The official release date for KOOLISM - THE 'UMU is 3rd September, 2010.
Pre order now
Friday, August 13, 2010
KOOL-ing with the-ISM's
This pic was taken on the 6th June, 2009 while hanging with KOOLISM at DANIELSAN's home/recording studio, the DOJO, in the inner suburbs of Melbourne. The boys were working on a few new tracks for the long awaited album, THE 'UMU.
Sitting on a milk crate in a loft (that overlooks a busy, vibrant street) amongst a chaotic order of musical instruments & equipment (some vintage & re-built), cables, record stacks and the occasional French New Wave or Sci-Fi DVD, I was given a taste of the feast that awaits Koolism fans who have been salivating for a plate of those smoking hot jams that helped pioneer Australian Hip Hop from a cult following into a national sub-culture. Just like an 'umu, the Tongan name for a ground oven used for traditional cooking in the South Pacific Islands (in New Zealand the Maori's call it a 'hangi'), these songs had been cooked over a long period of time to create a distinct flavor of fiery passion & earthly goodness. I could tell we were in for a treat.
Thankfully since then we have been treated to few samples the boys have been generous enough to leak for free, including...
'Hanz High' download here
the politically charged...
'Can't Stand It'
and of course HAU's solo mixtape...
'LOVE THE BEAST' free download here
The good news has arrived!
Our hunger will be satisfied on the 5th September, 2010, the release date of KOOLISM - THE 'UMU. So, mark off your calendar and rock up to your nearest music outlet with an empty plate and ferocious appetite for a culinary sensation to savor for many years.
In the meantime here's another pic I took that night when Melbourne MC, SOLOMON KLEPTO dropped in for a plate and took us out for desert.
Thumbs up for the return of KOOLISM.
Peace
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
OUR BACKYARD - FREE HIP HOP EVENT
This looks like a great day for the family...
OUR BACKYARD
Sunday 19 September, 2010
@ the Arts Centre, Playhouse, St Kilda Rd, Melbourne
presented by the Arts Centre and The Push
Main Stage Show: 1pm - 4pm
The ultimate FREE Melbourne hip hop extravaganza returns once again in the form of Our Backyard with DJs, MCs, breakers, hip hop dance crews plus much more!
This is a FREE, all ages, drug & alcohol & smoke-free event.
Seats are limited in the Playhouse, so arrive from 12 noon to get your free wristband.
All-Star Hip Hop Jam featuring Mantra, Joelistics (TZU), Elf Tranzporter, Little G, Fil-osopher
DJ Peril
Yung Philly
Massive Hip Hop Choir
Dig Deep Collective
LIVE BAND The Putbacks
Dance crews featuring:
The Collektive
The Dream
Superhoodz
Melbourne House Dancers
Breakin, lockin, poppin & MC battles
Plus: market stalls, live graf and DJ on the forecourt from 12 noon and more…
Qualifier held Sunday 12 September
BREAKIN', POPPIN', LOCKIN' & MC BATTLES
Arrive by 11am, 12 noon start
ANZ Pavilion, the Arts Centre
Register now at www.thepush.com.au
Sunday 19 September, 2010
@ the Arts Centre, Playhouse, St Kilda Rd, Melbourne
presented by the Arts Centre and The Push
Main Stage Show: 1pm - 4pm
The ultimate FREE Melbourne hip hop extravaganza returns once again in the form of Our Backyard with DJs, MCs, breakers, hip hop dance crews plus much more!
This is a FREE, all ages, drug & alcohol & smoke-free event.
Seats are limited in the Playhouse, so arrive from 12 noon to get your free wristband.
All-Star Hip Hop Jam featuring Mantra, Joelistics (TZU), Elf Tranzporter, Little G, Fil-osopher
DJ Peril
Yung Philly
Massive Hip Hop Choir
Dig Deep Collective
LIVE BAND The Putbacks
Dance crews featuring:
The Collektive
The Dream
Superhoodz
Melbourne House Dancers
Breakin, lockin, poppin & MC battles
Plus: market stalls, live graf and DJ on the forecourt from 12 noon and more…
Qualifier held Sunday 12 September
BREAKIN', POPPIN', LOCKIN' & MC BATTLES
Arrive by 11am, 12 noon start
ANZ Pavilion, the Arts Centre
Register now at www.thepush.com.au
Monday, August 2, 2010
Buck 65 Interview - 2nd August, 2010
On the eve of his Australian tour (see earlier post), Buck 65 took some
time to give us an insight into his life, music, passions and influences.
In a career spanning over 20 years, his longevity is a testament to his
honesty and openness as an artist, staying true to what he feels and not
what the market dictates. A gifted storyteller, producer, turntablist,
baseball player and stage performer (despite admittedly being a painfully
shy person), Buck 65 is a musical traveler creating soundscapes and
scenarios that capture the emotional core of the listener.
We hope one day he writes that screenplay.
Below is the full transcript.
______________________________________________________
What kind of jobs had you done before becoming a full time artist?
Did you ever image that you would be touring the world and sharing
your artistic vision?
I once got a job as a lifeguard, even though I can't swim. I worked in
a parking lot. At a gas station. Lots of crappy, low-paying jobs. I
never imagined touring and being so open with people because I was -
and still am, really - a painfully shy person.
You once said that if you could choose between a career in
baseball or music that it would be baseball. Do you still feel that
way today?
I do. I still love baseball. I follow professional baseball
obsessively. I still collect baseball cards. It might take up more of
my time than music these days. I still play as much as possible too.
I'm still good, but my body is a bit banged up. In fact, I'm in
physiotherapy now for some old baseball injuries.
Your music is very visual and often evokes the feel of a road
movie. Do you see yourself as a musical traveler? Does this stem
from an early desire to escape the isolation of growing up in a small
country town?
I guess I'd say I fancy myself a musical traveler. Why not?! I'm
always exploring new and old music and a lot of what I collect ends up
stinking up my own stuff. And I've always been a bit of a dreamer, but
growing up, I never desired to escape the small town where I grew up.
I loved it there. I wish I could go back!
What, if any, challenges have you faced being involved in hip hop
which some consider to be an exclusively black art form?
Well, the key for me is always being honest with what I'm doing. To
put it bluntly, I never pretend to be black, which a lot of white
rappers seem to do. I actually find that to be offensive. So the worst
that can happen is that someone will say that what I do isn't their
cup of tea, which is fine. The place I've found for myself is
decidedly outside. So I don't bother anybody and nobody bothers me.
Most hardcore "hip hop heads" don't even consider me hip hop. That's
fine by me too.
Being a gifted story teller, have you ever considered or attempted
other forms of writing i.e.; novels or screenplays?
I have considered both. I think I'm more interested in writing a
screenplay. I have some ideas. I write them down in a little book.
Maybe one day...
Is there an underlying theme or message to your music that you
want to get across?
Mostly I just want to make the most beautiful music I can make. I
guess I'm just hoping for some sort of emotional reaction. Even when
I'm addressing something specific, I'd rather make someone feel than
think.
What do you enjoy the most - the creative process or performing?
That's a hard one. Both are agony in their own way. Writing hurts.
Recording can be fun. Performing kills. I'm a strongly introverted
person. My personal agonies send me searching for the pen. With pen in
hand, I bring the agony into extremely sharp focus. THEN, the
introvert is coaxed into the roll of the extrovert to display and
amplify the agony in public! It's cruel and unusual! But I'm addicted
to it for some perverse reason.
What kinds of equipment and programs are most important to your
production process?
I often put together demos using Ableton Live and then use Logic in
the studio. I also still love the SP-1200 - especially for drums. And
turntables will always be a very important part of what I do.
What artists have been influential in forming your style?
I've been trying to shed influences as much as possible. And I fear
that answering a question like this will make me sound like a dick
because I lot of my main creative influences aren't musical. But here
we go! Max Ernst. Francis Picabia. Ingmar Bergman. Lee Miller. Maya
Deren. Yves Klein. Marcel Proust. I could go on for a long time. I'll
stop now.
Your new project, the 20 Odd Years volumes feature a lot of
collaborations. Are there any artists you haven't worked with that
would make a dream collaboration and what would be the possible
outcome of such a project?
When I work in collaboration with someone, I usually just think, "who
has the right voice for this?" And I usually know someone personally
who can do the job. So I don't think in terms of "who would be cool to
work with". I don't think I ever worked with anyone that I didn't
already know personally. But if I could work with anyone... Hmmm...
Lee Perry? If I ever worked with him, the results would be sheer
madness, I'm sure. But it would sound good.
You have been very prolific over your 20 year career. You seem to
be working on at least 10 different projects a year. Do you ever have
downtime and how do you spend it?
I rarely do nothing. If I ever have free time, I try to spend it with
my wife. If there's ever any left over just for me, I usually fill it
up with baseball. I'd watch baseball on TV all day, if I could.
Do you have a mantra or manifesto for life and your music?
I borrowed one from an old baseball player named Willie Keeler. He
said, "Keep your eye clear, and hit 'em where they ain't." I also try
to abide by "Slow down, you sons a bitches".
Do you see yourself as spiritual, scientific or both?
I am completely scientific and not religious at all, but love rules my
life. Does that make sense?
What is the meaning of life according to Buck 65?
I'm still trying to figure that one out.
time to give us an insight into his life, music, passions and influences.
In a career spanning over 20 years, his longevity is a testament to his
honesty and openness as an artist, staying true to what he feels and not
what the market dictates. A gifted storyteller, producer, turntablist,
baseball player and stage performer (despite admittedly being a painfully
shy person), Buck 65 is a musical traveler creating soundscapes and
scenarios that capture the emotional core of the listener.
We hope one day he writes that screenplay.
Below is the full transcript.
______________________________________________________
What kind of jobs had you done before becoming a full time artist?
Did you ever image that you would be touring the world and sharing
your artistic vision?
I once got a job as a lifeguard, even though I can't swim. I worked in
a parking lot. At a gas station. Lots of crappy, low-paying jobs. I
never imagined touring and being so open with people because I was -
and still am, really - a painfully shy person.
You once said that if you could choose between a career in
baseball or music that it would be baseball. Do you still feel that
way today?
I do. I still love baseball. I follow professional baseball
obsessively. I still collect baseball cards. It might take up more of
my time than music these days. I still play as much as possible too.
I'm still good, but my body is a bit banged up. In fact, I'm in
physiotherapy now for some old baseball injuries.
Your music is very visual and often evokes the feel of a road
movie. Do you see yourself as a musical traveler? Does this stem
from an early desire to escape the isolation of growing up in a small
country town?
I guess I'd say I fancy myself a musical traveler. Why not?! I'm
always exploring new and old music and a lot of what I collect ends up
stinking up my own stuff. And I've always been a bit of a dreamer, but
growing up, I never desired to escape the small town where I grew up.
I loved it there. I wish I could go back!
What, if any, challenges have you faced being involved in hip hop
which some consider to be an exclusively black art form?
Well, the key for me is always being honest with what I'm doing. To
put it bluntly, I never pretend to be black, which a lot of white
rappers seem to do. I actually find that to be offensive. So the worst
that can happen is that someone will say that what I do isn't their
cup of tea, which is fine. The place I've found for myself is
decidedly outside. So I don't bother anybody and nobody bothers me.
Most hardcore "hip hop heads" don't even consider me hip hop. That's
fine by me too.
Being a gifted story teller, have you ever considered or attempted
other forms of writing i.e.; novels or screenplays?
I have considered both. I think I'm more interested in writing a
screenplay. I have some ideas. I write them down in a little book.
Maybe one day...
Is there an underlying theme or message to your music that you
want to get across?
Mostly I just want to make the most beautiful music I can make. I
guess I'm just hoping for some sort of emotional reaction. Even when
I'm addressing something specific, I'd rather make someone feel than
think.
What do you enjoy the most - the creative process or performing?
That's a hard one. Both are agony in their own way. Writing hurts.
Recording can be fun. Performing kills. I'm a strongly introverted
person. My personal agonies send me searching for the pen. With pen in
hand, I bring the agony into extremely sharp focus. THEN, the
introvert is coaxed into the roll of the extrovert to display and
amplify the agony in public! It's cruel and unusual! But I'm addicted
to it for some perverse reason.
What kinds of equipment and programs are most important to your
production process?
I often put together demos using Ableton Live and then use Logic in
the studio. I also still love the SP-1200 - especially for drums. And
turntables will always be a very important part of what I do.
What artists have been influential in forming your style?
I've been trying to shed influences as much as possible. And I fear
that answering a question like this will make me sound like a dick
because I lot of my main creative influences aren't musical. But here
we go! Max Ernst. Francis Picabia. Ingmar Bergman. Lee Miller. Maya
Deren. Yves Klein. Marcel Proust. I could go on for a long time. I'll
stop now.
Your new project, the 20 Odd Years volumes feature a lot of
collaborations. Are there any artists you haven't worked with that
would make a dream collaboration and what would be the possible
outcome of such a project?
When I work in collaboration with someone, I usually just think, "who
has the right voice for this?" And I usually know someone personally
who can do the job. So I don't think in terms of "who would be cool to
work with". I don't think I ever worked with anyone that I didn't
already know personally. But if I could work with anyone... Hmmm...
Lee Perry? If I ever worked with him, the results would be sheer
madness, I'm sure. But it would sound good.
You have been very prolific over your 20 year career. You seem to
be working on at least 10 different projects a year. Do you ever have
downtime and how do you spend it?
I rarely do nothing. If I ever have free time, I try to spend it with
my wife. If there's ever any left over just for me, I usually fill it
up with baseball. I'd watch baseball on TV all day, if I could.
Do you have a mantra or manifesto for life and your music?
I borrowed one from an old baseball player named Willie Keeler. He
said, "Keep your eye clear, and hit 'em where they ain't." I also try
to abide by "Slow down, you sons a bitches".
Do you see yourself as spiritual, scientific or both?
I am completely scientific and not religious at all, but love rules my
life. Does that make sense?
What is the meaning of life according to Buck 65?
I'm still trying to figure that one out.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Big Village – Record Label Launch
Just received some info on a new independent Aussie Hip Hop label starting
up in Sydney with a great roster upcoming talent. Check em out and make
sure you go to the launch. Sounds like a great night.
Big Village – Record Label Launch
Sat 7th August
Sandringham Hotel, 387 King st Newtown
8pm $10
Tickets available from Moshtix
Big Village is an independent record label representing the
new wave of Sydney’s finest Hip Hop artists.
Tired of jostling for recognition as individual groups, Big Village artists
came together to forge a joint identity and carve out new opportunities on
their own terms.
To celebrate the label’s formation, they will be throwing a massive launch
party at the Sandringham Hotel on Saturday August 7th.
Performing on the night will be the full Big Village stable, consisting of
Daily Meds, Loose Change, True Vibenation, Tuka (Thundamentals),
DJ Max Gosford, DJ Morgs and hosted by Jeswon.
The label was founded by the artists it represents and members of all the
groups contribute their expertise to the running of the organisation. With
True Vibenation, Loose Change and Daily Meds already having released
projects under the Big Village banner, 2010 will continue to see more high
quality releases from the BV stable including a Big Village mixtape and
debut solo albums from Tuka (Thundamentals) and Ellesquire (Loose
Change).
______________________________________________________
The night will be presented by Freshly Squeezed, Newtown’s monthly
dose of quality live hip hop entertainment. Now in its fourth month at the
recently renovated Sandringham Hotel, the night is building a reputation
as a new home for the Sydney hip hop community and has been host to a
slew of exciting NSW and interstate acts and enthusiastic and diverse
crowds.
www.bigvillagerecords.com.au
www.facebook.com/bigvillagerecords
up in Sydney with a great roster upcoming talent. Check em out and make
sure you go to the launch. Sounds like a great night.
Big Village – Record Label Launch
Sat 7th August
Sandringham Hotel, 387 King st Newtown
8pm $10
Tickets available from Moshtix
Big Village is an independent record label representing the
new wave of Sydney’s finest Hip Hop artists.
Tired of jostling for recognition as individual groups, Big Village artists
came together to forge a joint identity and carve out new opportunities on
their own terms.
To celebrate the label’s formation, they will be throwing a massive launch
party at the Sandringham Hotel on Saturday August 7th.
Performing on the night will be the full Big Village stable, consisting of
Daily Meds, Loose Change, True Vibenation, Tuka (Thundamentals),
DJ Max Gosford, DJ Morgs and hosted by Jeswon.
The label was founded by the artists it represents and members of all the
groups contribute their expertise to the running of the organisation. With
True Vibenation, Loose Change and Daily Meds already having released
projects under the Big Village banner, 2010 will continue to see more high
quality releases from the BV stable including a Big Village mixtape and
debut solo albums from Tuka (Thundamentals) and Ellesquire (Loose
Change).
______________________________________________________
The night will be presented by Freshly Squeezed, Newtown’s monthly
dose of quality live hip hop entertainment. Now in its fourth month at the
recently renovated Sandringham Hotel, the night is building a reputation
as a new home for the Sydney hip hop community and has been host to a
slew of exciting NSW and interstate acts and enthusiastic and diverse
crowds.
www.bigvillagerecords.com.au
www.facebook.com/bigvillagerecords
Sunday, July 11, 2010
BUCK 65 Australian Tour 2010
Great news for fans of abstract hip hop. Buck 65 will be back in Australia this coming September with his unique style of hip hop - baked on the gravel of a dusty highway and washed down with a peyote cocktail. An expressive live performer who slips between mic duties and turntabalism to create an exciting and energetic show, not to be missed.
Australian East Coast Tour this September
Thu Sept 16 - Melbourne, Corner Hotel
Tix: www.custommade.com.au (ph 1300 762 545), Corner box office (11am-8pm Mon-Sat : ph 9427 9198), www.cornerhotel.com
Fri Sept 17 - Sydney, Factory Theatre (an official selection of the 2010 Sydney Fringe)
Tix: www.custommade.com.au (ph 1300 762 545), www.factorytheatre.com www.factorytheatre.com (9550 3666)
Sat Sept 18 & Sat Sept 19 - The Spiegeltent, Brisbane Festival
Tix: www.brisbanefestival.com.au (ph Moshtix 1300 438 849)
Tix: www.brisbanefestival.com.au (ph Moshtix 1300 438 849)
Monday, May 24, 2010
'LOOSE CHANGE' - FREE DOWNLOAD
When you think of the words "loose change" two things usually come to mind - someone begging for money and the popular 9/11 conspiracy theory documentary of the same name. Once you've heard the debut album from Sydney based hip hop crew, 'Loose Change' those two images will soon be replaced by the smooth flows of MC's Rapaport and Ellesquire gliding over the head-nodding melodic jazzy beats provided by producer P major.
This is a very impressive debut album displaying ease and confidence without the usual self-conscious Aussie hip hop staples of pubs, beer, fights and bbq's, reminiscent of early Downside & TZU. Their topics of life and love are more universal and bring to mind the early releases of Mos Def, Common and Soul Of Mischief. They even manage to get away with matters of the heart (what a lot of hardcore heads would consider soft) on tracks like 'Call Me', 'Look Around' & 'Those Days', sounding more like Pete Rock & CL Smooth than LL Cool J's 'I Need Love'.
Over all a consistently dope album release worthy of repeat listening and what makes it even more impressive is that they are offering for FREE!! That's right, free! Follow the link below, download, listen, comment and help support this incredible new group from Sydney, because, as opposed to asking for handouts in the tough industry of Aussie Hip Hop they are giving and deserve to receive. Perhaps the next time you hear someone mention the words 'loose change' rather than looking the other way you'll be able to give a high five and quote some 'Loose Change' lyrics.
Free download here...
http://www.loosechangehiphop.com/
This is a very impressive debut album displaying ease and confidence without the usual self-conscious Aussie hip hop staples of pubs, beer, fights and bbq's, reminiscent of early Downside & TZU. Their topics of life and love are more universal and bring to mind the early releases of Mos Def, Common and Soul Of Mischief. They even manage to get away with matters of the heart (what a lot of hardcore heads would consider soft) on tracks like 'Call Me', 'Look Around' & 'Those Days', sounding more like Pete Rock & CL Smooth than LL Cool J's 'I Need Love'.
Over all a consistently dope album release worthy of repeat listening and what makes it even more impressive is that they are offering for FREE!! That's right, free! Follow the link below, download, listen, comment and help support this incredible new group from Sydney, because, as opposed to asking for handouts in the tough industry of Aussie Hip Hop they are giving and deserve to receive. Perhaps the next time you hear someone mention the words 'loose change' rather than looking the other way you'll be able to give a high five and quote some 'Loose Change' lyrics.
Free download here...
http://www.loosechangehiphop.com/
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