just listen, which I think holds much more power than the type that we want to cheers beers to. This isn't The Party Life, in fact there's not one party track here.  This is exactly the type of music that works for Horrorshow. This is In My Haze type music.

While leaving the party songs and more festival orientated songs alone, you would think that the JJJ crowd might not take to it as readily, but the doesn't seem to be the case at all as Horrorshow fans and new fans alike have seen the album debut at #2 on the ARIA charts. Like it or hate it, it's refreshing to see that this album didn't have to  follow the well defined formula in order to achieve success.  In fact, from the first album right on through to this one, Horrorshow duo never seem to be making music for anyone else at all, simply combining beats that sounds pleasing to them with lyrics that allow the emcee to express to us the inner workings of his mind.

That being said, is it on par with the best beat makers in the world? Not by a long shot. Are the lyrics revolutionary and showing us a brand new perspective? Not for the most part.  But these two are definitely growing as artists and their music has a place in the Australian music scene and in worldwide hip hop. Though it's not everyone's cup of tea, in terms of emotional content this album is ace.

The first listen we had of this new material was during the Hilltop Hoods "Speaking in Tongues" tour.  Dead Star Shine was a chilling anthem that made us all stop dead, so to speak.  This was a year before the album came out and it had a great response.  However the chorus on the finished version leaves much to be desired.  I think the effect over Solo's voice lessens the emotion, to where it sounds boring and dull.  And that carries on through most of the chorus' on the album.  I think as a rule, Solo could work on the expressiveness of his voice, both in singing and in rapping.  Though the evenness works one one level, it does make all the songs sound far too similar.  And though I love Adit's knack for picking samples, the beats could use more variety as well. Having a few songs with more of an edge to them and a harder hitting beat would surprise us and keep us interested.

The song that stood out to me first was Down The Line.  This is story telling at it's best.  So emotional it nearly made me cry although it's not a particularly sad.  Through a story about his ancestry, Solo tells us the importance of family, something that speaks to everyone universally.  This is the only track with a female singer as well, Sarah Corry, and possibly the only song that really has the chorus it deserves.  The recording of his grandmother at the end is beautiful.

I think the album overall has a few too many guest spots and Suffa could have been cut out for me.  I don't think he adds anything to the track he is on called On The One Hand and in fact I think he draws attention away from Grieves who is the first international guest that Horrorshow have welcomed to share in their art. They have chosen well here; Grieves and Solo have a similar hip hop style in that their songs are deeply personal and emotional.  I want to like this track the best because it's Grieves but in truth it bores me a little.  I was expecting more of a standout on this one, but whatever that sample is that comes in as the outro of this song, I love that better than the rest of the track.  A beat more like that would have excited me more.  Not to worry though, I think Grieves and Horrorshow could have a beautiful thing going and I definitely wouldn't mind seeing a further collab if this kid ever makes it out to Australia.  (If you want to know more about Grieves check my links at the bottom and stay tuned.)

Surprisingly out of the whole album the song that turned me off the most is the first single.  This is actually what kept me away from the album a long time.  I don't think it has the right effect, it doesn't catch you right away and it is not memorable.  A terrible choice in my opinion.  All it does is remind me that we're ready to see something different from these guys.

The absolute best and most important song on the album, and the one that makes the listening all worth while is Own Backyard which features newly signed Elefant Traks artist, Jimblah.  This track tells of a young white male's perspective of racism in Australia, how he goes from simply believing what he was taught in school to discovering the truth of Australia's bloody past for himself.  Then Jimblah comes forward to tell a tale which we never see in Australian hip hop.  A black perspective of continued racism in this country.   Stunningly poignant, the harrowing last line reminds us, "They tried to wipe us off of the face of the earth dude, need proof? Look around you."


 More than a lyricist who throws out catchy puns and one liners, Solo is a poet spinning a story that makes you feel you are in that moment with him if you listen closely enough, and that's something I hold  highly.  Honesty as well is a trait that is not optional for me, he's certainly not trying to represent anything that he is not, the downfall of many of the more popular hip hop artists.

Horrorshow is on tour! 
Their next few dates are:

TONIGHT
Thu 19 Sep
ANU Bar
Canberra

Fri 20 Sep *
Metro Theatre
Sydney

Sat 21 Sep *
Sprung Festival
Brisbane

Thu 26 Sep
Corner Hotel
Melbourne

*all ages
For a full list of tour dates and ticketing information click here

Link me up
Elefant Traks
Horrorshow official site / Facebook page
Jimblah official site / Facebook page
Grieves official site / Facebook page

Best Intentions

Review

360 & Spit Syndicate

Metro Theatre, Sydney

29th June 2012

I have to admit it, I don't love 360. So how appropriate that my blog expressing my love of hip hop should reach exactly 360 page views today, when I sit down to write about him. It's not that I have anything against him. I've always thought his music, falls more into the pop category than hip hop. As he explained today on his twitter, “...I don't even label my music hip hop, cause it ain't. I make (in my opinion) GOOD pop music, and I rap on [it]... I give a fuck about genre.” This could explain the very different vibe we felt entering the gig this weekend. One of the first things that I noticed was the lack of hip hop clothing on display. Usually at a gig all the merch comes out and people display their love for all hip hop artists, not just the group that is playing. Generally there is heaps of Funkoars, Bliss n Eso, Hilltop Hoods, and Drapht tshirts and jumpers floating around the crowd. However, I don't think I saw much besides Shoosh Cunt shirts, and 360 hats. Fair enough if he just has very loyal fans, but it's more like they only listen to him.  

me and Cathy, that's how we roll...

From the start, it felt like a hip hop gig with something essential missing from it. It even had more of a punk rock sort of vibe. It was missing the soul, the nitty gritty, the collective feeling of the whole history of the genre backing us up. It's like these fans have missed out on the basics and are just jumping in on the bandwagon. Again, I'm not against it. I think it's great to get new people involved. I'm not the kind of person that only likes a band because no one else knows about them. I'm more of a pusher, if I like something I will try and get as many people to listen to it as possible. Not only do I want the artists to get exposure so they can share their art with as many people as possible, but I want the average person to understand what good music is. Rather than just singing along to whatever overplayed, overproduced, bullshit is played 1000 times a day on every radio station.

Once you start getting into it, the world of hip hop is like an enormous puzzle, only you don't see the size or scope of it at the onset. You start by picking up one or two pieces and as you fit each piece into the next, you being to see a bigger and bigger picture with more and more pieces to fit into place. Suddenly you realise the view is so wide you may never find the time to examine each piece individually, that and more and more pieces are being added all the time, so it's hard to keep up. Not only does this culture involve groups, crews, individual artists, djs, producers, beat makers, singers, dancers, graffiti, and street art, but almost every other genre of music is also sampled within the beats themselves. It's a culture, that although is young compared with other genres of music has extensive depth, and history, and with a long way to go from here, because there are infinite directions to branch out into. Hip hop isn't just one thing; that's why there's room for all types of people to express and enjoy themselves through this music. And as many as want to jump on the bandwagon, I saw hop on up. Just respect the culture, the history of the culture, and the blood and sweat and soul that so many have put into it so that you can enjoy it as it is today.

(Ok bottomline: yeah the atmosphere felt a bit different, but there's room for all types of people in this world.) Enough of that rant and onto the show....

I really tried to get into 360's show. And I did for a while. Although I don't know many of his songs, I believe he opened with Child. I really dig the song “Just Got Started” with Pez which he played that night sans Pez. (And it's the ring tone on my phone, guilty.) The video clip to that song is very funny, if you haven't seen it, check it out. This sort of epitomises the type of songs that 360 is famous for. Catchy tunes, with a singable chorus that make you laugh. Again nothing wrong with that, it's just that the lyrics are missing a lot of the depth and intricacy that a lot of other artists have.

360 doing his thing

As we worked our way into the crowd, I started to enjoy myself a bit more. As we were way to the side of the venue I could see the whole crowd and I was mesmorised as I watched everyone swaying to the beat. One thing is for sure, the crowd was really into it. There was one song that I really enjoyed, although I can't remember which one it was at the moment. Just as I was about to let it all go, and really get into the performance, everything quickly fell to pieces. A fight started somewhere in front of us and two guys kept coming further and further towards the back of the room. I almost thought we weren't going to get out of the way fast enough, they were coming at us so fast. I have spoken about fights at gigs before and I don't understand it. It's like people get all hyped up and then suddenly decide to use that energy to punch someone instead of directing it into something positive like dancing, or jumping, or waving your hands in the air like you just don't care. Usually a fight only lasts a few seconds before someone jumps in and pulls the aggressor away, be it a bouncer or a few mates, or guys that happen to witness. This fight just kept going. One guy was on the floor and the other guy just kept going for him. We had to fight our way out of the crowd and into the back to get out of the way. Then just as the two boys hit the back of the crowd the aggressor gave the guy on the ground a kick to the face and blood sprayed everywhere. I was feeling sick to my stomach, and extremely annoyed that they weren't stopped before it got to that point. The bouncers were still no where to be seen although a couple minutes later they were dragging a totally different guy out of the room. The fight pretty much ruined the rest of the show for me. I couldn't get over the fact that not only someone would use this venue, and this time, when we are supposed to be getting together to share our mutual enjoyment of music and the artist on the stage, to let out all their anger and frustration at someone, but also that no one stepped in to help the guy that was on the ground getting hurt. I couldn't stop thinking about it for the rest of the night.

me looking naturally evil

I'm trying to think of some good things to write about the show so you don't think I'm hating on 360. Another pet peeve of mine is all the crap that people give him on facebook. If you look at the comments on any status that he writes, there are hundreds or thousands of comments and it's a good fifty fifty split of which ones will be positive and which ones will be negative. This doesn't happen with any other artist as far as I know. If you don't like an artist, then why would you “like” them on facebook just so you can throw insults at them? I guess these people really have nothing better to do with their time.

To be fair, did have a really good light show, and the energy was there, despite the fact that he didn't seem to be providing much of it himself. In fact, although most hip hop artists normally bounce all over the stage dancing, and bobbing, and waving their arms to get people involved. 360 tends to stay in one place with one arm raised over his head for the majority of the time. I also see a lot of photos where he likes to do a Jesus pose with both arms outstretched. In fact most of the energy seems to come from the crowd itself rather than a dialogue between the crowd and the artist.

The song that it seemed everyone was waiting for came on “Boys Like You.” Gossling came out and performed with him. I have to admit, if the fight hadn't happened I probably would have had a much better opinion of the show. It was quite a performance, with the lighting effects instilling an almost dream-like quality to the night that lay blanketed over the crowd and the stage. Unfortunately I didn't quite feel like I was under that blanket. And then came the final blow. The set seemed very short. 360 only played for maybe an hour. It just didn't feel like he really made the effort for a show that he was headlining, but maybe that was just me being distracted.

“Listen with your heart baby, close both eyes, can you see me now?”

The SS boys

Spit Syndicate, who came out just before 360, in my opinion, stole the show. Also in my opinion, one of the most underrated hip hop acts in Australia. They hail from Sydney's inner west and they are real people, no acting here. They keep it low key. They are down to earth guys that really are doing this music thing for themselves and their friends, and their fans, because they honestly enjoy it rather than for the money or the fame. No one said they don't enjoy themselves immensely along the ride though.

Again, we didn't make it in in time to see Bam Bam, the first opening act. Or maybe we did but we were too interested in the bar. So Spit Sydnicate started off the evening right for us. They kicked things off, as they did last time I saw them with “See Me Now” off their Best Intentions Part 1 mixtape. A chillingly beautiful song that uses the beat from the XX song “Intro.” In this song Nick and Jimmy set up their rapport with the audience that lasts throughout the show. They welcome us and they introduce themselves. The lyrics invite us to close our eyes and get lost in the music.

I don't know what's going on here but I kind of like it.

From there we bounce into a more upbeat Crooks and Crime scenes, trying to get the crowd hyped. They kept looking to their friends at the side of the stage for support which was cute as the crowd obviously didn't know them and wasn't sure what to do at first. But it only took a couple of songs before they started getting comfortable and the crowd started getting really comfortable. Their show is very interactive, talking to the crowd, playing with the crowd, and getting the crowd to yell back to them. Of course they played “Starry Eyed” and “Pretty Girls Make Graves” two of their signature songs. Although they don't have the romantic songs, like the other group in the crew, Horrorshow, these songs do show a softer side of hip hop. I think they also sneakily played a song from their new mix tape without actually drawing attention to it. But I believe it was during the song “Stumbling,” which features the amazing sing song styles of the man, the myth, the giant himself, Joyride, that the crowd really started to go insane.

Opening for 360 was really good exposure both for the Spit Sydnicate boys to get more fans and for the 360 fans to get exposure to a different type of aussie hip hop that they might like. For sure they gained quite a few new fans that night, definitely including the guy that was standing behind us. I think our dancing may have had an influence on him too, but I'm sure it was mostly the music.

Nick Lupi - Also Known As: the guy in the red plaid shirt

As you know if you're a Spit Syndicate fan, that they have been in the lab cooking up their new album and it's almost ready to share with us. This was the night they decided to throw a couple never before seen songs in our direction. When I heard both of them, I was instantly hooked. The first one is possibly called Also Known As. Very catchy, it's certainly going to be a hit. If you need proof that these boys have taken it up to the next level then check the video. You can tell the crowd was in love with it too, from the random shouting and screaming with glee that continues through the whole song, even in a crowd that for the most part didn't know them at the start of the show. The other new song has no working title as of yet but it will be their new single. It has a very catchy chorus that tells us, “there's beauty in the bricks of the city that I'm from...” I really can't get that line out of my head. All I remember from the show is that I was singing right along even though it was the first time that I heard it, it was so familiar already. By this time in the show, I'm pretty sure that everyone in the crowd was hooked on what SS was showing us.

With a new single dropping next month, a new mix tape not long after that, and a new album by the end of the year, with a tour possibly linked to it, we certainly have a lot to look forward to from these boys. So stay tuned.

Spit Syndicate performing "Also Known As":

Links

SpitSyndicate – download their free Mix Tape Best Intentions Part 1. Part 2 dropping soon.

360music

TheXX

Elemont - up and coming artist to check out. Mix tape coming out in early September!

Tweet me

@spitsyndicate / @donjoyride / @3ree6ixty / @jenallende

 Peace out my people. 

Take care of yourselves and each other, 

Jen

<3 xoxox

God Loves Ugly

Review
Atmosphere & Evidence & Horrorshow
Hi Fi Bar, Sydney
12th May 2012




"Hey what are you doing over there?"
"I'm just waiting for.... he might come out..."
"Who are you waiting for?"
"The guy from that show..."
"Who Slug?? You're waiting for fucking Slug?"
"No... I mean... well.. yeah..."
"Fucking Slug?!??"
"I love him."
"Oh my god, he is so fucking ugly!!"

When the show is over I can never go home right away.  It's like when the movie ends and I can't walk out of the theatre until the credits finish.  I just have to savour that moment as long as possible, because as soon as you step outside, the magic quickly fades away.  It's like that for a live show only 100x as strong.  Once a live show ends, the moment can never be exactly recreated.  Unlike a movie which is designed to be watched over and over again, the feeling, vibe, and atmosphere of a live show are literally lost the minute the music dies.  As soon as the lights come on, it's like we're stung with the harsh reality of the situation.  It's why sometimes I get nervous as each song passes, because I'm anticipating that ending.

I would go as far as to say that being at a show is like jumping off a cliff with a really long freefall and no parachute.  In the middle of it all you forget that you're plummeting and get lost in the panoramic view: the majesty of the mountains, the endlessness of the sea.  Nothing can stop you, you're in the moment you're free. You're not falling, you're flying.  And then the harsh reminder comes that this cannot last forever.  The band stops playing, the characters walk off stage, and the lights dim.  So you beg and you plead and you yell and you scream for more.  Just one more hit please. You can't leave us like this. And they do come back, they always come back.  But you're reminded now, that the ground is fast approaching.  Nothing can prepare you for that sharp impact, that fatal fall.  Terminal velocity.  Curtain call.  The next time, they don't come back again.  The band is no longer just hiding behind the curtains.  They're stomping off backstage, grabbing beers, and giving cheers to a night well spent. And here you are devastated, blinking in the too-bright lights as they play house music. And all that means is move along people, nothing to see here anymore. Out the door.  And so what do I do to soften this blow? 

Cath and I a little bit excited

Like waiting through the credits, to see if there will be a hidden scene, I hang around and wait, just hoping maybe there will be an Act 2 tonight. Maybe I can meet you.  Just say hello, share our very different perspectives on the evening before we depart.  Maybe I'll make an impression on you that you'll never forget.  Something you can file away under vague memories of tour dates, names, and faces. And I can get a photo that prompts me to tell the story again and again, remembering word for word what was said.  We’ll have a memory then, that won't fade away, something from that night that we can keep. 

Last month Australia was lucky enough to get a rare visit from the hip hop heavyweights, Rhymesayers themselves.   Not only do they have the best name going for a record label, but they are one of the largest independent hip hop record labels in the United States.  Although not necessarily in the spot light, the Rhymesayers family has grown since their beginnings in 1995 to include a stellar line up of artists that sell out shows across the country and around the world.  The label runs an online and physical store from their home city of Minneapolis as well as hosting their own summer hip hop festival each year since 2008.  So which artists did they send to rep Rhymesayers down under? Atmosphere of course, the group who’s been there since the beginning, whose members co-founded the label and Evidence, of Dilated Peoples fame, who recently signed onto the label for his solo projects.  Being American, this concert was very special to me, as I had not yet had the opportunity to see Atmosphere although they had performed around the area that I am from several times.  Atmosphere is an important group to me, laying the foundation for the love of hip hop that I have today, but I will get into that a bit more later.

Sluggle breaking it down

Of all the hip hop groups I’ve seen so far, the only group that even came close to how comfortable that Atmosphere felt on stage was the Herd. That obviously has to do with experience and musical maturity.  Both of those groups have been together for more than ten years. And Atmosphere has been performing for almost 20.  It’s like over the years Atmosphere has defined itself, not with a static style per say but with a fluidity and adaptability that has made the group more than just what is defined in the songs that have gone to press, but that each song takes on its own new life on stage. With Slug up there performing, it was as if he wasn’t even trying to put on a show.  It was like we knew each other for years we were just chilling out and knocking back drinks together, while he told his stories.  Sure, they were stories we had heard a thousand times before but just when we thought we knew what the punch line was he would suddenly change a word or a phrase that would change the meaning of the song entirely.  Slug is hip hop’s answer to comedic improv.  And like any non scripted performance he doesn’t always hit the mark but when he does its pure genius and anything he does is unique to the single experience that he has created on the night.  And so we’re all drawn into it because we feel like we’ve become part of something that isn’t pre-processed or manufactured, but something unique that will never be seen again except in this moment.  We’re creating the atmosphere just as much as the group on the stage is. In fact we are the atmosphere and there a lies the paradox. I’m sure there’s something really meaningful behind that statement, but pardon me I think I’ve had a bit too much to drink.

Minnesota Nice

The set started off with a long DJ intro from Ant.  The anticipation was rising and rising like the ocean reaching higher and higher up the beach when the tide is rolling in.  Just when we thought we couldn’t stand it anymore, Slug appeared and everyone shut right up when he did a haunting version of “Became.”  It was an intense way to start the set as it is a deeply metaphoric and chilling song about a friend that gets into the wrong crowd.  Slug wishes that he could save him, but he finally comes to realise that his friend has become what he was trying to save him from.  After that intensity, they lightened up the mood with a head nodding Guns and Cigarettes.  Other musical highlights included Modern Man's Hustle, Trying to Find a Balance, GodlovesUgly, Shoulda Known, and Sunshine. Throughout the whole of Atmosphere’s performance I never got scared of that ending. I was riding through, so lifted that my feet never thought about touching the ground.

an avid fan, throwing his hands in the air
like he just don't care

Say hell yeah! Hell Yeah! Say hell yeah! Hell Yeah! Say hell yeah! Hell Yeah!!! 
Why do we say hell yeah? What the fuck is up with that?

Slug made us almost cry, laugh, and feel close to each other.  A good example of his lyrics change up was during Sunshine where the line goes, "And every woman looks better in a sundress." On the night it became, "and every woman looks best when she's undressed."

"You guys don't even need me up here, you could just do some Atmosphere karaoke," Slug teased us, as he could see the crowd was screaming out every word.  The crowd can really make or break a performance.  Not only does the performer take energy from the crowd, but we all feel and absorb the energy in the room. With the help of the artist on stage we can really create something more than what is the sum of it's parts.  And that's why we all go to the show, because we just want to feel that thing, and be that thing, and live in that moment.  And that well and truly happened in the room that night.  We gave Slug what he needed and in turn he gave it back 10 fold.  The room certainly had a lot of diehard fans in it, a lot more than I was expecting there to be seeing as we are all the way on the other side of the globe.  

a fire and beers out of cans kind of night

"You’re too kind, you’re too kind. In fact you’re so kind it kinda makes me wonder what you’re trying to hustle?  But it’s not even like that right? Cause you’re my people you would never try and hustle me.  In fact I look around at your faces and I think, 'These people are just like me, they like to start fires and drink beers out of cans and shit.'"

And so after the show we did wait around.  Even in the bitter chill that reminded us of a fast approaching winter, with no jackets, we waited.  With the security guards eyeing us off, just wishing that we’d move along, with other hopeful groups of people after the crowds had thinned, we waited. I felt like I was completely on point after the show.  Everything was so clear and I remembered everything.  Not like the usual bleary, drunken, vague moments I remember from most shows.  This was different.  Now I felt like something really special was going on and I was ready to talk.  So it was lucky that right then Erik Anderson (who was on the keyboards for this performance) came out and walked straight for us.  

legend... wait for it.... dary.

After our casual conversation with Erik, Ant was doing the rounds.  Cath and I were sitting on the cold steps, basically freezing to death and still hoping Slug would come out so we could say hi before we made the trek to Canberra. (Yes that night we left Sydney at 1:30am to drive to Canberra for Groovin the Moo the next day.) Ant stopped at the group next to us and said hello.  One of the girls asked if the ever play a certain song and he said yes.  "In Australia?" she asked.  "Yeah I think so." He said. Which was a clue that they definitely vary their show night to night instead of just coming up with a playlist and repeating it at every show for the tour.  That flexibility and variety is something that I really respect.  It means they are creating a unique experience for each show.

Us & Tuka

I butted into the conversation to ask if they ever play, "Like Today."  Ant admitted that they do.  So I went on to explain that its my favourite track because it's what got me into Atmosphere, but not only that it changed my whole perspective of what hip hop could be back in 2002 when I first heard it. I explained that I had first seen the lyrics written down and I thought it was a poem.  Ant seemed really appreciative of what I was saying.  We also talked about me being an American now living in Australia and my half and half warped accent.


After some time it seemed that Slug was not coming out so we finally headed.  First we got a photo with Ant and Erik with a little help from MC Tuka who was there as just another giddy fan himself. 

More than just an opening act

Rhymesayers & One Dayers

Don’t think just because I wrote about Atmosphere first, like a little kid that just wants to eat dessert, that I forgot about the other two acts.  In reality from the very first beat that was played on stage that night it came from a place that was close to my heart and without the opening the whole night wouldn’t have had the same magic that it now holds. 

Horrorshow opening for Atmosphere came as a surprise announcement a couple of weeks before the show.  Knowing that Nick especially is a huge Rhymesayers fan I was so excited and happy for them.  The first time I met Nick and Adit, a year ago, we had a long conversation about Rhymesayers (Atmosphere and Grieves in particular) so what a great conclusion for me to see my favourite American hip hop group, Atmosphere, and one of my favourite Australian hip hop groups interacting and performing together.  It was a fantastic union of my two cultures. It’s like now I’ve come full circle and everything in my life is slowly becoming integrated.

Grieves & Horrorshow tattoos, thanks Joel

Nick and Adit got onstage after a DJ set from Joyride, which included a lot of Beastie Boys music as this was shortly following the death of MCA. Seeing them up there with the Atmosphere banner made me feel so proud of them.  They already are Rhymesayers family in my eyes, a group that could fit right into their culture and vibe.  In fact the first time we talked Nick and I discussed how he would love to do a collaboration with Grieves, another member of the Rhymesayers family and one of my favourite artists for the past couple of years.  I’m absolutely dying to see this happen, as I think a lot of us are.

Horrrorshow haven’t performed together in their hometown since Bliss n Eso’s Running On Air tour last year, and I think that combined with the fact that they were opening for one of their idols must have made them nervous.  They started off with a bit of a shaky version of their newest song, Public Consumption, a free track that they released last year.  Moving on to “Waiting for the 504” that nervousness stuck around.  It was during “Walk You Home” that the performance started to get more comfortable.  By the next track, “The Show” which is basically their anthem, they had finally completely relaxed and got into doing their thing.  Nick made a joke before the song started, “Some of you out there think you’re big Atmosphere fans.  Well I’m an even bigger fan, so I’ll see you in the parking lot.”  As soon as they had finally gotten really comfortable and smashed out a crazy version of “The Rain” to get everyone jumping, their set was over. 

Evidence doing his thing

The anticipation of Atmosphere coming out was a bit overwhelming.  Evidence made his appearance and the vibe certainly changed, from the softer hip hop styles of Horrorshow to a rougher, old school, gangster rap vibe.   The crowd started going a little crazy and a fight actually broke out right in front of us so one of the guys next to us had to jump in and save us from being shoved around.  Anyone who starts these kind of fights probably needs to rethink their life. This doesn’t have a part in this culture at all.  Apart from that though Evidence was pretty dope.  It was obvious that the crowd was there to see Atmosphere but Ev did shake hands with one guy up the front that had some lyrics tattooed on him.  I did lose myself in the music during a couple of the songs.  The song I was waiting for came almost at the end, it was “Late For the Sky” this has a great opening sequence with a sample of the Jackson Browne song of that name and it sucks me in every time.  Slug does a verse on this track so I was almost positive he would make an early appearance on stage for this song.  Unfortunately I was insanely disappointed when they cut the track short.  It actually kind of ticked me off.  Not that anything could have ruined that night...

You ain't got no Evidence...

One bit of advice that I have for you is to follow Evidence on Instagram (@MrEvidence).  Not only is he an amazing lyricist but he is an equally good photographer.  Not only that but he is an expert at editing photos on iphone.  If you don’t know the extent to which some people can edit iphone photos you need to check his out because they are masterpieces.  He uses several editing programs on each pic.  Check them all out here.   

Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better night.  The venue was great, the sound was good. For the most part, people behaved themselves.  And I was finally able to see the group perform that got me into hip hop as I know it.  Atmosphere not only met but exceeded my expectations in so many ways.  Slug being so comfortable on stage made everyone comfortable.  The way he ad libbed and changed his songs as he went is certainly something that I admire.  It didn’t feel like he took himself seriously, and so the whole mood was very light and happy. The light show was fantastic, and the set was quite lengthy and extensive over their whole range of music. (Although I would have liked to hear a couple of tracks from You Can’t Imagine How Much Fun We’re Having.) I am keen for them to come back again soon and not wait another 13 years!

This video may even have helped Horrorshow out with securing that opening gig.  Let's chat about Slug...

Tweet me@atmosphere @evidence @horrorshowcrew @grievesmusic @rhymesayers @fifthelementRSE

Links

Everything Rhymesayers
Fifth Element for all your rhymesayers crew music, movie, book, and apparel needs
Elefant Traks store– the goods from Horrorshow & family
My YouTube Page- for more great live hip hop videos

Peace, Love, and all that shit.

Be good to each other kittlings,

<3 <3 Game Cat <3 <3