The Slips, David Treahearn and Rob Haggett are a duo who produce electric dance music matched with live drums and old school 8-Bit retro visuals built up a following in no time. The duo have supported the likes of Kasabian, Friendly Fires, Alex Metric and Pnau as well as playing a set at the Glastonbury Festival. Their latest work sees them reunite with their Australian fan base with a variety of tracks featuring the likes of Kimbra, Flight Facilities and Phrase. Check out below Phrases colab which is a big change from his most recent body of work Babylon which saw him return to his musical roots and produce a 60's rock inspired album.
Sydney emcee Skryptcha has been reminiscing on his early days of recent going through his hard drives and what not. After posting an status on Facebook, promising to upload them if he received 50 likes on the status. After an hour or so with 100+ likes there was no way he couldn't post the tracks. So as an early Christmas present from Skryptcha he has decided to upload a track every few days in lead up to Christmas.
Best Day Ft, Skryptcha,Dutch,The Tongue,Alisa Fedele by DUTCH Skryptcha has said "I don't think they're better than anything I'm putting out now.. I was 16-20 years old and still learning my trade haha. I hope you guys enjoy nonetheless." Before these tracks drop check out some of his latest work including a track from Dutch which he features on along side The Tounge.
Good Morning! local Sydney emcee Dutch has just dropped his new "best day". The layer back beat and tempo of the track featuring some big names from Sin city, Skryptcha and The Tongue with Alisa Fedele is a killer combination. This is defiantly a new level for Dutch so be sure to watch out for his debut album featuring some big names in both the production and artists involved. Catch Skryptcha and Dutch tomorrow the 19th of November at Graffiti at the Island which is a free gig so be sure that you get down.
The the release of Hoods 6th album due out in early febuary next year its almost that time, when the singles start to drop. The Hilltops announced today that the first single off the album titled, I Love It featuring Sia will drop on the 25.11.11 however it has just been announced that they will premier next monday (nov 21st) on the Triple J Breakfast Show so make sure that you tune into the J's!
Before the hoods drop their new album they will be preforming a series of shows as listed below.
Hilltop Hoods Western Canadian Tour
Thurs 17 Nov – BC – Club 9one9, Victoria
Fri 18 Nov – BC – The Legion, Tofino
Sat 19 Nov – BC – Garfinkels, Whistler
Hilltop Hoods With Eminem
Thurs 1 Dec – VIC – Etihad Stadium, Melbourne w/ Eminem SOLD OUT
Fri 02 Dec – NSW – Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney w/ Eminem SOLD OUT
Hilltop Hoods – Big Day Out
Sun 22 Jan QLD Gold Coast
Thu 26 Jan NSW Sydney
Sun 29 Jan VIC Melbourne
Fri 03 Feb SA Adelaide
Sun 05 Feb WA Perth
Each month Bottom Of The Atlas will feature an artist or group starting this month. This month we are going to get the ball rolling with Sydney based artist, Kelton Muir (Stories For Nothing). I managed to catch up with Kelton for a brief chat on his institutions, works and aspirations.
Group Name: Stories For Nothing
Members: Kelton Muir
Releases to date: First Book of Rhymes
Idol: Nick Briant-Smith aka Solo from Horrorshow
BOTA: When did you officially decide to release works under the title “Stories For Nothing”?
Stories For Nothing: There wasn’t a precise date as such when it started, I guess that it was sometime last year during year 12, it just happened. That shit was all a blur really.
BOTA: Your first release, First Book of Rhymes. What inspired these tracks.
Stories For Nothing: First Book of Rhymes is literally that, my first book of rhymes combined into a short album. The inspiration for this collection of songs came from my very early introduction into aussie hip hop combined with my introduction into kidulthood. I was finding my feet in both, and that is strongly represented in the music.
BOTA: Who and or what would you say is your biggest inspiration for you when creating your music?
Stories For Nothing: The biggest inspirations for music would have to be fellow Sydney artists, Horrorshow. I also draw inspiration from Tupac and various other artist.
BOTA: What do you wish to achieve through your music?
Stories For Nothing: My ultimate life time goal would be to make an impact on peoples life. I want my music to inspire people and spread infectious emotions through the audience. If I can achieve that, even if only with a small group of people, I will be a happy man.
BOTA: What best describes your music?
Stories For Nothing: My music is an exhibition of my emotions and the thoughts, feelings and actions of those around me through musical expressionism, poetry and witty lyricism.
BOTA: Why did you start to make music?
Stories For Nothing: I actually wrote a rhyme about that today... “for most of my life-time, hip-hop has been my life-line, so late one sour night-time i picked up a pen to write rhymes”. I guess I just felt the need to express myself and music was simply my outlet. Plus, hip-hop has been so influential to me and my life, I feel like I should give something myself to the genre.
BOTA: Are there any future works and performances planed/in progress?
Stories For Noting: I just finished a string of live performances supporting the likes of Phatchance, Coptic Soldier and the Electric Elements Crew as well as doing a few small shows of just my own work (well, my work and the work of my amazing acoustic band). I have a few shows on the radar including a few local festival slots and the "Hologram" shows, so my schedule is continually busy. My "Second Book Of Rhymes" is going to drop soon, it’s in the mixing process at the moment. It should be considerably stronger than my First Book Of Rhymes and is going to be something that I will be very proud of when I release it. Busy times ahead – stay tuned.
Download First Book of Rhymes for free here and in the meantime check out this track below called What's Going On produced by Jae Moon and mastered by Phatchance.
Kid Been Waiting is the latest release from Gold Coast emcee, Forbes. In January of 2010 Forbes dropped his debut album, The Abstract. Since then he has been working towards bigger and greater things. Earlier this year he was due to drop an ep but due to other circumstances including the influence of Pez saying that this needed to be more than just a free download and should be on the shelves of JB. As a result Forbes is now working on his second album, All or Nothing which is due in 2012.
Over the past few months Forbes has continued to push the boundaries dropping tracks here and there on his sound cloud. Kid Been Waiting presented by Bad Meet Evil Streetwareis a collective of some of these tracks and some new ones, including Get This Feeling FT Pez. If the latest EP from Forbes is anything to go by, then All or Nothing is set to be nothing less than a classic. Head over to http://forbes.bandcamp.com/ to download Forbes new EP and while your there grab his first album The Abstract as well. Like his Facebook page here for updates and news.
Big Village was founded by the artist that it currently represents. During the formation of the label all members have contributed their expertise in one way or another. The label is run entirely by the artist from event promotions, web design, social networking or gig bookings. This group of young artist are truly taking on a BIG challenge.
The label was established in 2010 which was a BIG year for this collective group of artists where we say releases from Tuka, Will Rap for Tuka, Daily meds EP and a free digital release form Loose Change. This year we have seen and can expect the Big Village Complication, Ellesquire’s solo album, True Vibenation EP and a full length album from Daily Meds.
Check out the following vids where some of the Big Village crew jumped into the Triple J’s studio with Hau on the Hip Hop show and the Be My Guest Video clip from the Big Village Complication.
Bliss n Eso have been on tour for a number of months now rocking shows all over the country. If you managed to catch one of these gigs or if you have ever been to a BNE gig you'll know that they brought there a game and killed it! They seem to have a stage presence and sense of showmanship that is like know other in the scene. You would have seen the cameras following them constantly on and off stage documenting their tour, and possibly been the camera operator your self if you downloaded the BNE iPhone app which allowed you to capture footage of the gig to send in to be used in the editing process of the soon to come tour dvd.
Bliss n Eso are turing to you their loyal fans and asking you this, Whats your favourite photo from the tour and why? All that you have to do to be in the running is to find a photo that you like from the tour from their albums and comment as to why you like it and then share the photo to your wall its that simple, why wouldn't you answer. The winner will be announced mid August and will take home a signed copy of the upcoming dvd and tour hoody! The only condition of the contest is that you have to complete both steps. All of the tour photos will be released from the 14 shows one show a day. With 12 show's photos already been realised get in fast!
I guess it is songs like this that makes you really appreciate the versatility of Australian Hip Hop. The unusual combination of Tom Ulgy featuring Pez is a clear example of how hip hop can be combined with various other forms of music to create something wonderful. Its been a while since we have herd from Pez as his had some stuff in his life that his had to sort out as we herd his his rapper tag but if they lyrics of this are anything to go by then the next album will defiantly be well worth the wait. Big Ups to Pez for the colab.
Lyrics
Living within a sedated space,
You're living in a cage
It's breaking all the patterns in your brain
And these days,
It feels like you just want to gun up a parade
I'm not sure how I got here,
Hopeless and so distant
- Maybe you can blame it on the times?
But most of the time it feels like I'm not here
See with all I was sure that I wanted from life
I never thought that I'd pause and just watch it go by
Now it's life and it's always the same
But I swear I wasn't always this way
I was somebody else
I was somebody else
I was somebody else
I was somebody...
I was someone...
I was somebody else
I used to think how to pass the time
Now I think how it passed me by
It's kind of strange how I do feel ashamed
'Cos in truth though I choose to complain
I still remember the first day that I pushed me aside
I'll get to it but I just need some time
You think it's O.K. if you have your own aim
Somewhere still up in your mind
But then your brain becomes weak
And love becomes fear
Days become weeks
And months become years
'Til you're here, you're in a crisis
You feel like you're in denial if you keeping
I swear it makes me wish I could change tense
And go back to when everything just made sense
But I can't so I'm sitting at this same desk,
Counting down the minutes while I'm thinking of a day when...
I was somebody else
I was somebody else
I was somebody else
I was somebody...
I was someone...
I was somebody else
I was somebody else
I was somebody else
I was somebody else
I was somebody...
I was someone...
I was somebody else
Looking at the stars while you're waiting
But look into the past of your way in
Hold it along
Hold it along
Maybe you can blame it on the times?
Just stumbled upon some of the realist hip hop that I've herd in a long time by a mc by the name of Arks. The track "Don't Cry" is definitely on another level. He instantly connects with his audience throughout his track as we are all reminded about the times that we have gone through similar experiences or people who have been through them. Dibe's track "Help me Levitate" is also along the same lines. "Help me levitate, nar fuck that let's fly" His lyrics inspire you to achieve greatness above and beyond the usual. "Don't Cry" is sure to become a classic when the final mix is released, it reminds me of Phrase's track, "Hold On" which has touched many across the years that have struggled high school and their early adult hood. Arks is defiantly one to keep an eye on.
Illy's latest single Cigarettes has just hit radio, and is quickly becoming a favourite much like his previous singles; Pictures, It Can't Wait (ft Owl Eyes) and The Chase. "The song is about someone who falls from grace, and as crazy and futile as it might be, they can’t let go of their dream whatever the consequence." - Illy
Illy hits the road this October with Spit Syndicate and Sietta for his biggest tour yet so make sure to catch him as it is the perfect follow up to his last 21 date tour which were mostly sold out last March.
its using what you do have to get something that you don't,
You can be what ever u want to be,
You just gotta be smart about it,
its not about who's the most intelligent or whatever,
its all about working the system,
so learn the system,
and get your clever on.
These wise words from Sydney MC Skryptcha have really spoken to me over the past few days as i prepare to sit my HSC and Trial exams so though id just share it with all those who are in the same boat and particular those who are stressing over it as thought the HSC is the end of the world. You have to remember that this is not the end but the beginning. So what ever it is that you want to do in the future don't doubt your self you can do it you just gotta get ya clever on!
Get set to paint the town red as the Thundamentals prepare to drop their second album, Foreverlution. The hype is growing by the day with the release of their first single of the labum, Paint the Town Red added to the Triple J rotation. To be sure that you are amongst the first to unleash your ears on Foreverlution before everyone else head to the new Thundamentals website and join their mailing list for an exclusive privet link, streaming the album in full for 48 hours. The album drops on the 29th of July and you can pre order it online now! but in the mean time enjoy enjoy the single below.
Forbes has been breaking grounds this year in the scene dropping, mix tape tracks that could easily be club bangers and even a track with hip hop legend Pez. Lately we have seen a series of tracks aimed at the haters with an upbeat fuck you feel to them. But we see in his latest track, Closer that he has taken some time to sit back and reflect on life and love in general. Throughout previous songs we have seen Forbes describe his love for hip hop and how throughout his teenage years its got in the way ofther relationships. "Girls don't want a bar of me, and guys all think that im a tool, this aint cool but i aint got time to be remorceful .... It's Hip Hop and i'm so in love with her." (25 to life - Forbes Remix). The layed back pace of the track we see a deeper inner side of Forbes that we havn't seen in a while.
Jump on his page and keep a close eye on it for his new ep dropping soon. But for now enjoy!
Ok so about a week ago Phatchance posted a link for a selected group of fans to download the accapellas to his latest album, Inkstains Acoustic. I downloaded this just to give it a listen but there were many others who had other ideas. Within hours people were posting on his wall their remixes of various tracks from the album. Many of which were very impressive. Below are a few, feel free to listen and comment back on Phatchances, or the producers wall. Mountain Of Glass (Kodz Remix) by Kodz
After dropping his debut solo album the Voyager Joelistics has announced the Voyager Tour. After supporting the likes of The Herd and Lowrider there is no questions asked when we say that Joelistics has been on a role since the release of the Voyager. His heading to a town near you, check dates below.
he Voyager Tour Dates: Joelistics with special guests Ishu. Presented by Elefant Traks, SHM & Premier Artists
Friday 22 July The Bended Elbow Geelong VIC / with Ishu + Polo Club
Saturday 23 July Northcote Social Club, Melbourne VIC / with Ishu + Polo Club
Friday 30 July Republic Bar, Hobart TAS / with Ishu + Polo Club
Thursday 4 August Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle NSW / with Ishu + Sietta
Friday 5 August Waves, Wollongong NSW / with Ishu + Sietta
Saturday 6 August Sandringham Hotel, Sydney NSW / with Ishu + Daily Meds
Thursday 11 August Sol Bar, Maroochydore QLD / with Ishu + Polo Club
Friday 12 August The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba, QLD / with Ishu + Polo Club
Saturday 13 August Step Inn, Brisbane QLD / with Ishu + Sietta + Polo Club
Thursday 18 August Transit Bar, Canberra ACT / with Ishu + Polo Club
Saturday 20 August The Man, Falls Creek VIC / with Polo Club
Forbes Heaton on Thursday, September 9, 2010 at 9:25pm
The last two years of my life have (without a doubt) been the hardest and most difficult...
I graduated high school in 2007 with little to no respect or belief in myself. Despite being raised in a safe nurchuring home by my loving parents and given nothing but complete and utter support in my endevours, I have allways been afraid.
Its been difficult for me to pin-point exactly what I am afraid of? However, from what I can tell its a fear that is present in all human experience.
For me, I struggle with being self-aware. Being absolutely concious of the moment at hand and being able to analyse every situation. More importantly, the ability to measure success, recognise my "faults" and compare myself to others.
This (to me) feels like such a burden in this material world. Whereby success and worth is measured by a thing or object. In latent terms: "The more you have, the "better" you are. I use these "Quotation" marks to make it clear that these are subjectable words and phrases. Meaning, they are arguable and not absolute.
Western society has established a system that is functional but far from ideal and in this society we are raised (from birth) to believe: "This is what it means to be successful" There is allways a person or a thing that represents "Success" and so we idolize and worship these people and things. For a young girl it could be a supermodel or a youngman a sports star?
For me, it was musicians, actors and movie stars. This, natuarlly was the case because I have over my years developed a love for creativity and self expression. However, the important thing to remember is that these "people" are no different to you or me. They are exactly the same, HUMAN and the most severe problem we have in the world today is the fact that we are measuring ourselves (through our self-awareness) to the achievements and attributes of others.
I for one, am incredibly guilty of this. I have for so long, compared myself to others, measured my "worth" againts them and have lived a life of complete and utter insecurity because of it. The strength of this fear is so resiliant that even as I write this, totally aware of the problem I am addressing, I still cant entirely releave myself of it.
My twenty years on this Earth have presented me with so many obstacles. The reality of life and that I am mortal. The realization that everything comes to an end, even the Universe and life itself.
How can I maintain my sanity when iv built my life upon trying to achieve imortality but at the same time, be completly aware that nothing will last forever?
Its believed that in billions and billions of years from now that the Universe as we know it will die and everything we have come to know in this life will be gone. If this is true, then no song, no poem, no movie, no book, no medal, award, prize or MONEY will survive and therfore nothing we do in this life can trully be imortal.
So what do we have?
The answer to this question is that we have this moment. This oppurtunity, this ability to live and just BE. Some people (in my opinon) go about this the wrong way. They adopt a sort of "Me againts the world" mentality. Whereby nothing really matters so "Im" just going to do what I want, regardless of the consequences.
This sort of mentality and way of life is damaging, for, it has no regard for the people that have to live on this Earth after us. There are still generations and generations of lives to be lived and we cannot throw away their future so easily. I believe that we have an obligation to each other as people and we have an obligation to protect this precious world we live in.
To think, the possibility of other life in the Universe is astronical, though the possibility of intellegent life evolving to the incredible heights we have are grim in comparison. This alone makes us unique and fills me with a sense of pride, accomplishment and more importantly hope as a human being.
You cant stop the rain from falling. You cant stop the sun from rising and you most certainly cant stop my GO!
I remember the exact moment I came into contact with Bias B’s Beezwax record – though I’m not sure of the year, most probably 1999. A few mates, some that I grew up with (sup Nug and Shwza!), and some that I met through hip hop (Nick, Loko One was probably there), had hooked up for one of our weekly ciphers in St Peters, inner west of Sydney.
We’d hungrily devour instrumental albums and rap all night – or Shwza would play his beats directly off the MPC. Bongs were smoked, beers were drunk, freestyles would steadily deteriorate as the night wore on. It was sick. There were no ambitions for radio play, nor live shows booked: it began and ended each night in one of our loungerooms. Usually Shwza’s cos he had the MPC and a champion bong. And he was lazier than us.
Most of the music we heard was played off CDs or 12” vinyl, and an Australian release was always prioritised. I can’t remember who brought it that night, but everyone was taken aback by the Beezwax artwork. An out of focus Bias B stood in the background with his hand gripping the mic in the foreground. It was all made to look like a still in a film reel. It could have passed for an international album as far as we knew. But truthfully, all I saw was a mad shot of a mic by a rapper from Melbourne. Shit was dope!
From the mellow straight talking of Let It Flow to the descending bassline (a staple ingredient in local hip hop for the last decade – ahead of its time) of The Rippa, it blew our fucking minds. It sounded like the most pro shit we’d heard. Then Gaseous Forms sealed the deal, it was exactly what we were doing: rowdy ciphers, only better and looking a million bucks on a professionally packaged album. I strongly believe this record and the late 90s era were the reawakening of local hip hop and getting things moving. Beezwax felt like progress. It was.
There are a long list of significant moments in local hip hop, ranging from the pioneering (Knights of the Underground Table) to the pivotal (The Calling) but truth be told, Beezwax was a little bit of both. It wasn’t the only one, but it saw in the new era that truly took off a few years later.
While it may not be a record I revisit often – it’ll will forever be one of the most important records in hip hop when people look back on the rise and rise of the genre in Australia. Just recently, Bias announced he was quitting after his latest record and his current tour will be his last. Well… damned if I’m going to wait for a better time to say it. Thanks Bias, for who you are and what you’ve done. You’ll forever hold a spot in our scene’s heart – in my eyes and in the context of hip hop in Australia, you’re a giant mate. And in language we can all understand: you’re a sick cunt.
_________ Bias B’s new album ‘Biaslife’ has just dropped through Obese. All his albums Beezwax, Been There Done That, Aerosol Era and In Bed With Bias are all available on CD and iTunes. Obese:http://www.obeserecords.com/store/cds.php?page=3
His Melbourne launch is also his final Melbourne show and it’s this Saturday July 2 at The Corner Hotel. He’s also in Adelaide July 29 at HQ. You should get there.
