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

Not Necessarily New Music

Music suggestions for people who like good music...
...some albums I've been hitting repeat on in the last few months

Jon Connor- Unconscious State
Been bumping this album since it came out in July.  The features on here will have you saying, wait how come I don't know this guy yet?  Just to name a few.. Talib Kweli, Royce Da 5'9, Danny Brown, Smoke GZA.. But even with such a large number of guest spots none of them outshine him and they all seem to fit in nicely without seeming like too much.  Maybe you have heard of this talented rapper before from his previous mix tape "The People's Rapper" which is all Eminem beats.  He remakes each track in a unique and interesting way.  I especially like "Stan" which he does as a letter to Tupac, Biggie, and fellow Flint rapper MC Breed.  If you haven't heard of Jon Connor yet, a quick YouTube search will keep you busy with his videos for days. Jon Connor has versatility.  He picks a wide variety of beats and is able to rap in a number of different styles, even changing it up mid track, but the best thing about Connor is his passion.  You really believe that he's real and feel what he's saying.  There's a heavy southern influence on this album with a lot of trap- type beats.  Being from Flint, Michigan I think gives him a unique perspective in that he takes inspiration from all parts of the country- tying together east, west, and southern styles, not feeling tied down to represent for any one side of the typical hip hop feud.  Rather, Flint has it's own dark past that he can draw inspiration from.  With this his sophomore album and a great back catalogue of mixtapes to sift through already, I think we can expect that there's much more to come from this man.
My favourites: In My Sleep, Take the World, Rise Up

J. Cole - Friday Night Lights
Basically I can't get enough J. Cole these days.  I listed this mix tape as it's the one I play the most often right now, but I'm also spinning the Warm Up and Born Sinner regularly as well.  J. Cole is a superstar now, and he came upon it in all the right ways.  He's an inspiration to bedroom emcees and producers everywhere.  He did it all himself.  He made his own beats and spit lyrics on them that are not only clever but heartfelt and relateable.  And all this while going to university and graduating with honors.  His heard work and determination lead to him being discovered by Jay Z and signed to his label.  If you haven't heard much of his work yet I wouldn't suggest you start with his first album after being signed, "Cole World" as it's got a totally different feel to the rest of his work and it feels like he's trying to hard to make it commercially viable.  Start with Friday Night Lights and you'll be hooked on Cole for sure.  There's something for everyone here and it's real hip hop that's really easy to listen to.  As someone who is half black and half white he's the perfect one to bring these two sides of hip hop together.

My favourites:  Enchanted, Before I'm Gone, 2Face, Home For the Holidays

The Roots- How I Got Over
This is my go to album for just about any mood.  On a cold winter morning, it can brighten me up.  On a sunshiny day it can make me feel optimist and energized.  It can also match the rain and make me feel broodingly thoughtful.  There's not a lot of music that has this kind of versatility.  This is real bring people together type of music, even people that aren't particularly hip hop oriented to start with.  It ties together many genres of music.  It's hip hop with funk and soul and rock within it. Needless to say this is one of my favourite albums as a whole and I hear their live show is quite extraordinary as well, I'm excited to see these guys for the first time come December.

My favourites:  Walk Alone, Now or Never, The Day, Dear God 2.0

Theodore Kennedy-  Overcoming By Escape
One thing I look for above any other when listening to new music is passion.  The more the artist feels what they are saying then of course the more the listener will connect.  It probably helped that the first time I heard this was with the artist himself, it was the first time I met him, but when he showed us his music he was so incredibly over the top with passion that I couldn't help but be drawn in.  It wasn't to do with any sense of arrogance, in fact he was incredibly modest.  It's just that when he showed us his music he came alive in a way that was incredible to see.  He was so open and so happy to share with us and to see us responding positively.  The music really came to life for me and I can still hear that passion when I play it back now. You can tell that he doesn't make music for any reason but for himself, he does it to face his own demons, and you know he's been through a lot.  This is emotional hip hop, but it's edgy as well, angry.  This is zone out and watch the rain fall music. This is the kind of music that will get you into that deeply thoughtful, reflective zone where you face everything that you've been struggling with emotionally, get it all out by the end of the album and then feel so much better.  You'll have yourself all figured out by the time it's over.
This is the first EP from this artist, released just recently on an equally new local independent label, Newtown Research and Development.  He is only 20 yet he does his own beats and production as well as rhyming.  I feel a lot of potential in this one.

My favourites: Many Nights, Real Right, All Out

Bliss n Eso- Circus In the Sky
If you know me at all then you know I'm a hardcore Bliss n Eso fan.  They helped me to get through one of the hardest times of my life, and it wasn't just their music.  These guys are creatively inspirational and genuinely good people.  Just meeting them left me reminded that art is powerful and there are people in this world that not only want to change it but will.  And it's because I believe in them so much that I have to say this album was a bit disappointing.  Of course the production is beautiful and the beats are epic, but I guess what I'm looking for from them is something more revolutionary.  More songs in the line of "Addicted" and "The Seas Is Rising" but more.  As the top Australian hip hop artists in the game, it's their duty to bring this movement forward.  This album seems to be directed toward a much younger audience, and while it is important to teach kids and show them the way, it's also important to make sure there's something in there for the older fans as well. We're looking for something different, not just clever word play, but world changing lyrics.  The new production sounds amazing, but a couple tracks in their old, grittier style wouldn't go astray either.  All that being said it's still one of the best albums to come out of the country this year, it's just not quite where I know they could be. You know a great idea for these guys would be an OutKast Speakerboxxx/ The Love Below split, two solo albums would give us some great insight.

My favourites: I Am Somebody, Pale Blue Dot, Life's Midnight


                                  Link Me!
Jon Connor - watch this video
J. Cole - preforming with Eminem on Australian tour in February - tickets
The Roots - December 28 Hordern Pavillion, Sydney tickets
Theodore Kennedy- download the EP for free
Bliss n Eso

That's it for now, but stay cool, cool cats! More to come.
Love you all.

Upcoming Events October 2013

As we get the news that yet another hip hop event in Australia has been cancelled...Rap City ....as well as Australian hip hop festival Sprung not going forth in Melbourne.. we ask ourselves, is it becoming hard to find our daily/ weekly/ monthly dose of LIVE hip hop? 

Well I'm here to tell you, fear not! The next month Sydney is chock full of hip hop goodness!! Plan your calendar around these gems...

decisions, decisions...

October 4   Mantra- Annandale Hotel    Mantra's third album kicks off with a bang! Telling Scenes touches on some deep emotional issues. And as always this emcee is a top story teller. I've lost touch with Mantra over the three years in between his last album and now. But I'm excited to rekindle this relationship. This is intelligent hip hop with a feel good vibe. I'm excited!
Tickets $18.40
Doors 8pm

Mind Over Matter- Spectrum, Darlinghurst
With this being their first national tour show in over 2 years, “Somebody's Love” tour celebrates the release of their third album. I've never seen them myself but I hear they are really fun live and kinda funny if their you tube videos are anything to go by. Or at least funny looking.. something like that. Supported by P Smurf and Black Magic
Tickets $11.73
Doors 8pm
facebook event

Thundamentals- Carmen's Nightclub, Miranda

Thundamentals being mental

Busy working on their personal side projects and writing material for their new album, the Thundakats haven't been all together on stage for almost a year. Touring for their new single "Smiles Don't Lie" they kind of cheated us out of Sydney show by playing at FBi's 10th Anniversary Party and then a mid- week Bondi show. But with supports like Loose Change, Elemont, and Bay Side Wreckers, it might be worth the trek south. This is still part of Sydney after all.
tickets $21.95
facebook event
Doors 8pm

Spit Syndicate- Hotel Gearin, Katoomba
On the road for their "Money Over Bullshit" tour, celebrating the release of their third album, “Sunday Gentlemen” back in February. Any excuse for a party, really. These boys are on a massive tour of the country and when they do it they do it hard. I think the name is actually supposed to be ironic, cause I wouldn't really call any of them gentlemen. But they definitely bring a good time. Their big Sydney show isn't till November 2^nd at the Hi Fi bar but if you have clashes that night it wouldn't be a bad idea to catch them in the more intimate Katoomba venue.
Tickets $18.90
facebook event

October 5th    Bagels, Beers, and Beats- Helm Bar and Bistro, Central
If you're in the city on a glorious Saturday afternoon like this one is sure to be and you're up for something a bit different, or if you're a native New Yorker like me and you're just dying for a real bagel, check out this Brooklyn inspired spring block party. Along with bagels done right (heavy on the cream cheese) you can try Brooklyn Lager, a Brooklyn inspired cocktail, or any of whatever kind of alcohol gets you going. On the entertainment tip, DJ and MC Sam Dynamite will be spinning some of your favourite Brooklyn beats and there will be live art to boot! Sounds like a great afternoon spent to me!
Event runs from 12-4pm
Tickets $25  include two bagels and two beers or one cocktail + entertainment

October 6
Mind Over Matter- Batemans Bay
If you miss MOM in Sydney over the weekend, why not plan a trip south over the long weekend and catch them in on of the most beautiful parts of the country. Supported by Stik'move, Azza D and Knott Enuff
Tickets $10 presale/ $15 at the door
facebook event

October 9th & 23rd
Hip Hop Cinema & Hip Hop Karaoke- Flinders Hotel, Surry Hills
Fortnightly hip hop fun night. Can't wait for the weekend? Need a place to chill out with cool like minded people mid week? Good music, good people, classic hip hop inspired films and docos, and don't forget the popcorn. All free! Films shown 7-9 during happy hour, karaoke starts after that.
Free event!
facebook event cinema
facebook event karaoke

October 10th
Thursday Night Hip Hop- Bar Brooklyn, Manly

You know how you are constantly taking the ferry north week after week to attend all those dope hip hop

State Advanced

shows in Manly?  Yeah... me either.  In fact, I'm pretty sure I've never even been to one hip hop night in Manly, but I do know a lot of people who live in Manly who make their way out to the city week after week.  Well that's all about the change.  State Advanced is all set up to host a weekly hip hop night the first one being this night. With DJ Prolifik (Bustacap, Broken Thought Theory, High Noon) on the turn tables this will certainly be a night that you don't want to miss, whether you're a local or you have to make the trek from the city.  Who knows what local talent will be up in the coming weeks, so keep this one in your sights.
Free event!
Facebook event

The Roots- Hordern Pavillion
This is just a reminder to get your tickets for this incredible night which is happening on 27^th December!!
I don't want you to miss out!Tickets $89.80 On Sale at 9am
info

Speech Therapy 2- Work-Shop, Ultimo
This isn't your typical hip hop set.  This is 3 top Sydney emcees Mute (Reverse Polarities), Rapaport (Loose Change), and the Tongue in a poetry slam type format.  They will be doing freestyles, raps, and spoken word.  So come check out Big Village X Elefant Traks for something a bit out of the ordinary.
Strictly Limited Capacity!
Tickets- $20
Facebook event

October 17th
Sketch the Rhyme- The Basement, Circular Quay
If you haven't seen it yet, you're in for a treat.  This gameshow type hip hop fun experience breaks the mold in all categories.  It combines live art, live beats, and freestyle rapping into friendly hip hop games enjoyed by young and old alike.  These emcees have to be quick witted to succeed but rather than a battle format where they are pitted against each other, the friendly competition here sees them working together more to move the storyline along. This is something that has to be seen to be believed. This time featuring guest emcees Joe New and EaRelevant.
Tickets $18 presale/ $22 at the door
facebook event

BV Brew

October 18th Big Village Brew- Factory Theatre, Marrickville
As if they cool factor wasn't through the roof already, this local Sydney independent label, bursting with talent, has revealed they have another trick up their sleeve, and it's cool refreshing and tasty! Come join the party and get toasty on their new brew!
tickets $10 prepaid, $15 on the door
facebook event

Katchafire- Big Top, Luna Park
If you're feeling some roots raggae tunes with an R&B and funk tip, then get your dance on with this hot New Zealand act. Upgraded to the big top at Luna Park due to massive demand, this group is known world-wide, especially in the California roots scene. So if you're feeling something a bit more funky with a bit of hip hop thrown in check this group out for sure.
Tickets $51
facebook event

Sticky Fingers- Manning Bar, Sydney University
I've never seen these guys before but I hear that seeing these Newtown locals preform is a show that is not-to-be-missed. And with a video like the one below I would tend to agree.
Tickets- $18.90
facebook event

October 19th      West Coast Icons Tour- The Hi Fi
DJ Quik and Kurupt are coming together to tour Australia for the first time. Hitting both Sydney and Melbourne, these legends are two of the West Coasts most influential and recognizable figures. If you had any doubt about that last claim, realize that Quik has recently been named “The Number 1 West Coast producer in the history of hip hop” ahead of even Dr. Dre. Kurupt is a long term collaborator of Quik and a main figure of Death Row Records (one half of The Dogg Pound). This pair is set to bring the house down, and you wouldn't want to be the one that missed out. This is a real testament to hip hop history and we're lucky to see this collaboration brought to life in Australia.
Tickets $75.50 / VIP 105.50
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True Vibenation

True VibeNation- The Basement, Circular Quay With a funky reggae- hip hop feel, this group has always been a fan of live instruments, and live experimentation! As always they will be bringing their horn section, and for one night only they will be joined by Brisbane 9- piece brass band, Bullhorn for one special night at this iconic Sydney venue.         Tickets $19.80            facebook event
Doors 730pm

Mr. Ruckman- Oxford Arts Factory basement
He's been tearing emcees apart in battles as Kade MC for nearly a decade, he's back and better than ever with a new name and a new attitude.  Now that he's more than proven his abilities, he sits comfortably in a position where he can express himself creatively without giving too much thought to how he will be perceived in the community.  He's cocky enough to be comfortable in his own freakishly tall body and insane/ genius head space.  Don't miss this class act as it's his last show before he ships off to Melbourne.
Free Entry!
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October 25th    
 Mr Grevis- Brighton Up Bar, Darlinghurst
Western Australian emcee Mr Grevis, with Drapht as his mentor, has just released his second album and is set to start his first national tour. This may be your chance to catch him first in a small limited capacity venue. Who knows you might even get a peek at local singing sensation and heart breaker, Joyride, while you're there for their song “So Beautiful.” I haven't heard much from this guy yet, but he's worth a peek.
Tickets $12.00
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November 1st    
 Thundamentals- Baroque Bar at Carrington Hotel, Katoomba
This is the last show on the tour for these boys, and though I'm sure we'll see much more of them over the summer (notably at Falls Festival dates this year) this is a great time to check them out. These boys always put on an amazing show with a lot of love and good vibes, they are my top Sydney pick and with the hometown love behind them, what could go wrong? I mean aside from Katoomba police out in force like last year...
Tickets $23.50
facebookevent

November 2nd
L-FRESH the LION- Spectrum, Darlinghurst

Off the success of the debut album and the single "One"getting into rotation on Triple J, it's time to bring the whole band on the road for the first time! And to do this they really need your help. L-FRESH the LION has set up a Pozible campaign which you can donate to, to help cover their expenses. Because being in a musical group isn't about making money after all, it's about spreading the love and sharing the good vibes. If you want to support a good cause, then help this intelligent and socially aware group of people spread their music and love so that they can touch a wider community in Australia. You might even be handsomely rewarded for your goodwill. Then head to the show, nod your head and become one with everyone in the room while you listen to this conscious H.I.P. H.O.P. This Sydney show is bound to be a special one, with support act Reverse Polarities just announced! In my opinion couldn't ask for a better combo of artists.
Pozible
Tickets $10
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Doors 8pm

Spit Sydnicate- Hi Fi Bar
As I mentioned already this is the big hometown show for these boys Money Over Bullshit tour. If you're up for a big party that will most likely include all of the One Day team then get in early cause this will be a sell out for sure.
Tickets $22.40
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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

Big Village

Big Village: Big Things Volume 2 Tour

Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney

14^th September 2012

Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle

5^th October 2012

Gearins Hotel, Katoomba (not Toowoomba)

6^th October 2012

I want this to read like a personal journal for those of you that wanted to go but couldn't, I want you to feel like you were there and you wrote this. I want this to read like a love letter for all of those that have continued to share these experiences with me: to those that are always by my side (you know who you are), to those that I now recognise in the crowd night by night, and to those on stage in this crew that have never been anything but nice to me, and have always taken the time out to talk to me, and encourage me to ask the questions which will help define their point of view. (And put up with me when I'm embarrassingly drunk too.) I want this to read like a postcard for all of those who haven't had the pleasure of experiencing this music yet. Cause it says “Wish you were here,” in big bold print. The photo on the front alone will be enough to make you want to dive in, but my colourful prose will catch you on the hook and sink you for sure. 

First a little background info, this album/ tour is truly a family affair. Not only is the whole crew involved but it's almost like the emcees drew names out of a hat to see who got to work with who this time. Although there's some familiar combinations- Loose Change, Daily Meds, Reverse Polarities, True Vibenation, etc. There are also some new, not yet seen before combinations (ie. Jeswon & P Smurf, Klue & Billie Rose, Mute MC & Verbaleyes, and Tuka & Loose Change, Billie Rose & Reverse Polarities). And the highlight of it all, is the posse track where absolutely everyone gets to throw down a verse. That's 16 clowns squeezed onto an itty bitty stage for a BIG finale.

My journey to this particular show actually began months ago when the lives of Kathy and I first started to become intertwined with the members of this crew. I won't take you through the details of how we became advocates, spokeswomen, and top sticker distributors for Big Village. But one particularly memorable night happened just before the first show of the tour, in Sydney. Now it turns out that a lot of times, when I'm planning to have a big night, it tends to get slightly ruined by the night before. In this case, my friends and I had been planning on and looking forward to the Friday night gig at the Oxford Arts Factory for months, so what do I do? Well, I spent the Thursday night drinking moonshine at a warehouse in Marrickville and... well I'm sure you can already tell that this isn't going to end well... (or is it?)

 My favourite song off the Big Things Volume 2 album, as I'm sure a couple people can attest to, was immediately “Lingua Franca.” The song is a collab by Mute MC (Reverse Polarities) and Verbaleyes (True Vibenation). Lyrically, this song spoke to me more than any other has in recent times. It communicates how music is the only absolutely universal language. It has the ability to bring the people of every culture and background to the understanding that we are all just one people. It's basically everything that hip hop as a culture attempts to express.

On the night of the 13^th August, a special day on it's own, I partook in a particularly special event, we did a video shoot for “Lingua Franca.” We may have lacked the representation from all cultures of the world that we had wanted to showcase in the video, but we all came with an earnest desire to make something out of nothing and to give this song the energy and communal feeling that it deserves. I'm pretty sure we succeeded, although I've yet to see the video. I did get to rap to the camera though, and I met Damon finally, after hearing so much about how awesome he is, but that's a whole other story.

And so the BIG night had come around finally, I really meant to get there right when the doors opened. We should have been the first people standing by the door, bright and eager with our tickets clenched in hand, like little girls going to see our first concert cause that's certainly how excited we felt. I have been wanting to see Sketch the Rhyme which is, well what is it? From what I can guess/ imagine- it's like a hip hop pictionary game show, with lots of live freestyle raps and live art, you can't get much more hip hop than that. It is such a cool concept and takes a lot of skill. The ability to drop a tight freestyle these days is almost like separate skill to being an emcee, when it used to be a requirement. These kind of rapping games really keep rappers on their toes and fine tunes their skill. Unfortunately, something called “Fat Ass Scrumpy” (and that is a type of beverage) delayed our arrival time by at least half an hour, so I missed out on the first part of the action. 

This was my first time at the Oxford Arts Factory and I can see now why it's such a popular venue. It's intimate without being too small, it gives the feeling of being in a theatre (velvet curtain and all) without any seats to get in the way of dancing. Immediately upon entering you could tell this was a hip hop gig. Not like a 360 show which I've talked about before, or Illy which I went to recently, where the vibe just felt a bit off. Here, it was like there was something in the air, a highly contagious airborne allergen that did the opposite of making you sick, in fact as soon as you caught it you felt energised, alive, and connected to all the people around you. It was like arriving home, and although most of the people there were strangers, they were all people that I wanted to know. My eyes were sparkling as I looked around. I was on a drug but I wasn't. I was on the edge and about to jump.

 Reverse Polarities was on now and I went straight to the front of the stage as if we had assigned seats and I had to take my place. Mikoen, P-Smurf, and Mute MC said their hellos to me from the stage not like an artist communicating to a fan, but like we were here together and we were sharing something. A couple of songs into the set, everyone except P-Smurf mysteriously disappeared from the stage, then out popped Jeswon to perform what is most likely my second favourite song on the album, although it's a close call. Lately it's only lyrics with a message that really do it for me, Evolutionary Cells was a stand out from the first listen. As far as lyrics and subject matter this song is right where I'm at. It is time for evolution, come on people lets do this. BIG of course came on soon after and I couldn't stop myself jumping around to this insane beat. It's probably the catchiest song on the album, and with Billie Rose joining them, they became Reverse Polarities- Daily Meds hyphenated like a beautiful marriage of sound.  

Security is minimal at these events. It's not like at some shows where there has to be a big barricade separating the performers from the audience, in case desperate teenagers get overcome with lust and throw themselves onto the stage. (I haven't seen it happen yet anyway.) And the inevitable fighting that tends to happen at a lot of hip hop shows, was completely absent this night. The vibe was excellent, it's like we were all friends. Artists were also audience members, keen to see their friends performances as much as we were. When the show was about ¾ of the way through, Rochelle turned to me we both just looked at each other in astonishment, we couldn't do much but just shake our heads and say, “amazing.” She tilts her head and says, “this could be... the best?” “Yes,” I nod in agreement. “The best one.” we agree.

It was all about the vibe this time and the vibe was alive and the crowd was feeling something intense together, the sets were tight. What can I say about the rest of the night? Loose Change is a change from just your average Australian hip hop. “Ode to the Beatmaker” is a performance and track to check out from the album. Rapaport solo is truly unstoppable. He's got a style that no one can touch. As he said during the set, “this is like workout music,” you can't help but move around to the beats. As proved by my video of “Claptrap” where he is joined by impromptu dancers. True Vibenation bring the whole reggae, jazz vibe, with the saxophones and love for all, and Bob Marley. It's a good chill interlude. It was really exciting for me when Mute came out and they performed “Lingua Franca” after working on it so much the night before. It was a great energy song that got a crowd response. Daily Meds just absolutely killed the night. I'm pretty sure everyone literally went “Insane” and had to be removed from the activities of normal society the next day. Daily Meds have the most intense high energy performance I have yet witnessed. You cannot help but dance to the music. Well it helps that they have a song called “Dance” as well but, you would anyway. Tuka and Ellesquire are the smoothest lyricists. Their raps are thoughtful and their singing soulful. They both have a soothing, yet eye catching stage presence, it was certainly interesting to see these two form a pair and bring us something new from their combined greatness.

Ellesquire and Tuka

Going to the Newcastle and Blue Mountains shows turned out to be a beautiful last minute decision. Three weeks had gone by since the Sydney show already, and the BV'ers had taken a massive bus all the way down to Melbourne and then up to Brisbane. Our decision to go to the Newcastle show was a last minute one as it was. And then following mine and Kathy's normal procedure, we left about a hour and a half later than we had planned to. But I'm sure it wouldn't be half as exciting to get there if we weren't always racing the clock. This time we raced the clock all the way up the coast, half hoping that the show wasn't actually over when we got there. Lucky it wasn't too bad, we made it in about halfway through Loose Change's set. Saying to ourselves of course, it's ok we'll see the whole thing next time. Hahaha....

The Newcastle show was a little bit of a disappointment. I don't know if we were just a bit put off from the start by one very strange coincidence, a chance meeting. But the whole night certainly had a very different feel to it. After the super high energy of the Sydney show, this one felt a bit strained and a little bit awkward. But that just goes to show how every show, even though it's exactly the same, can have a completely different feel just depending on the crowd. The performers feed off the crowd's energy and give back whatever they get magnified tenfold. A disinterested crowd will always get a slightly disinterested performer, but when it's on, it's on.

True Vibenation

Have you ever had the experience of witnessing an absolutely incredible performance, and then afterwards you just feel completely drained? It's like coming down off of a high. That's because you have given up all your energy to that performance as well. The performer has received an incredible burst of energy from the buzzingly excited crowd and was able to use it all, to gain almost inhuman abilities, giving it all back with the best performance possible. The performer and the audience form a special bond. It's why I go to the shows night after night, it's what I live for these days. That one moment where you're not just yourself anymore, the moment that the performer and the audience creates together, where the whole room is on the same level.  We drop over the edge. We all feel the same feeling. The one moment. The posse track, This Is That, which of course was the last song of the night describes this push and pull between the audience and performers perfectly. “We got the energy to give it out, give it back... what you want is what you get, keep it all in check, come on.”

How to sleep in a car.  Where are her legs??

Anyway not to say that the Newcastle performance was anything less than awesome. But compared to what we had already seen and what was to come, it definitely lacked energy and crowd participation.

Getting to the Blue Mountains was painful. This was the same day we left Newcastle, drove back to Sydney and then off again to Katoomba. Of course we were late again, and the rain was so heavy as we turned onto the highway that lead into the mountains that we almost had to pull over. Lucky it wasn't a tad colder or we would have been blanketed with snow. I'm sitting in the back of the car with the rain bucketing down on us, completely covering the front windscreen. Kath is trying to drive but we can barely see a metre ahead and I'm just thinking to myself. “Why the FUCK are we doing this??” We parked down the side of the building so we could smash a few drinks before we went in and we could hear BIG just barely coming through the wall, of course we missed the whole beginning of the show AGAIN! We made a sneaky side entrance so as not to attract too much attention. The room felt old but friendly and comfortable. Small town vibe, everyone was friendly. There was so many familiar faces in the crowd. And then all the hassle of getting there, sleeping in the car the night before, the whole day of driving, everything was worth it.  We had made home again.   

It felt so good to get out of Sydney for a little while. I moved down from North Queensland about 8 months ago, chasing some excitement, something happening. I certainly found what I was looking for, but I realised that I haven't left the city since about March (except to go to Canberra, which doesn't really count cause it's a shithole, sorry) and it was so relaxing just to chill somewhere were people aren't always rushing to get to the next thing. The small town vibe is definitely a needed break for the mind.

Daily Meds

This show was much smaller than the Sydney one, and it started off slow, even by the time we got there the crowd was a bit sparse. But I think what we got to in the end of that show exceeds where we were at in the Sydney show. I felt like all of us together were building and building up to the last moment. The ultimate push and pull, the energy flying. I think because we had already seen the show a couple of times now, we weren't particularly focused on each set like we had been, but that meant that we had plenty of time to connect with friends. And it gave us the ability to throw all of our spare energy into that last all important moment, in the last song. And it paid off. That end result that I try to describe? It can't be mimicked or faked, it can only be felt deep inside. And if you know what I mean then you know now, or else you have a new aspiration to achieve. This hip hop thing is slowly killing me. And letting me breathe. If you don't know what I mean, then get onto this thing.

I'd say we're pretty close to starting our own society, yeah? Big Village.

(you'll see me rep that in the street)

I think you'll find all your needs will be taken care of here.

Check it out, Tuka's 2nd solo album "Feedback Loop" will be released this Friday, 26th October!