Interviews |
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Q&A with masked Sydney producer BAD MATHFor Rappfox readers who aren’t familiar with BAD MATH, tell us a bit about yourself.
I'm BAD MATH; a sampled based, beatmaker from Sydney, Australia, wearing a black skull mask with 2 white stripes. I love hip hop, making beats and creating. How did you get into Hip Hop and then music production? I remember seeing Busta Rhymes' Gimme Some More on one of those early morning music video countdown shows. I must have been 6 years old because later on I googled the release date and did the math (no pun intended) from that day forward I was in love with hip hop. Read more of the interview and listen to Ode to Hustle here. |
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Droopo; the mischievous kid is making it bigAs an artist, who you are, the hood you’re from and what circles you move in has a massive influence on and representation in your music. In cities all around the world, people’s life experiences can be wildly different despite being merely streets apart. For Steve D'costa, a Melbourne rapper who was born in Chennai, India, and then migrated to Melbourne’s South East as a toddler, the areas he lived in and people he met along the way, has helped mould the artist we know now as Droopo.
As a young lad, Droopo was, as he would describe a “mischievous kid, always getting into trouble”. Growing up in Melbourne’s South East suburbs, an area known for not being the safest, Droopo says, “[you] can’t walk streets late at night unless you know people or from there”, he witnessed a lot of shit as a 4 year old that he will remember for the rest of his life. It was these streets in Dandenong and Hampton Park “that made [him] who [he is]”. Read more on the Droopo interview feature here. |
Q&A with YNGRACH YNGRACH is a heavily involved in the Perth scene, as well as making moves as a DJ/producer. Rappfox did a Q&A w/ YNGRACH to see what's up.
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Interview with Dawn LairdRappfox speaks to Dawn about her love of Hip Hop, rapping and her debut album Doreen, which is named after her late grandmother.
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Otiuh InterviewThe Perth musical duo speak to Rappfox about their latest single, it's inspiration and how they make that funky music they do!
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Q&A with KNOEY'all should KNOE him by now - the Perth emcee speaks to Rappfox about his smooth new track, it's sombre inspiration + more.
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Kazi A InterviewKazi A is sick of artists being boxed in and categorised, he speaks to Rappfox on this and the inspiration of his latest album.
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Interview w/ The StoopsA new Stoop baby is the inspiration behind their new single If I Had A Kid, The Stoops speak to Rappfox on their first bit of music in 6 years.
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Q&A with Melbourne's Dstnce
Hi Dstnce, I hope you’re enjoying your holiday. Thanks for taking time out for this interview.
Hey, not a problem. Thanks for having me on.
For Rappfox readers who aren’t familiar with you, tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a rapper / producer from Melbourne. And more importantly just a fan of hip hop in general.
You recent release Notes from the Undergound EP, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Dope beats and tight rhymes. Tell me about the inspiration for this EP.
Thanks I’m glad you liked it. I was watching a lot of dark TV shows at the time such as A Handmaid's Tale and Black Mirror and wondering I guess what it would be like if something like that happened to Melbourne.
You talk on some deep and scary topics, what are some things you’re seeing happening in society today that fit within the EP’s concept?
Yeah well, there seems to be a bit of a fascination right now across the world with strong man / dictator type leaders. And it just doesn’t seem too far fetched anymore that something like that could happen here. It feels like just a matter of time. Read more of the interview here.
Hey, not a problem. Thanks for having me on.
For Rappfox readers who aren’t familiar with you, tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a rapper / producer from Melbourne. And more importantly just a fan of hip hop in general.
You recent release Notes from the Undergound EP, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Dope beats and tight rhymes. Tell me about the inspiration for this EP.
Thanks I’m glad you liked it. I was watching a lot of dark TV shows at the time such as A Handmaid's Tale and Black Mirror and wondering I guess what it would be like if something like that happened to Melbourne.
You talk on some deep and scary topics, what are some things you’re seeing happening in society today that fit within the EP’s concept?
Yeah well, there seems to be a bit of a fascination right now across the world with strong man / dictator type leaders. And it just doesn’t seem too far fetched anymore that something like that could happen here. It feels like just a matter of time. Read more of the interview here.
Q&A with Perth Producer Analog
Hi Analog, thanks for taking time out for this interview.
For Rappfox readers, who aren’t familiar with you tell us a bit about yourself.
I was lucky enough to grow up with 90’s Hip Hop and was heavily entrenched in music when OZ Hip Hop really started growing and developing. My brother was making music fairly early on, so we always had other MC’s and producers in and out of our house. I personally didn’t start making music until later on but by that stage I had been in the audio visual industry for close to 6 years. So the combination of growing up with music and music creation as well as a deep understanding of audio my progression in production was quick. Now days it is a constant balance between a young family, a demanding career and a love of music. A true first world problem!
You recently released Against the Grain EP which features a slew of popular Perth artists. Tell me about the inspiration for this project.
I wanted to make a production based EP with not only featured artists but also with Hip Hop based instrumentals. I sample a lot of old Blues, Jazz & Funk in my production which I wanted to sonically resonate through the EP. Read more of the interview here.
For Rappfox readers, who aren’t familiar with you tell us a bit about yourself.
I was lucky enough to grow up with 90’s Hip Hop and was heavily entrenched in music when OZ Hip Hop really started growing and developing. My brother was making music fairly early on, so we always had other MC’s and producers in and out of our house. I personally didn’t start making music until later on but by that stage I had been in the audio visual industry for close to 6 years. So the combination of growing up with music and music creation as well as a deep understanding of audio my progression in production was quick. Now days it is a constant balance between a young family, a demanding career and a love of music. A true first world problem!
You recently released Against the Grain EP which features a slew of popular Perth artists. Tell me about the inspiration for this project.
I wanted to make a production based EP with not only featured artists but also with Hip Hop based instrumentals. I sample a lot of old Blues, Jazz & Funk in my production which I wanted to sonically resonate through the EP. Read more of the interview here.
Q&A with Gav Crossley, BRL Radio Host
Hi Gav, I know you’re a busy man, thanks for taking time out for this interview. So your radio show Beats, Rhymes & Life aka BRL will be celebrating its fifth birthday soon, congratulations! Tell me about the journey you and the show have been on in the past five years.
I guess it begins with a road trip with my fiancé, and she had some torrented Top 500 Hip Hop tracks playing. All the classics, Wu Tang, NAS, Tribe, etc. And on that road trip is where the comeback was launched. While she napped in the car, I dreamt up the return of BRL.
The initial idea was to do the show as limited seasons... like Netflix 10-12 weeks a time. Then the show was instantly pretty popular because of the old heads remembering the name and me dragging in my old scene pals. Timing was also my friend, because the show returned around the time of the final Robert Hunter Cup game, so I covered that and my return was complete.
After that “season” in 2014 (September- December), I brought the show back full time in 2015. Because it had some traction and I found my loved for the genre and the scene again. From there it’s been a slow climb to this anniversary but it feels like it’s been maybe 2-3 years. Time flies....
What inspired you to start the radio show?
The aforementioned road trip. Growing bored of The Caffeine Show (a different show I was doing at the time), and trying to get my life back together. 2014 was an awful year. My radio career was over, as a paid presenter anyway, and things outside of the show were pretty close a disaster. BRL was one of the very few things in my life that made sense. And ever since the show was taken out the back and shot in 2004, I always had a hole where that show was. I needed BRL, always missed it. No matter where I worked and how much I drowned it in commercial radio aspiration and nightclub debauchery. The best thing I’ve ever done on air is this show. Read more here.
I guess it begins with a road trip with my fiancé, and she had some torrented Top 500 Hip Hop tracks playing. All the classics, Wu Tang, NAS, Tribe, etc. And on that road trip is where the comeback was launched. While she napped in the car, I dreamt up the return of BRL.
The initial idea was to do the show as limited seasons... like Netflix 10-12 weeks a time. Then the show was instantly pretty popular because of the old heads remembering the name and me dragging in my old scene pals. Timing was also my friend, because the show returned around the time of the final Robert Hunter Cup game, so I covered that and my return was complete.
After that “season” in 2014 (September- December), I brought the show back full time in 2015. Because it had some traction and I found my loved for the genre and the scene again. From there it’s been a slow climb to this anniversary but it feels like it’s been maybe 2-3 years. Time flies....
What inspired you to start the radio show?
The aforementioned road trip. Growing bored of The Caffeine Show (a different show I was doing at the time), and trying to get my life back together. 2014 was an awful year. My radio career was over, as a paid presenter anyway, and things outside of the show were pretty close a disaster. BRL was one of the very few things in my life that made sense. And ever since the show was taken out the back and shot in 2004, I always had a hole where that show was. I needed BRL, always missed it. No matter where I worked and how much I drowned it in commercial radio aspiration and nightclub debauchery. The best thing I’ve ever done on air is this show. Read more here.
MelloDian MC Interview
Q&A with DJ Fdel
Fdel with MC Macshane
Hi Fdel, thanks for taking time out for this interview, I know you’re a busy man! I know you’re always DJing across Perth, with lots of entertaining anecdotes on punters, haha. What have you been up to lately?
Just playing my usual residencies (Brisbane Hotel, hadiqa, Goody Twos and Embargo). Still marvelling at the requests people will ask for. S Club 7 was one recently that had me like WTF? Haha. Requested by a guy too. But as a friend reminded me “ain’t no party like a …" haha.
You are once again judging the 2019 WA DMC DJ Championship on Sunday 25th August at Universal Bar, what do you enjoy most about judging the competition?
It's always an honour to be asked to judge a competition like the DMCs. There’s such an awesome history there, its launched some amazing careers and its slowly building back up again in terms of entrants and skill level locally which is great. Last year was epic. Turntablism is such an important and often overlooked element in DJ culture. I really look forward to see what each year and each generation brings. I get inspired by DJ’s that enter this competition.
Read more of the interview here.
Just playing my usual residencies (Brisbane Hotel, hadiqa, Goody Twos and Embargo). Still marvelling at the requests people will ask for. S Club 7 was one recently that had me like WTF? Haha. Requested by a guy too. But as a friend reminded me “ain’t no party like a …" haha.
You are once again judging the 2019 WA DMC DJ Championship on Sunday 25th August at Universal Bar, what do you enjoy most about judging the competition?
It's always an honour to be asked to judge a competition like the DMCs. There’s such an awesome history there, its launched some amazing careers and its slowly building back up again in terms of entrants and skill level locally which is great. Last year was epic. Turntablism is such an important and often overlooked element in DJ culture. I really look forward to see what each year and each generation brings. I get inspired by DJ’s that enter this competition.
Read more of the interview here.
Interview with DJ Que
Hi DJ Que, thanks for taking time out for this interview. For Rappfox readers, who aren’t familiar with you, tell us a bit about yourself. How did you get into DJing?
Chur everyone and wassup Rappfox, lol, it started back in the 90’s for me. I really wanted to learn to play the guitar from my father as he was musically gifted and threw me a hand guide booklet from his era (60’s). There was no YouTube back then so I was like "omg, lol, I gave up straight away hands down like the Oz rugby team last Saturday".
Luckily, my uncle (DJ Demarz) was a very good DJ on the 1’s & 2’s and introduced me to this. It was like an eargasm of how to beat mix funky tunes and scratch. I was blown away back then cause back in those days I use to pinch a lot of his mixtapes back then, lol, and he was like our town's version of DJ Jazzy Jeff for us.
Peep DJ Que's sick lil set teaser and read more of the interview here.
Chur everyone and wassup Rappfox, lol, it started back in the 90’s for me. I really wanted to learn to play the guitar from my father as he was musically gifted and threw me a hand guide booklet from his era (60’s). There was no YouTube back then so I was like "omg, lol, I gave up straight away hands down like the Oz rugby team last Saturday".
Luckily, my uncle (DJ Demarz) was a very good DJ on the 1’s & 2’s and introduced me to this. It was like an eargasm of how to beat mix funky tunes and scratch. I was blown away back then cause back in those days I use to pinch a lot of his mixtapes back then, lol, and he was like our town's version of DJ Jazzy Jeff for us.
Peep DJ Que's sick lil set teaser and read more of the interview here.
Interview with Bace Kadet on 2019 WA DMCs
Yo Bace Kadet, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule for this interview.
No worries, can’t believe it’s been another year... and here we are again!
We’re excited you’ve re-entered the WA DMC DJ Championships for 2019, every year you’re a strong contender, what’s your thoughts on re-entering this year?
I’m just super keen to jam out on the only dedicated turntablist battle left in WA it’s always a mad vibe seeing what all the DJs have put together over the year!
You’ve been an entrant for a few years now, how have you seen the competition evolve in WA over the past few years?
There’s a lot more people just getting over the nerves and getting involved! 6 people this year! Most we’ve seen in a while.
Read more here and see the teaser video for his 2019 WA DMC set!
No worries, can’t believe it’s been another year... and here we are again!
We’re excited you’ve re-entered the WA DMC DJ Championships for 2019, every year you’re a strong contender, what’s your thoughts on re-entering this year?
I’m just super keen to jam out on the only dedicated turntablist battle left in WA it’s always a mad vibe seeing what all the DJs have put together over the year!
You’ve been an entrant for a few years now, how have you seen the competition evolve in WA over the past few years?
There’s a lot more people just getting over the nerves and getting involved! 6 people this year! Most we’ve seen in a while.
Read more here and see the teaser video for his 2019 WA DMC set!
DJ Zeus Interview
Hi DJ Zeus, thanks for taking time out for this interview.
Hey, thanks for having me on board. It is a pleasure speaking with you.
For Rappfox readers, who aren’t familiar with you, tell us a bit about yourself.
Well, I’m a simple and chill dude living Down Under. I did my high school in Perth and went to UWA. I’ve graduated with 3 different degrees, the highest being a Masters in Neuroscience and I plan to further myself in this field. Apart from that I love sports, music, dance and comedy. Did I mention I’m a DJ? :P
How did you get into DJing?
Ah, this is an interesting question… How I became a DJ was an accident. The story goes like this: I was always interested in the idea of remixing songs. Back then, remixed songs usually had a DJ name as the artist and you’ll often hear “DJ AHHH’ (this dude probably doesn’t exist, bear with me here) at some point in the song similar to DJ Khaled, albeit in a less obnoxious manner. And so, I thought that was what DJing was all about. In my pursuit to be a remixer, I decided to buy a cheap ass controller to learn the ropes of remixing because I thought that’s how remixes were made (don’t ask me how I came to that conclusion... because thinking about it now, I just cringe so hard like wtf was I thinking back then :/). Once I got the controller, I approached someone I knew that was a proper DJ contrary to my idealisation and I asked him about working this thing. He looked me dead in the eye and asked me if I wanted to be a producer or DJ? I was confused about it and he took time to explain the key differences between them and he asked me the same question again. I said I wanted to a DJ. He went into his room, took out a turntable and a 4-channel mixer, chucked it to me and told me “here you go, learn”. Read more here.
Hey, thanks for having me on board. It is a pleasure speaking with you.
For Rappfox readers, who aren’t familiar with you, tell us a bit about yourself.
Well, I’m a simple and chill dude living Down Under. I did my high school in Perth and went to UWA. I’ve graduated with 3 different degrees, the highest being a Masters in Neuroscience and I plan to further myself in this field. Apart from that I love sports, music, dance and comedy. Did I mention I’m a DJ? :P
How did you get into DJing?
Ah, this is an interesting question… How I became a DJ was an accident. The story goes like this: I was always interested in the idea of remixing songs. Back then, remixed songs usually had a DJ name as the artist and you’ll often hear “DJ AHHH’ (this dude probably doesn’t exist, bear with me here) at some point in the song similar to DJ Khaled, albeit in a less obnoxious manner. And so, I thought that was what DJing was all about. In my pursuit to be a remixer, I decided to buy a cheap ass controller to learn the ropes of remixing because I thought that’s how remixes were made (don’t ask me how I came to that conclusion... because thinking about it now, I just cringe so hard like wtf was I thinking back then :/). Once I got the controller, I approached someone I knew that was a proper DJ contrary to my idealisation and I asked him about working this thing. He looked me dead in the eye and asked me if I wanted to be a producer or DJ? I was confused about it and he took time to explain the key differences between them and he asked me the same question again. I said I wanted to a DJ. He went into his room, took out a turntable and a 4-channel mixer, chucked it to me and told me “here you go, learn”. Read more here.
Interview with DJ Mizhap
Hey Mizhap thanks for your time for this interview. For Rappfox readers who aren’t familiar with you, tell us a bit about yourself.
Ah, well… I’m a DJ… mainly. I started when I was 17 and it’s been a huge part of my life since then. I bought my Technics 1200s and 2-channel mixer about a year or so into it and I’ve been hooked ever since. I’ve always just wanted to do something I love, that’s been the goal… I’m extremely lucky and thankful to be able to do what I do for a living - I've been extremely blessed to get a lot of help along the way. I’m just a kid trying to live out my dreams. If you’ve ever seen me around town its probably been bopping on the 1’s and 2’s laying out all types of stuff, from funk, to hip hop, to cool house tracks I’ve found.. or it’s outside the kebab shop at 5am.
How long have you been DJing and how did you get into DJing?
I’ve been DJing for almost about 5 or 6 years now. I was only really doing it on weekends or occasionally back then, in the summertime and whatnot. I took the leap last year and quit my full-time job to fully commit to music and everything I want to do, and just have more time for expanding and for myself, which has been really fundamental for my growth.
Read more here or check out Mizhap's DMC teaser video here.
Ah, well… I’m a DJ… mainly. I started when I was 17 and it’s been a huge part of my life since then. I bought my Technics 1200s and 2-channel mixer about a year or so into it and I’ve been hooked ever since. I’ve always just wanted to do something I love, that’s been the goal… I’m extremely lucky and thankful to be able to do what I do for a living - I've been extremely blessed to get a lot of help along the way. I’m just a kid trying to live out my dreams. If you’ve ever seen me around town its probably been bopping on the 1’s and 2’s laying out all types of stuff, from funk, to hip hop, to cool house tracks I’ve found.. or it’s outside the kebab shop at 5am.
How long have you been DJing and how did you get into DJing?
I’ve been DJing for almost about 5 or 6 years now. I was only really doing it on weekends or occasionally back then, in the summertime and whatnot. I took the leap last year and quit my full-time job to fully commit to music and everything I want to do, and just have more time for expanding and for myself, which has been really fundamental for my growth.
Read more here or check out Mizhap's DMC teaser video here.
Interview with the Reigning Australian DMC DJ Champion DJ Midsole
Hey Midsole, thanks for your time for this interview. It’s that time of year again the Australian DMC DJ Championships. You’re the reigning champ. How are you feeling about it all?
Thank you for hitting me up for an interview! I’m super pumped and excited on returning back to the Nationals in Melbourne to defend the Australian DMC title. As always, I’m keen to see what each state has prepared and see what new creative and innovative routines are lined up!
Last year saw you come out of competition retirement and win the WA Championship. How did that feel?
It felt amazing making a return last year. Dusting off the cobwebs wasn’t easy but I’m happy to know that I’ve still got it in me. It was a last minute decision that surprised a lot people but I’m glad it all worked out in the end.
You then went onto win the National Championships against some fierce competition. Were you expecting it? How did you feel on the night after your set?
Honestly, I was just stoked to be back and I didn’t expect the win at all. It was a huge achievement that I’m extremely proud of and I hope that being the first ever Solo Australian DMC Champion to come out of Western Australia has encouraged more DJs in Perth to follow in my footsteps. Read more here.
Thank you for hitting me up for an interview! I’m super pumped and excited on returning back to the Nationals in Melbourne to defend the Australian DMC title. As always, I’m keen to see what each state has prepared and see what new creative and innovative routines are lined up!
Last year saw you come out of competition retirement and win the WA Championship. How did that feel?
It felt amazing making a return last year. Dusting off the cobwebs wasn’t easy but I’m happy to know that I’ve still got it in me. It was a last minute decision that surprised a lot people but I’m glad it all worked out in the end.
You then went onto win the National Championships against some fierce competition. Were you expecting it? How did you feel on the night after your set?
Honestly, I was just stoked to be back and I didn’t expect the win at all. It was a huge achievement that I’m extremely proud of and I hope that being the first ever Solo Australian DMC Champion to come out of Western Australia has encouraged more DJs in Perth to follow in my footsteps. Read more here.
Introducing Farai Katiyo... an interview with Atorina Saliba
I’m so curious about you, but there’s little information around. For those who aren't familiar with Farai Katiyo, tell us a bit about yourself. How did you get into rapping?
I was born in Zimbabwe which is a country in the southern part of Africa. I did my high school and university studies in New Zealand before moving to Melbourne, Australia in 2014. I started rapping at the age of 13 (now I am 27). The church I went to at the time, was putting together a concert. They wanted the kids in the church to do something. A guy at our church (who was a rapper) put 7 of us into a group and helped us to write a song to perform at the concert. I haven’t stopped rapping since that day! Although I have only pushed to make it my career in the last 2-3 years.
What inspires you to make music?
Perhaps my mindset is a bit old school, but I believe music should have meaning. It’s good to entertain people but I think artists ought to enrich people ‘s lives as well. I just want to influence and to influence people positively. Every time I hear a hip-hop song that disrespects women, promotes violence, drugs, or pushes people away from God my heart breaks. My love for life and my love for people inspires me to make music.
Read more here.
I was born in Zimbabwe which is a country in the southern part of Africa. I did my high school and university studies in New Zealand before moving to Melbourne, Australia in 2014. I started rapping at the age of 13 (now I am 27). The church I went to at the time, was putting together a concert. They wanted the kids in the church to do something. A guy at our church (who was a rapper) put 7 of us into a group and helped us to write a song to perform at the concert. I haven’t stopped rapping since that day! Although I have only pushed to make it my career in the last 2-3 years.
What inspires you to make music?
Perhaps my mindset is a bit old school, but I believe music should have meaning. It’s good to entertain people but I think artists ought to enrich people ‘s lives as well. I just want to influence and to influence people positively. Every time I hear a hip-hop song that disrespects women, promotes violence, drugs, or pushes people away from God my heart breaks. My love for life and my love for people inspires me to make music.
Read more here.
Jamahl Ryder Interview
SA Showing Off Their Talent: Q&A With Emcee Conseps On His Album Debut
Hey, how are you going? First, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi. I’m good, thanks for having me. My name’s Jimmy, I rap and produce under the name Conseps. I live in the southern suburbs of Adelaide and I’ve been writing and recording music on and off for over 10 years.
What made you want to become a Hip Hop artist?
I’ve always been a lover of music ever since I can remember. I always loved performing and singing as a kid. When I was a teenager I played in different bands in high school, but it wasn’t until I met my homie Patti that I decided to rap. The production side of hip hop was what really drew me in initially, but now days I mainly focus on song writing.
How did your stage name come about?
In my late teens I rapped under an abbreviated version of my name (JMuz) which I ditched when I met my man Beats. We had a thing going on the production tip and we planned to release an album with other rappers over our beats. I chose Conseps because it worked with Beats and rolled off the tongue. Beats and Conseps presents... we never ended up releasing that project, but Conseps ended up sticking.
Read more here.
Hi. I’m good, thanks for having me. My name’s Jimmy, I rap and produce under the name Conseps. I live in the southern suburbs of Adelaide and I’ve been writing and recording music on and off for over 10 years.
What made you want to become a Hip Hop artist?
I’ve always been a lover of music ever since I can remember. I always loved performing and singing as a kid. When I was a teenager I played in different bands in high school, but it wasn’t until I met my homie Patti that I decided to rap. The production side of hip hop was what really drew me in initially, but now days I mainly focus on song writing.
How did your stage name come about?
In my late teens I rapped under an abbreviated version of my name (JMuz) which I ditched when I met my man Beats. We had a thing going on the production tip and we planned to release an album with other rappers over our beats. I chose Conseps because it worked with Beats and rolled off the tongue. Beats and Conseps presents... we never ended up releasing that project, but Conseps ended up sticking.
Read more here.
Penny Purr Purrspectives EP Interview
Strictly DT Note To Self EP Interview
Q&A with Perth Artist Bertie Anderson
For Rappfox readers, who aren’t familiar with Bertie Anderson, tell us a bit about yourself. What made you get into music? And in particular R&B music?
I've been into music since childhood. From as early as I can remember, I've been amongst music and performing. My Father (dec.) was a touring performing reggae artist with a band called Brokin Inglish throughout the late 80’s/early 90’s and my Mother was part of the background singers for that band. I was mainly raised around the genres of Reggae, Blues, Gospel, Hip Hop, Rap, Pop and R&B.
R&B obviously stems from the Blues sound but I was drawn to R&B because of the melodies driven by the beat. I love to dance so R&B captured my heart and soul like it was meant to be.
I stumbled across your track Ice Cream on Spotify, which was released in November last year, and instantly liked it. It has a great vibe to it. Tell me about the process of making the track.
The process of creating Ice Cream is quite a funny story. I work with an artist by the name of Arian Anderson (A.J Lyriq) who is also featured on Ice Cream. Together we created the production duo The Andersons under a movement called #GreenTeam Music Australia. In one of our writing sessions I brought along an unfinished beat idea that was literally a 4 bar loop with a drum beat and bass line that I created one day just beat boxing.
We played it over and over and started to write. It was in the peak of summer and in the home studio set up we use, there was no air conditioning at the time. So as we're writing and coming up with ideas I said to Arian “bro, it's crazy hot today I feel like ice cream”. We started to have a conversation about ice cream and as we're talking we're both writing and humming tunes at the same time. Within minutes, I started singing “you got that little ice cream cone” to the melody of the bass line and before you know it we had the hook. The rest came very naturally once we decided it was gonna be a metaphorical song with sexual references. The whole song bar James Elmer's third verse was complete in a matter of an hour. Read more here.
I've been into music since childhood. From as early as I can remember, I've been amongst music and performing. My Father (dec.) was a touring performing reggae artist with a band called Brokin Inglish throughout the late 80’s/early 90’s and my Mother was part of the background singers for that band. I was mainly raised around the genres of Reggae, Blues, Gospel, Hip Hop, Rap, Pop and R&B.
R&B obviously stems from the Blues sound but I was drawn to R&B because of the melodies driven by the beat. I love to dance so R&B captured my heart and soul like it was meant to be.
I stumbled across your track Ice Cream on Spotify, which was released in November last year, and instantly liked it. It has a great vibe to it. Tell me about the process of making the track.
The process of creating Ice Cream is quite a funny story. I work with an artist by the name of Arian Anderson (A.J Lyriq) who is also featured on Ice Cream. Together we created the production duo The Andersons under a movement called #GreenTeam Music Australia. In one of our writing sessions I brought along an unfinished beat idea that was literally a 4 bar loop with a drum beat and bass line that I created one day just beat boxing.
We played it over and over and started to write. It was in the peak of summer and in the home studio set up we use, there was no air conditioning at the time. So as we're writing and coming up with ideas I said to Arian “bro, it's crazy hot today I feel like ice cream”. We started to have a conversation about ice cream and as we're talking we're both writing and humming tunes at the same time. Within minutes, I started singing “you got that little ice cream cone” to the melody of the bass line and before you know it we had the hook. The rest came very naturally once we decided it was gonna be a metaphorical song with sexual references. The whole song bar James Elmer's third verse was complete in a matter of an hour. Read more here.
Brandeus Q&A
For Rappfox readers, who aren’t familiar with Brandeus, tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Brandon Williams, I'm 23 years old and was born in Tamworth NSW but was raised and currently live on the Gold Coast QLD. Coming from a Brazilian background on my mothers side of the family, I had come up with my artist name BRANDEUS (English pronunciation BRAN-DAY-ES) as DEUS means God in Latin, Portuguese and Spanish. I just thought it had a nice ring to it and isn't a common artist name either.
What made you get into music? And in particular R&B music & hip hop?
I remember back when I was in primary school I used to listen to Green Day, Blink 182 and Metallica. I used to watch their live shows on DVD, so by the time I was 12 I had taken up playing guitar and used to watch YouTube tutorials and used the program Guitar Pro to learn.
As I went into high school, all my friends listened to rap music, particularly Eminem, 50 Cent and by 2010 Drake. My love for Hip Hop grew and since 2014, Hip Hop and R&B music has been global with a huge place in the music charts today. So my goal is to blend and vary my style with all music genres that I love, modern and old, Hip Hop and rock.
Your song War has been performing pretty well on Spotify with over 100k streams and really nails that new R&B/trap sound. Tell me about the process of making the track.
When it comes to writing, whatever I am feeling at the time, I come up with a concept first. I initially wrote War in August 2018 and during this time I was living with a lot of anxiety and depression, I felt lonely and at a crossroad or quarter life crisis, not knowing what to do or where to go with my life. Read more here.
My name is Brandon Williams, I'm 23 years old and was born in Tamworth NSW but was raised and currently live on the Gold Coast QLD. Coming from a Brazilian background on my mothers side of the family, I had come up with my artist name BRANDEUS (English pronunciation BRAN-DAY-ES) as DEUS means God in Latin, Portuguese and Spanish. I just thought it had a nice ring to it and isn't a common artist name either.
What made you get into music? And in particular R&B music & hip hop?
I remember back when I was in primary school I used to listen to Green Day, Blink 182 and Metallica. I used to watch their live shows on DVD, so by the time I was 12 I had taken up playing guitar and used to watch YouTube tutorials and used the program Guitar Pro to learn.
As I went into high school, all my friends listened to rap music, particularly Eminem, 50 Cent and by 2010 Drake. My love for Hip Hop grew and since 2014, Hip Hop and R&B music has been global with a huge place in the music charts today. So my goal is to blend and vary my style with all music genres that I love, modern and old, Hip Hop and rock.
Your song War has been performing pretty well on Spotify with over 100k streams and really nails that new R&B/trap sound. Tell me about the process of making the track.
When it comes to writing, whatever I am feeling at the time, I come up with a concept first. I initially wrote War in August 2018 and during this time I was living with a lot of anxiety and depression, I felt lonely and at a crossroad or quarter life crisis, not knowing what to do or where to go with my life. Read more here.
"We saw Hip Hop as it was first introduced into the mainstream. Bands were dressed like the Village People".
What up Full Circle. For those unfamiliar with Full Circle, you are Money J and DJ Triple D, two Perth Hip Hop pioneers. Thank you for your time.
Hey here and thank you very much for the interview it really means a lot to us.
First off, why Full Circle as a name?
Full Circle means, “When something comes Full Circle, It completes a cycle, returns to its beginnings”, which for us made sense as we’ve come together 30 years later so completed a cycle and taking our music style back to the foundations of Hip Hop.
You’ve recently released Beat, Rhymes and Basslines, which despite being 30+ years in the game, is really your debut. What inspired you both to make the album?
Triple Dee: A couple of present day Hip Hop types asked me why I wore fat shoe laces. They were basically asking me to show them my Hip Hop. Even though I felt offended I also understood the fact that my decision to quit hip hop in 1993 meant that this generation won’t know that we even existed. That’s our own fault. We can whinge and whine all day long about what we did back then, the history is important don’t get me wrong. Today we’re more interested in what’s happening now in the present. So the inspiration is that we’re getting older but we still want to represent.
Read more of the interview here.
Hey here and thank you very much for the interview it really means a lot to us.
First off, why Full Circle as a name?
Full Circle means, “When something comes Full Circle, It completes a cycle, returns to its beginnings”, which for us made sense as we’ve come together 30 years later so completed a cycle and taking our music style back to the foundations of Hip Hop.
You’ve recently released Beat, Rhymes and Basslines, which despite being 30+ years in the game, is really your debut. What inspired you both to make the album?
Triple Dee: A couple of present day Hip Hop types asked me why I wore fat shoe laces. They were basically asking me to show them my Hip Hop. Even though I felt offended I also understood the fact that my decision to quit hip hop in 1993 meant that this generation won’t know that we even existed. That’s our own fault. We can whinge and whine all day long about what we did back then, the history is important don’t get me wrong. Today we’re more interested in what’s happening now in the present. So the inspiration is that we’re getting older but we still want to represent.
Read more of the interview here.
"I just surrendered to my calling, it’s a spiritual thing though, it's bigger than me."
Hyclass is my favourite Perth rapper. The girl's got flow, style and skill. In the past couple years, she been on her grind after deciding to quit her day job and focus on music full-time. Her efforts have been rewarded though, with countless show and even an award.
Rappfox catches up with the Queen on her huge 2018 and what she's got in the works for the new year.
Happy New Year Hyclass! How has the start of 2019 been treating you so far? Any resolutions?
It’s been awesome, I’ve had some time to rest and have a break, which was well needed but now I’m also trying to get back into it, been a bit hard to re-motivate with the time off but I’m easing into it having done a couple shows, preparing for more & working on new music.
As for resolutions, in all seriousness I’m constantly wanting to change & improve on things so why wait for a new year. Just keep trying!
You had a huge 2018, congratulations, which started with you quitting your day job and focusing on music, what inspired that?
Thank you! I guess, in my heart I always knew I wasn’t living out the life I was meant to be living, which was being creative, helping others and being an artist. But for a long time I just wasn’t ready to break away from my security and also had some fears of pursuing my passion because I didn’t want to be half arsed. Hence why I never really went all out with my music, yeah I put out a couple things over the years, done some shows but I never went for it. But I just surrendered to my calling, it’s a spiritual thing though, it's bigger than me.
Read more of the interview here.
Rappfox catches up with the Queen on her huge 2018 and what she's got in the works for the new year.
Happy New Year Hyclass! How has the start of 2019 been treating you so far? Any resolutions?
It’s been awesome, I’ve had some time to rest and have a break, which was well needed but now I’m also trying to get back into it, been a bit hard to re-motivate with the time off but I’m easing into it having done a couple shows, preparing for more & working on new music.
As for resolutions, in all seriousness I’m constantly wanting to change & improve on things so why wait for a new year. Just keep trying!
You had a huge 2018, congratulations, which started with you quitting your day job and focusing on music, what inspired that?
Thank you! I guess, in my heart I always knew I wasn’t living out the life I was meant to be living, which was being creative, helping others and being an artist. But for a long time I just wasn’t ready to break away from my security and also had some fears of pursuing my passion because I didn’t want to be half arsed. Hence why I never really went all out with my music, yeah I put out a couple things over the years, done some shows but I never went for it. But I just surrendered to my calling, it’s a spiritual thing though, it's bigger than me.
Read more of the interview here.
"...I’m sure you’ve asked me this in previous interviews and one of my answers was my album is coming out this year. This time I mean it..."
For all the WA Hip Hop heads, Rob Shaker needs know introduction but for the uninitiated he is the producer/owner of Shake Down Studios and Shake Down Records, he has produced countless beats for rappers all across Australia and in a previous life toured as WA Hip Hop king Drapht's DJ.
He is also a family man but more recently he's added another career highlight to his belt winning the final ever Beat Down competition.
Rob Shaker, congratulations on winning Beat Down 11, how does it feel?
Hey Kylie, cheers very much! Yeah it’s great to have been a part of such an amazing institution that was the Beat Down over the years and to take the win, especially in the last one is certainly an amazing feeling. Massive shout out to Rae for giving us the Beat Down and making it so successful for 11 years straight.
This is your second win, you won back in 2012, 6 years ago now! How do you think your sound has evolved?
I think the Beat Down and making beats for competitions really evolved my sound early on. Prior to 2012 I was very focused throughout each year on making epic beats for the comp and some years I’d spend over a month preparing beats just for it. Since then I’ve started working in the studio full time and a big part of my job is adapting my sound to what people want to rap or sing to, so I’ve really had to think outside the box and research different sounds that people want. That’s probably led to my beats naturally progressing to be less epic, but also more musical. Also, it’s a lot easier having won a Beat Down previously to just enjoy the composition process instead of over thinking it which I have definitely been guilty of in past years. When you get to the finals a few times and lose it’s certainly something that plays on your mind when making beats, but after you get the gratification of winning it’s easy to just get back into making beats for fun.
Read more of the interview here.
He is also a family man but more recently he's added another career highlight to his belt winning the final ever Beat Down competition.
Rob Shaker, congratulations on winning Beat Down 11, how does it feel?
Hey Kylie, cheers very much! Yeah it’s great to have been a part of such an amazing institution that was the Beat Down over the years and to take the win, especially in the last one is certainly an amazing feeling. Massive shout out to Rae for giving us the Beat Down and making it so successful for 11 years straight.
This is your second win, you won back in 2012, 6 years ago now! How do you think your sound has evolved?
I think the Beat Down and making beats for competitions really evolved my sound early on. Prior to 2012 I was very focused throughout each year on making epic beats for the comp and some years I’d spend over a month preparing beats just for it. Since then I’ve started working in the studio full time and a big part of my job is adapting my sound to what people want to rap or sing to, so I’ve really had to think outside the box and research different sounds that people want. That’s probably led to my beats naturally progressing to be less epic, but also more musical. Also, it’s a lot easier having won a Beat Down previously to just enjoy the composition process instead of over thinking it which I have definitely been guilty of in past years. When you get to the finals a few times and lose it’s certainly something that plays on your mind when making beats, but after you get the gratification of winning it’s easy to just get back into making beats for fun.
Read more of the interview here.
"I think that diversity is what I try to bring to my music..."
KVKA is a Zambian born, New Zealand based rapper who found internet fame back in 2014 with a hip hop/trap track that went viral. It's currently sitting at 1.7 MILLION views on YouTube.
But KVKA is much more than that as he explores new and different styles and is even planning a move to Melbourne, Australia.
You’re currently based in Hamilton New Zealand but you have African heritage, tell us about your background and the man behind the music.
I was born in Zambia to a Major in the army and a Nurse, I’m the baby of the family and have two older siblings a brother and a sister. I moved around a lot twice in Zambia, then to England, Wales and finally settling down in New Zealand.
I think that diversity is what I try to bring to my music, I was raised with Zambian gospel and traditional music, British punk rock, RnB , Grime, Rock, Metal and Hip Hop. And I want to give my listeners that journey.
Also I believe you’re about to make the move to Australia, Melbourne specifically. What’s the drive behind the move?
The same reason everyone goes to a bigger city, the pursuit of happiness.
I love New Zealand but I haven’t been happy here in a long time, I think because of the success of 'Who You' to such a small place, I seemed a lot more successful than I was and in turn got a lot more hate and backlash for my actions growing up, but bigger than that, I want to make my people proud.
Read more of the interview here.
But KVKA is much more than that as he explores new and different styles and is even planning a move to Melbourne, Australia.
You’re currently based in Hamilton New Zealand but you have African heritage, tell us about your background and the man behind the music.
I was born in Zambia to a Major in the army and a Nurse, I’m the baby of the family and have two older siblings a brother and a sister. I moved around a lot twice in Zambia, then to England, Wales and finally settling down in New Zealand.
I think that diversity is what I try to bring to my music, I was raised with Zambian gospel and traditional music, British punk rock, RnB , Grime, Rock, Metal and Hip Hop. And I want to give my listeners that journey.
Also I believe you’re about to make the move to Australia, Melbourne specifically. What’s the drive behind the move?
The same reason everyone goes to a bigger city, the pursuit of happiness.
I love New Zealand but I haven’t been happy here in a long time, I think because of the success of 'Who You' to such a small place, I seemed a lot more successful than I was and in turn got a lot more hate and backlash for my actions growing up, but bigger than that, I want to make my people proud.
Read more of the interview here.
Strictly DT moves to Melbourne: "I’m still mad fresh to this place."
Strictly DT is an old friend of Rappfox and we catch up with him on his move to Burn City.
DT it’s been a minute, how have you been? What have you been up to?
Hey Rappfox long time no see I’ve been great thanks for asking! Still settling into the new city, moved my family into a nice place, organising the house and preparing for a dope 2019
You recently moved to Melbourne to further your career, how has the move been so far?
The move has been exciting but confronting at the same time. Moving over with your partner and newborn son to further your music career is nothing short of crazy! No connects in the scene, leaving a city where I was performing every other week, to not performing at all and starting from scratch. I quit my job to move to a city where I have no job, and leaving my immediate family and friends in the Perth Hip Hop scene to give this a proper go. Jumping into the unknown is the best way to grow and learn. The love, support and trust that my partner and son give me is enough to push through the pressure and just do my best.
How do the Perth Hip Hop & Melbourne Hip Hop scenes compare?
I’m still mad fresh to this place. I’ve only had the opportunity to attend a handful of events so far. But from what I gathered is the population difference. With such a jump in numbers its much easier to experiment and be your authentic self knowing there’s a good chance people will attend. I’ve been to boom bap events, (shout out to Nelson Dialect & Must Volkoff! They threw a great show), Indigenous empowerment events representing Naarm, which is the original Wurundjeri name for Melbourne (so much talent that night, shout out to @Drmngnow - Neil Morris, @RiverBoyofficial and the girl who nearly made me cry with her moving poems, @Laniyuk) I even dragged K21 (also new to Melbourne) to a trap event. With saying that, I’ve also witnessed Perth is at a stage of growth and transition. The last few gigs I’ve done with Hyclass especially, I’ve noticed so many new artists and bands emerging from the scene! Different styles, different sounds, I’m enjoying it. I’m excited to see where Perth goes next.
Read more of the interview here.
DT it’s been a minute, how have you been? What have you been up to?
Hey Rappfox long time no see I’ve been great thanks for asking! Still settling into the new city, moved my family into a nice place, organising the house and preparing for a dope 2019
You recently moved to Melbourne to further your career, how has the move been so far?
The move has been exciting but confronting at the same time. Moving over with your partner and newborn son to further your music career is nothing short of crazy! No connects in the scene, leaving a city where I was performing every other week, to not performing at all and starting from scratch. I quit my job to move to a city where I have no job, and leaving my immediate family and friends in the Perth Hip Hop scene to give this a proper go. Jumping into the unknown is the best way to grow and learn. The love, support and trust that my partner and son give me is enough to push through the pressure and just do my best.
How do the Perth Hip Hop & Melbourne Hip Hop scenes compare?
I’m still mad fresh to this place. I’ve only had the opportunity to attend a handful of events so far. But from what I gathered is the population difference. With such a jump in numbers its much easier to experiment and be your authentic self knowing there’s a good chance people will attend. I’ve been to boom bap events, (shout out to Nelson Dialect & Must Volkoff! They threw a great show), Indigenous empowerment events representing Naarm, which is the original Wurundjeri name for Melbourne (so much talent that night, shout out to @Drmngnow - Neil Morris, @RiverBoyofficial and the girl who nearly made me cry with her moving poems, @Laniyuk) I even dragged K21 (also new to Melbourne) to a trap event. With saying that, I’ve also witnessed Perth is at a stage of growth and transition. The last few gigs I’ve done with Hyclass especially, I’ve noticed so many new artists and bands emerging from the scene! Different styles, different sounds, I’m enjoying it. I’m excited to see where Perth goes next.
Read more of the interview here.
Interview with Perth's DJ Veeness
As far as female DJs go in Perth, DJ Veeness is an OG. She has her finger in many Hip Hop pies including being the Coordinator of the All City Hop Hop show on RTRFM. We chat to Perth's #1 Queen DJ on her career, humble beginnings and what's in store for 2019.
Hi DJ Veeness, thanks for taking time out for this interview.
You are a staple in the Australian Hip Hop scene, how did you get into hip hop and DJing?
The discovery of Hip Hop music came from a young age. Being born and raised in Perth, there was not much exposure to hard core Hip Hop commercially. In the early 90’s, my older sister was going through a stage of listening to Rap music. She had all the tapes including LL Cool J, 2 Live Crew and NWA and I have fond memories of swimming in our pool with the cassette player blasting Me So Horny. My love for this raw, gangsta style of music began and evolved into a passion.
Once I left school, there was an advert looking for DJ’s with a mobile DJ Company. No experience needed! I applied and got the job. I used to rock weddings, parties and events with two Sony CD Discman’s and an extremely basic two channel mixer and PA Speakers. It was fun, but I wanted to really learn the art of DJ’ing on two turntables and vinyl the proper way. I decided to travel to the birth place of Hip Hop, New York, to learn some skills at the newly opened Scratch DJ Academy. The Scratch Academy connected me with legends in the DJ game, with teachers such as the likes of Mr Sinista from the X-Ecutioners, who on the fly would get behind the turntables and kill it with complex scratches, beat juggling and eccentric moves. The rest is history!
What is your favourite thing about DJing?
My favourite thing about DJ’ing is making people happy and the effect I have by playing the music I love. It is a thrill to start with an empty dancefloor and set a mood, creating a vibe. Then you see the crowd starting to feel the music and express themselves. By the end of it, they are begging for one more song. It is very gratifying to see people enjoying themselves and getting feedback that you have made their night.
Read more of the interview here.
Hi DJ Veeness, thanks for taking time out for this interview.
You are a staple in the Australian Hip Hop scene, how did you get into hip hop and DJing?
The discovery of Hip Hop music came from a young age. Being born and raised in Perth, there was not much exposure to hard core Hip Hop commercially. In the early 90’s, my older sister was going through a stage of listening to Rap music. She had all the tapes including LL Cool J, 2 Live Crew and NWA and I have fond memories of swimming in our pool with the cassette player blasting Me So Horny. My love for this raw, gangsta style of music began and evolved into a passion.
Once I left school, there was an advert looking for DJ’s with a mobile DJ Company. No experience needed! I applied and got the job. I used to rock weddings, parties and events with two Sony CD Discman’s and an extremely basic two channel mixer and PA Speakers. It was fun, but I wanted to really learn the art of DJ’ing on two turntables and vinyl the proper way. I decided to travel to the birth place of Hip Hop, New York, to learn some skills at the newly opened Scratch DJ Academy. The Scratch Academy connected me with legends in the DJ game, with teachers such as the likes of Mr Sinista from the X-Ecutioners, who on the fly would get behind the turntables and kill it with complex scratches, beat juggling and eccentric moves. The rest is history!
What is your favourite thing about DJing?
My favourite thing about DJ’ing is making people happy and the effect I have by playing the music I love. It is a thrill to start with an empty dancefloor and set a mood, creating a vibe. Then you see the crowd starting to feel the music and express themselves. By the end of it, they are begging for one more song. It is very gratifying to see people enjoying themselves and getting feedback that you have made their night.
Read more of the interview here.
A 3x DMC Champ & OG Perth DJ is back to fight for the DMC crown
As a partner with the WA DMC DJ Championships, Rappfox is excited to bring to you the 2018 Perth heat following a successful 2017.
In the lead up to tomorrow's event, we spoke to DJ Junior about his return to the DMC competition, how he thinks he has improved in the past 14 years since he won in 2004 and what can we expect from his set.
Hi Junior, we’re all very excited to hear you’re coming back to the DMC DJ Competition in 2018. What drove the decision to come back?
I actually did the mix 2 years ago and then couldn’t be bothered entering. Was happy just mucking about in my studio, since I retired from DJing altogether in 2013. It was the same feeling last year. This year, I mentioned to my wife that I was sick of the mix and didn’t just want a showcase set, so I finally made the commitment to enter the DMCs again. Plus DJ Midsole is the only other 3 x WA DMC Champion so I thought I’d give it a crack and see who gets the 4th title or maybe DJ Bace Kadet will join the threepeat club. Either way it’s gonna be a fun night.
You last won the WA competition in 2004, 14 years ago now, assuming you’ve been practicing in that time. How have you skilled up/improved on previous years?
Yes and no. I love DJing at the clubs, so mixing has always been priority. You can’t bust out a continuous scratch or an intense beat juggle breakdown in a club set. I used to practice in the mid 90s for 4-5 hours a day\7 days a week. Nowadays it’s maybe an hour every few weeks (before my forearm and shoulders start hurting hahaha).
Read more of the interview here.
In the lead up to tomorrow's event, we spoke to DJ Junior about his return to the DMC competition, how he thinks he has improved in the past 14 years since he won in 2004 and what can we expect from his set.
Hi Junior, we’re all very excited to hear you’re coming back to the DMC DJ Competition in 2018. What drove the decision to come back?
I actually did the mix 2 years ago and then couldn’t be bothered entering. Was happy just mucking about in my studio, since I retired from DJing altogether in 2013. It was the same feeling last year. This year, I mentioned to my wife that I was sick of the mix and didn’t just want a showcase set, so I finally made the commitment to enter the DMCs again. Plus DJ Midsole is the only other 3 x WA DMC Champion so I thought I’d give it a crack and see who gets the 4th title or maybe DJ Bace Kadet will join the threepeat club. Either way it’s gonna be a fun night.
You last won the WA competition in 2004, 14 years ago now, assuming you’ve been practicing in that time. How have you skilled up/improved on previous years?
Yes and no. I love DJing at the clubs, so mixing has always been priority. You can’t bust out a continuous scratch or an intense beat juggle breakdown in a club set. I used to practice in the mid 90s for 4-5 hours a day\7 days a week. Nowadays it’s maybe an hour every few weeks (before my forearm and shoulders start hurting hahaha).
Read more of the interview here.
DJ Twist set to bring back some of that old school flavour at DMCs Perth
DJ Twist competing in the 2017 DMC Perth heat
As a partner with the WA DMC DJ Championships, Rappfox is excited to bring to you the 2018 Perth heat following a successful 2017.
In the lead up to this Sunday's event, we spoke to DJ Twist about his love for turntablism and DJing and what he's got in store for us with his set in this year's competition.
DJ Twist, for people who aren’t familiar with you, tell us a bit about yourself. How did you get into DJing?
I got into DJing when one of my best friend's older brother had a pair of belt drive turntables on his couch. We were cutting up some random Michael Jackson tracks but I thought that's pretty cool and the rest has been fun and creative since.
What do you love about turntablism and DJing with vinyl?
What I love about turntablism is an individual's ability to interpret music and sound and recreate something different... it provides a creative outlet for me. I love conceptualizing routines if only in my head at first... some people draw, sing, dance... this is me!
How have the practice sessions been going? What do they entail?
Practise has been good... not as frequent or as consistently as a perfect world might provide but its been good... I usually go to my DJ room with a rough sketch (in my head) or an idea that I can use and see where the music takes me.
Now that I'm a Dad, my son (2) is often there pushing stop and touching things which has helped my beat juggling cause him interfering makes me work harder to maintain rhythm... thank you son! <3
Read more of the interview here.
In the lead up to this Sunday's event, we spoke to DJ Twist about his love for turntablism and DJing and what he's got in store for us with his set in this year's competition.
DJ Twist, for people who aren’t familiar with you, tell us a bit about yourself. How did you get into DJing?
I got into DJing when one of my best friend's older brother had a pair of belt drive turntables on his couch. We were cutting up some random Michael Jackson tracks but I thought that's pretty cool and the rest has been fun and creative since.
What do you love about turntablism and DJing with vinyl?
What I love about turntablism is an individual's ability to interpret music and sound and recreate something different... it provides a creative outlet for me. I love conceptualizing routines if only in my head at first... some people draw, sing, dance... this is me!
How have the practice sessions been going? What do they entail?
Practise has been good... not as frequent or as consistently as a perfect world might provide but its been good... I usually go to my DJ room with a rough sketch (in my head) or an idea that I can use and see where the music takes me.
Now that I'm a Dad, my son (2) is often there pushing stop and touching things which has helped my beat juggling cause him interfering makes me work harder to maintain rhythm... thank you son! <3
Read more of the interview here.
2x WA DMC Champ DJ Bace Kadet ready for this Sunday's battle
Photo by NuShade
As a partner with the WA DMC DJ Championships, Rappfox is excited to bring to you the 2018 Perth heat following a successful 2017.
In the lead up to the competition, we spoke to 2x WA DMC DJ Champ Bace Kadet on competing in the 2018 competition, aiming for the threepeat hat trick and the announcement of the return of 3x WA DMC DJ Champ DJ Midsole to the competition.
Bace, you been practicing hard for this year’s DMC Perth Heat?
Hey Kylie! Super exited for battle season , I’ve been practising heaps! Trying to add in some new elements within my set to show the judges my versatility and risk taking ability!
What does your practice sessions entail?
My practice sessions entail going over my set and refining which ideas work and which don’t, and then expanding from there - I always do my scratch and juggling drills as a warm up and then move onto the technical side of my routine from there!
How do you think you’ve improved/skilled up from last year?
Since last year I’ve been working on my beat juggle patterns and expanding my “vocabulary”. I’ve come to a point where I realised my scratching was at a much higher level than my juggles and I wanted to change this and balance out the skills a little more.
Read more here.
In the lead up to the competition, we spoke to 2x WA DMC DJ Champ Bace Kadet on competing in the 2018 competition, aiming for the threepeat hat trick and the announcement of the return of 3x WA DMC DJ Champ DJ Midsole to the competition.
Bace, you been practicing hard for this year’s DMC Perth Heat?
Hey Kylie! Super exited for battle season , I’ve been practising heaps! Trying to add in some new elements within my set to show the judges my versatility and risk taking ability!
What does your practice sessions entail?
My practice sessions entail going over my set and refining which ideas work and which don’t, and then expanding from there - I always do my scratch and juggling drills as a warm up and then move onto the technical side of my routine from there!
How do you think you’ve improved/skilled up from last year?
Since last year I’ve been working on my beat juggle patterns and expanding my “vocabulary”. I’ve come to a point where I realised my scratching was at a much higher level than my juggles and I wanted to change this and balance out the skills a little more.
Read more here.
Interview with Your Best Friend Jippy
Rappfox interviewed up-and-coming Perth producer, Your Best Friend Jippy, following the release of his mixtape, Beat Mercs. Beat Mercs is a collaborative EP with local rapper Kehali and recevied airplay on RTRFM.
For Rappfox readers who aren’t familiar with Your Best Friend Jippy, tell us a bit about yourself.
I'm 19, from Perth, Australia and I basically make a lot of instrumental sample-based music. By now, I've got a pretty huge discography of beat tapes, remixes, and other Hip Hop-centric projects.
How did you get into producing music?
I've always loved the beats behind groups like A Tribe Called Quest or De La Soul. I've been listening to groups like that since I was in primary school and my music taste just snowballed from there. When I found out the original samples for some of these classic tracks from groups like Slum Village I was instantly hooked into this beat stuff. I got my first hardware for making beats in early 2016 I believe. You can hear a lot of influence in my music from people like Madlib, Dilla, MF DOOM, Knxwledge, Tuamie, and KanKick. I've learnt a lot of different things from artists like these and tried to incorporate these learnings into my own projects. When I heard a beat tape by Tuamie called Rituals I decided to try and make a beat tape and my style has just evolved from there.
Recently you released a dope mixtape, with emcee Kehali, called Beat Mercs, how did you two link?
Me and Kehali met through mutual friends at a party a good few years ago, and later we came up with the idea to do a project with me on beats and him rhyming. He's real nice on the mic and it was just luck that we were both in Perth.
Read more of the interview here.
For Rappfox readers who aren’t familiar with Your Best Friend Jippy, tell us a bit about yourself.
I'm 19, from Perth, Australia and I basically make a lot of instrumental sample-based music. By now, I've got a pretty huge discography of beat tapes, remixes, and other Hip Hop-centric projects.
How did you get into producing music?
I've always loved the beats behind groups like A Tribe Called Quest or De La Soul. I've been listening to groups like that since I was in primary school and my music taste just snowballed from there. When I found out the original samples for some of these classic tracks from groups like Slum Village I was instantly hooked into this beat stuff. I got my first hardware for making beats in early 2016 I believe. You can hear a lot of influence in my music from people like Madlib, Dilla, MF DOOM, Knxwledge, Tuamie, and KanKick. I've learnt a lot of different things from artists like these and tried to incorporate these learnings into my own projects. When I heard a beat tape by Tuamie called Rituals I decided to try and make a beat tape and my style has just evolved from there.
Recently you released a dope mixtape, with emcee Kehali, called Beat Mercs, how did you two link?
Me and Kehali met through mutual friends at a party a good few years ago, and later we came up with the idea to do a project with me on beats and him rhyming. He's real nice on the mic and it was just luck that we were both in Perth.
Read more of the interview here.
Poets Laureate Interview
Rappfox interviews local Hip Hop duo Poets Laureate in the lead up to their album launch party Friday night.
You’ve released your debut album, Dishwashing Deities, what was the inspiration behind the music?
We pull inspiration from so many places whether it be work, our past, the music we listen to, friends, fam and ... ahh... other recreational activities. We really tried to show exactly who we are with this album by just making songs that told all that about us.
The album features a number of local producers, what was the creative process?
Most of the album we would meet with producers running through their catalogue picking what best suited the vibe we were on, or making the best together from scratch. Some of the beats like Come Home by Dazastah and Free My Soul by Uncle Sam got in the studio, we spoke about the direction we wanted and they took it places better than we thought!
Read more of the interview here.
You’ve released your debut album, Dishwashing Deities, what was the inspiration behind the music?
We pull inspiration from so many places whether it be work, our past, the music we listen to, friends, fam and ... ahh... other recreational activities. We really tried to show exactly who we are with this album by just making songs that told all that about us.
The album features a number of local producers, what was the creative process?
Most of the album we would meet with producers running through their catalogue picking what best suited the vibe we were on, or making the best together from scratch. Some of the beats like Come Home by Dazastah and Free My Soul by Uncle Sam got in the studio, we spoke about the direction we wanted and they took it places better than we thought!
Read more of the interview here.
Nelson Dialect & Must Volkoff Magnetism EP Interview
What is it about your musical friendship/relationship that makes you both work so well together? You worked together on White Russian & Aquanaut and now on a full project in Magnetism.
Dialect: I think there’s a mutual understanding and appreciation of what we like and the way we work and communicate. Its always very easy going and we are 9 times out of 10 on the same page with an idea or direction. I love the music he makes and Must lets me do whatever lyrically. It is chemistry.
Bootsy Collins once said “win or lose you cant fight the groove” and I try and use that approach to collaboration. If it’s a struggle or too much compromise then I don’t think it’s meant to be. It should come naturally.
Must: It’s mad cos we’re quite different as people, and in different cities so when we get together it’s always work, but i’m always excited to be doing it. I think we’d been friends for a while before the first collab. There’s obviously a mutual respect there. I rarely need to ask him to do anything differently. I normally know i’m hearing the song live when he’s in the booth cos he rarely needs a second take. That’s a crazy feeling. I think we’re both strong musicians not just a rapper and a beat maker. That’s where the unspoken understanding comes in. Nels comes with songs not just bars and always complements my beats musically. We have the same kind of vision and dedication. We’re both ambitious and fully committed.
The album cover art is, to me, symbolic of all the darkness and dirt that life sometimes attracts and the forces of that attraction (magnetism). What was the idea behind it and what is it meant to represent?
Dialect: I dig that interpretation and really it could mean whatever someone takes from it. I guess the title of the album reflects that chemistry I spoke about between us creatively. Also the concept of Magnetism for me as an album title is speaking on the kind of energy we draw in and attract in our life reflects in your mind state and attitude kind of like Iron filings to a magnet. The mind being the magnet, the filings being these things we observe happening to us or affecting us.
Must: I can’t take credit for the concept. The texture is a blank page from an old family book of recipes. I just wanted something simple that would make a dope sleeve. I think the title track was the first tune we made so it just grew from there. I reckon that’s the best tune we’ve made so far.
Read more of the interview here.
Dialect: I think there’s a mutual understanding and appreciation of what we like and the way we work and communicate. Its always very easy going and we are 9 times out of 10 on the same page with an idea or direction. I love the music he makes and Must lets me do whatever lyrically. It is chemistry.
Bootsy Collins once said “win or lose you cant fight the groove” and I try and use that approach to collaboration. If it’s a struggle or too much compromise then I don’t think it’s meant to be. It should come naturally.
Must: It’s mad cos we’re quite different as people, and in different cities so when we get together it’s always work, but i’m always excited to be doing it. I think we’d been friends for a while before the first collab. There’s obviously a mutual respect there. I rarely need to ask him to do anything differently. I normally know i’m hearing the song live when he’s in the booth cos he rarely needs a second take. That’s a crazy feeling. I think we’re both strong musicians not just a rapper and a beat maker. That’s where the unspoken understanding comes in. Nels comes with songs not just bars and always complements my beats musically. We have the same kind of vision and dedication. We’re both ambitious and fully committed.
The album cover art is, to me, symbolic of all the darkness and dirt that life sometimes attracts and the forces of that attraction (magnetism). What was the idea behind it and what is it meant to represent?
Dialect: I dig that interpretation and really it could mean whatever someone takes from it. I guess the title of the album reflects that chemistry I spoke about between us creatively. Also the concept of Magnetism for me as an album title is speaking on the kind of energy we draw in and attract in our life reflects in your mind state and attitude kind of like Iron filings to a magnet. The mind being the magnet, the filings being these things we observe happening to us or affecting us.
Must: I can’t take credit for the concept. The texture is a blank page from an old family book of recipes. I just wanted something simple that would make a dope sleeve. I think the title track was the first tune we made so it just grew from there. I reckon that’s the best tune we’ve made so far.
Read more of the interview here.
Q&A with José Halftime
Photo by #1000dths
For Rappfox readers who aren’t familiar with Jose Halftime, tell us a bit about yourself.
So Jose Halftime, the name, came about around 3 years ago, previously I was under a different name but decided to change it. Jose is my first name and Halftime was inspired from Nas’ Illmatic opening track (Halftime) and I thought it had a good ring to it so I ran with it.
It seems you’ve been rapping for a few years now, what inspired you to start?
I have been writing since 2012, in my last year of high school, I listened to a lot of Aussie rap and New York 90s prior, which gave me the initial interest.
I think the main inspiration was seeing my mate Shadow doing his thing in rap, which made me, pick up the pen and the rest is history.
Your first full release Bonafide in 2016 was a solid debut release. Great beat selection. What was the inspiration behind that mixtape?
My mixtape Bonafide probably contains some of my most technical work, that was inspired a lot by artists Joey Fatts and Curren$y. They were and still are artists I draw a lot of influence from.
Read more here.
So Jose Halftime, the name, came about around 3 years ago, previously I was under a different name but decided to change it. Jose is my first name and Halftime was inspired from Nas’ Illmatic opening track (Halftime) and I thought it had a good ring to it so I ran with it.
It seems you’ve been rapping for a few years now, what inspired you to start?
I have been writing since 2012, in my last year of high school, I listened to a lot of Aussie rap and New York 90s prior, which gave me the initial interest.
I think the main inspiration was seeing my mate Shadow doing his thing in rap, which made me, pick up the pen and the rest is history.
Your first full release Bonafide in 2016 was a solid debut release. Great beat selection. What was the inspiration behind that mixtape?
My mixtape Bonafide probably contains some of my most technical work, that was inspired a lot by artists Joey Fatts and Curren$y. They were and still are artists I draw a lot of influence from.
Read more here.
Divine & Uncle Sam Interview
Interview with Rob Garza of Thievery Corporation
Photo by Lionel Deluy.
Rappfox chatted to Rob Garza, one half of American electronic music duo, Thievery Corporation, in the lead up to their Australian national tour. Thievery Corporation will be playing Perth this week and Rob spoke about his enjoyment touring Australia, influences on the new album and what else Thievery have been working on.
Hey, how’s it going [Rob]? Thank you for taking time out for this interview.
Sure thing.
So I’m from Perth, Western Australia and you’ll be coming here early next month. You’ve been here a couple times now, what do you love about touring in Australia?
We love the people, we love the vibe, we love just hanging out so its tough getting on an airplane to go back north whenever we’re down there. We always have a really great time with the fans. The fans are great and there’s a lot of love for Thievery [Corporation] down there.
Read more of the interview here.
Hey, how’s it going [Rob]? Thank you for taking time out for this interview.
Sure thing.
So I’m from Perth, Western Australia and you’ll be coming here early next month. You’ve been here a couple times now, what do you love about touring in Australia?
We love the people, we love the vibe, we love just hanging out so its tough getting on an airplane to go back north whenever we’re down there. We always have a really great time with the fans. The fans are great and there’s a lot of love for Thievery [Corporation] down there.
Read more of the interview here.
Black Milk Interview
Rappfox speaks to Detroit rapper/producer Black Milk who has recently been working on a new album FEVER and is touring Australia this month.
In your career, you have worked/associated with some interesting artists J Dilla, Black Thought of The Roots and Jack White of The White Stripes, what inspires your music?
At this point, my life experiences and things happening in the world inspire the content of my music. In terms of sonics, hearing good music from other artists of all genres from today but mostly from the past influence my production.
You have been in the game for sometime, how has your music and style evolved over the past 15+ years?
Sonically, my music has grown because I’ve grown as a producer/musician and as an engineer. I’ve always preferred to learn certain aspects of music, so I can have more control over the outcome, and engineering has been one of those aspects. More specifically, I’d say my sound has continued to evolve in the sense that I continue to experiment with new sounds and add layers, like live instrumentation, and different textures.
Read more here.
To pre-order Black Milk's FEVER album visit here.
For more info on the Low Key Source BBQ Party featuring Black Milk, Hyclass & Rok Riley, visit the Facebook event page here.
And to keep up to date with Black Milk and his music, follow his Facebook page.
In your career, you have worked/associated with some interesting artists J Dilla, Black Thought of The Roots and Jack White of The White Stripes, what inspires your music?
At this point, my life experiences and things happening in the world inspire the content of my music. In terms of sonics, hearing good music from other artists of all genres from today but mostly from the past influence my production.
You have been in the game for sometime, how has your music and style evolved over the past 15+ years?
Sonically, my music has grown because I’ve grown as a producer/musician and as an engineer. I’ve always preferred to learn certain aspects of music, so I can have more control over the outcome, and engineering has been one of those aspects. More specifically, I’d say my sound has continued to evolve in the sense that I continue to experiment with new sounds and add layers, like live instrumentation, and different textures.
Read more here.
To pre-order Black Milk's FEVER album visit here.
For more info on the Low Key Source BBQ Party featuring Black Milk, Hyclass & Rok Riley, visit the Facebook event page here.
And to keep up to date with Black Milk and his music, follow his Facebook page.
Bluntfield Interview
Rappfox had a quick Q&A with Map Fap Entertainment head honcho and local rapper Bluntfield in the lead up to the Fringe Festival showcase, MadFappaMania II. The rapper also talks about his success in 2017 and what he's got in store for 2018.
Hi Bluntfield, thanks for taking time out for this interview.
Hey, thanks for having me!
You had a big year last year, lots of shows, an album release, how are you feeling about 2018?
Yeah last year was awesome in terms of bucket list and goals ticked off that were set at the start of the year, getting to tour and support with some of my personal influential emcees was super inspiring and a taste of what could be with the right hustle. 2018 is looking to be another step up in the right direction, we’ve begun pre-production on the first music video off the upcoming full length album and I’m motivated to put out the best material to date, along with planting seeds in other areas indirect to the music itself.
Read more here.
For MadFappaMania II event info, check out there Facebook page here. Follow Bluntfield's moves on his Facebook page here.
Hi Bluntfield, thanks for taking time out for this interview.
Hey, thanks for having me!
You had a big year last year, lots of shows, an album release, how are you feeling about 2018?
Yeah last year was awesome in terms of bucket list and goals ticked off that were set at the start of the year, getting to tour and support with some of my personal influential emcees was super inspiring and a taste of what could be with the right hustle. 2018 is looking to be another step up in the right direction, we’ve begun pre-production on the first music video off the upcoming full length album and I’m motivated to put out the best material to date, along with planting seeds in other areas indirect to the music itself.
Read more here.
For MadFappaMania II event info, check out there Facebook page here. Follow Bluntfield's moves on his Facebook page here.
Merkules Q&A
Canadian rapper Merkules is hitting our shores for the first time in February/March this year. Known for his freestyle remixes, Merkules is keen to show Australian fans there’s more to his repertoire.
Are you excited to be coming to Australia for the first time?
Australia has always been on my bucket list of places to visit, Not just to come and perform there but just to experience it in general. The only thing I’m not excited about is the 24 hour plane ride there but we’ll survive haha.
How does it feel to be touring on the other side of the world with your music?
It feels amazing, My parents always tell me ‘’You know we haven’t been to half of the places you have with your music and were in our sixties’’. Its crazy to take all of that in but I’m blessed to do so and I’m happy thats become such a big part of my life now. My passports running out of places for stamps haha.
Read more here.
Catch Merkules in first national Australian tour in February/March, depending on your city, this year! Hit the Facebook fan or event page for more details. Tickets on sale now.
Are you excited to be coming to Australia for the first time?
Australia has always been on my bucket list of places to visit, Not just to come and perform there but just to experience it in general. The only thing I’m not excited about is the 24 hour plane ride there but we’ll survive haha.
How does it feel to be touring on the other side of the world with your music?
It feels amazing, My parents always tell me ‘’You know we haven’t been to half of the places you have with your music and were in our sixties’’. Its crazy to take all of that in but I’m blessed to do so and I’m happy thats become such a big part of my life now. My passports running out of places for stamps haha.
Read more here.
Catch Merkules in first national Australian tour in February/March, depending on your city, this year! Hit the Facebook fan or event page for more details. Tickets on sale now.
Interview with Vic the Bitter
Interview with Chris Webby
Recently opinionated, independent American rapper Chris Webby graced our shores on his first Australian tour which featured the Cheez TV hosts.
Rappfox managed to sneak a in Q&A into his busy schedule and learnt about the inspirations behind his fire disses.
What inspired you to start rapping?
I was raised in a household full of music. My dad is a lifelong guitarist, and I grew up being exposed good music every day. I also have always naturally excelled at using the English language. When I discovered rap music back when I was 10 or so, I knew right then and there that it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I studied it, became obsessed with it, practiced every element of it for years. The rest is history.
You’re most popular for your Raw Thoughts tracks, which disses just about everyone worth dissing, what inspired to write and release these tracks?
My songs have always reflected my thoughts. I would often be steered away from the shit talking by my previous manager, because keeping everything positive is an easier route. I’m with new management now, and there will no longer be a filter. The first Raw Thoughts was just me venting about things/people that bother me. After seeing the incredible response, I tailored the sequel to be even more on topic and vicious than it’s predecessor.
Read more here.
Rappfox managed to sneak a in Q&A into his busy schedule and learnt about the inspirations behind his fire disses.
What inspired you to start rapping?
I was raised in a household full of music. My dad is a lifelong guitarist, and I grew up being exposed good music every day. I also have always naturally excelled at using the English language. When I discovered rap music back when I was 10 or so, I knew right then and there that it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I studied it, became obsessed with it, practiced every element of it for years. The rest is history.
You’re most popular for your Raw Thoughts tracks, which disses just about everyone worth dissing, what inspired to write and release these tracks?
My songs have always reflected my thoughts. I would often be steered away from the shit talking by my previous manager, because keeping everything positive is an easier route. I’m with new management now, and there will no longer be a filter. The first Raw Thoughts was just me venting about things/people that bother me. After seeing the incredible response, I tailored the sequel to be even more on topic and vicious than it’s predecessor.
Read more here.
Interview with Brooklyn's DJ Chips
DJ Chips at The Bird, December 2017
Rappfox was lucky enough to interview Brooklyn's DJ Chips - one of the many DJ’s who was present/involved in the Brooklyn block parties when the culture/genre we now call Hip Hop was birthed. Peep the interview below as we talk about Brooklyns founding father DJs, Sound Systems and the evolution of Hip Hop.
I was lucky enough to catch your talk at The Bird in December but for Rappfox’s readers who aren’t familiar with DJ Chips, tell me a bit about yourself.
First, let me thank you for this opportunity to enlighten people about Brooklyn’s founding fathers DJs. Let preface by saying how I got the moniker Chips. It was given to me by this guy name Ray Wiggins who was a football player in my social studies class in high school. He kept calling me “Mr Chips” because I kept getting all the answers right. LOL. It comes from a movie called “Goodbye Mr Chips”. I just took the mister part off later.
I spent most of life growing up in Brooklyn and was always surrounded by music. A lot of my musical tastes come from mom and sister. I later branched out on my own. I also played marching percussion for many years with St Rita’s Brassmen and the NY Skyliners drum and bugle corps, which is a whole other animal by itself. But knowing how to play the drums definitely helped me with DJing. Knowing how to keep the beat is crucial to being a successful DJ. After the Brassmen disbanded I threw myself into DJing.
Read more here.
I was lucky enough to catch your talk at The Bird in December but for Rappfox’s readers who aren’t familiar with DJ Chips, tell me a bit about yourself.
First, let me thank you for this opportunity to enlighten people about Brooklyn’s founding fathers DJs. Let preface by saying how I got the moniker Chips. It was given to me by this guy name Ray Wiggins who was a football player in my social studies class in high school. He kept calling me “Mr Chips” because I kept getting all the answers right. LOL. It comes from a movie called “Goodbye Mr Chips”. I just took the mister part off later.
I spent most of life growing up in Brooklyn and was always surrounded by music. A lot of my musical tastes come from mom and sister. I later branched out on my own. I also played marching percussion for many years with St Rita’s Brassmen and the NY Skyliners drum and bugle corps, which is a whole other animal by itself. But knowing how to play the drums definitely helped me with DJing. Knowing how to keep the beat is crucial to being a successful DJ. After the Brassmen disbanded I threw myself into DJing.
Read more here.
Interview with DJ Allah Mathematics of Wu Tang Clan
Mama Kleio Interview
Interview with Solo from Horrorshow
Bace Kadet Interview
Strictly DT Interview
Marksman Lloyd Interview
Azmatik Interview
Bluntfield Interview
Beckon Interview
Perth producer Laidlaw wins the TFS Beat Battle
Laidlaw, thanks for taking time out for this interview.
Please, it’s my pleasure.
Congratulations you won the TFS beat battle at the Rosemount Hotel couple weekends ago? Tell me about the competition.
Well it’s always good to be involved with these types of events, I love hearing what other local producers have been working on, as well as catching up with mates and meeting new people. I think the standard for events of this sort has been set so high by the legend Rae Tanielu with the annual Beat Down comp that it’s hard for another one to come close. So it was a pretty small field, 8 producers, with everyone playing one track first, then getting matched up in an elimination style format and I was lucky enough to get the nod from the judges in the end to take it out.
Read more of the interview here.
Please, it’s my pleasure.
Congratulations you won the TFS beat battle at the Rosemount Hotel couple weekends ago? Tell me about the competition.
Well it’s always good to be involved with these types of events, I love hearing what other local producers have been working on, as well as catching up with mates and meeting new people. I think the standard for events of this sort has been set so high by the legend Rae Tanielu with the annual Beat Down comp that it’s hard for another one to come close. So it was a pretty small field, 8 producers, with everyone playing one track first, then getting matched up in an elimination style format and I was lucky enough to get the nod from the judges in the end to take it out.
Read more of the interview here.
Must Volkoff Interview
Rappfox interviewed Must Volkoff on the release of his latest album Aquanaut.
Hi Must, thanks for taking time out for this interview.
Easy.
So you just released Aquanaut, your second production album, what was the inspiration behind this album?
My approach to writing music has always been inspired by albums with a psychedelic feel. Also I’ve been playing Jazz since a very young age and the last few years I’ve realised that I’m a Jazz musician at heart and have been embracing that. These days i see the music i produce as Jazz as much as it is Hip Hop. The idea to make these kind of production albums that play a bit like a mixtape was also heavily inspired by the DJ Louis Slipperz 10 Pound Bag series. Basically I set out to make another production album that could stand up as a sequel to White Russian. I’m real proud of that record and it boosted my career so I put a lot of pressure on myself to make something that would live up to expectations. It was always going to be an aquatic theme. People were telling my beats sounded like some underwater trip so it made sense to go from outer space to the unexplored parts of the Earth.
Read more of the interview here.
Hi Must, thanks for taking time out for this interview.
Easy.
So you just released Aquanaut, your second production album, what was the inspiration behind this album?
My approach to writing music has always been inspired by albums with a psychedelic feel. Also I’ve been playing Jazz since a very young age and the last few years I’ve realised that I’m a Jazz musician at heart and have been embracing that. These days i see the music i produce as Jazz as much as it is Hip Hop. The idea to make these kind of production albums that play a bit like a mixtape was also heavily inspired by the DJ Louis Slipperz 10 Pound Bag series. Basically I set out to make another production album that could stand up as a sequel to White Russian. I’m real proud of that record and it boosted my career so I put a lot of pressure on myself to make something that would live up to expectations. It was always going to be an aquatic theme. People were telling my beats sounded like some underwater trip so it made sense to go from outer space to the unexplored parts of the Earth.
Read more of the interview here.
Rob Shaker & Hau Pocketful EP Interview
You’re both well-established members of the Australian hip hop scene, how did this collaboration EP come about?
Hau: I’ve known Rob for many years and working as the presenter on the triple j Hip Hop Show, I’d obviously play song he was involved in. So that respect was always there. One day, Rob hit me up about whether I’d be interested in working on a song for an album he was putting together. Of course I said “yes”.
Rob then sent me a file of beats. I liked, I think, five of them. I did a demo to those five beats, sent it to him and said, “pick one”. Haha. The beats were so dope and I just love writing, so it was no thing to do that. Rob liked all the demos and suggest we do an EP. I was like, “why the hell not?!”
Rob: I think what instantly struck me about the five demo tracks was that one was clearly the choice for my album due to it’s subject matter and style of the beat, and the other 4 had a very similar feel to them. Playing through them in a row seemed like I was listening to a project so I suggested it and I’m very thankful that Hau was keen too! He’s a king of our scene and someone I’ve respected for many years not just as a musician and his eloquence lyrically and vocally definitely took the ideas to a great place.
Read more here.
Hau: I’ve known Rob for many years and working as the presenter on the triple j Hip Hop Show, I’d obviously play song he was involved in. So that respect was always there. One day, Rob hit me up about whether I’d be interested in working on a song for an album he was putting together. Of course I said “yes”.
Rob then sent me a file of beats. I liked, I think, five of them. I did a demo to those five beats, sent it to him and said, “pick one”. Haha. The beats were so dope and I just love writing, so it was no thing to do that. Rob liked all the demos and suggest we do an EP. I was like, “why the hell not?!”
Rob: I think what instantly struck me about the five demo tracks was that one was clearly the choice for my album due to it’s subject matter and style of the beat, and the other 4 had a very similar feel to them. Playing through them in a row seemed like I was listening to a project so I suggested it and I’m very thankful that Hau was keen too! He’s a king of our scene and someone I’ve respected for many years not just as a musician and his eloquence lyrically and vocally definitely took the ideas to a great place.
Read more here.
Macshane Interview
Interview with Eloquor
Rappfox Q&A's East Coast rapper Eloquor on the release of his latest EP, Lunch.
Congratulations Eloquor on the the release of your fourth LP, Lunch. How does it feel to be 10 years into the game?
Like a proud old fart. Nah just kidding but yeah I love making tracks so why the hell not. I built a recording booth at home so I just smash out tracks and work on beats most nights. Not many people can say they have 4 LPs under their belt, so I’m pleased with my efforts.
10 years is a long time, how have you evolved as an artist over the years?
I kind of started as a weird spiritual rapper trying to uplift the world, now I make whatever I feel like or rap about shit that’s bothering me at the time. Guess I’m not as preachy and righteous as before. Been working on my flows and punch lines a lot more too.
Read more here.
Congratulations Eloquor on the the release of your fourth LP, Lunch. How does it feel to be 10 years into the game?
Like a proud old fart. Nah just kidding but yeah I love making tracks so why the hell not. I built a recording booth at home so I just smash out tracks and work on beats most nights. Not many people can say they have 4 LPs under their belt, so I’m pleased with my efforts.
10 years is a long time, how have you evolved as an artist over the years?
I kind of started as a weird spiritual rapper trying to uplift the world, now I make whatever I feel like or rap about shit that’s bothering me at the time. Guess I’m not as preachy and righteous as before. Been working on my flows and punch lines a lot more too.
Read more here.
The Four Owls Interview
Rappfox chats to Verb T in the lead up to The Four Owls Australian tour.
The Four Owls are finally taking flight to Australia, what are you most looking forward to (other than the shows)?
The shows! Oh right yeah, just meeting hip hop heads from over there, hopefully getting to see and experience some of the beautiful scenery and different parts of the country.
Read more here.
The Four Owls are finally taking flight to Australia, what are you most looking forward to (other than the shows)?
The shows! Oh right yeah, just meeting hip hop heads from over there, hopefully getting to see and experience some of the beautiful scenery and different parts of the country.
Read more here.
Wermonster Interview
Hip hop was born in New York, USA in the late 70’s and has since influenced popular culture unlike any other movement. It has been embraced and reinterpreted across the globe, no more so than Europe.
Wermonster is a Berlin-based producer who dabbles in hip hop. What was your first experience of the culture of hip hop?
Graffiti probably. Music-wise I think I was initially mainly interested in the instrumentals.
I say culture because hip hop is really more than music, but what was your inspiration to make hip hop music?
I liked that hip hop has the ability of feeding itself with other musics. So I could integrate a lot of my musical influences into it and create something new out of it.
Read more of the interview here.
Wermonster is a Berlin-based producer who dabbles in hip hop. What was your first experience of the culture of hip hop?
Graffiti probably. Music-wise I think I was initially mainly interested in the instrumentals.
I say culture because hip hop is really more than music, but what was your inspiration to make hip hop music?
I liked that hip hop has the ability of feeding itself with other musics. So I could integrate a lot of my musical influences into it and create something new out of it.
Read more of the interview here.
Milwaukee Banks Interview
Milwaukee Banks is a great name, something about it makes me pay attention. How did you come up with the name?
It was a mix of one of our favourite basketball teams names and another idea we had for the name.
How did you two link up?
We met through Dyl’s girlfriend’s family years ago. We always hung out and have always had interest in each others music projects around Melbourne. This MB project started when Edo sent Dyl a bunch of draft beats just for feedback, he ended up rapping on them.
You describe your music as detailed electronica with southern hip hop production, who are some of your influences?
It’s a real mix, musically we have a wide range of influences. Dyl listens to a lot of hip hop and rap records, and Edo listens to a lot of electronic stuff. I’d say for Dyl its a wide range of stuff from Clams Casino to Outkast and Future and Edo its more Joy Orbison, Jacques Greene and Jamie xx.
Read more of the interview here. Catch Milwaukee Banks at Mojos Bar Fremantle this Friday 13th May, tickets on sale at oztix or on the door.
It was a mix of one of our favourite basketball teams names and another idea we had for the name.
How did you two link up?
We met through Dyl’s girlfriend’s family years ago. We always hung out and have always had interest in each others music projects around Melbourne. This MB project started when Edo sent Dyl a bunch of draft beats just for feedback, he ended up rapping on them.
You describe your music as detailed electronica with southern hip hop production, who are some of your influences?
It’s a real mix, musically we have a wide range of influences. Dyl listens to a lot of hip hop and rap records, and Edo listens to a lot of electronic stuff. I’d say for Dyl its a wide range of stuff from Clams Casino to Outkast and Future and Edo its more Joy Orbison, Jacques Greene and Jamie xx.
Read more of the interview here. Catch Milwaukee Banks at Mojos Bar Fremantle this Friday 13th May, tickets on sale at oztix or on the door.
The Outside Inn Interview
Rappfox chats to Melbourne collective, The Outside Inn, on forming as a group and their soon-to-be released EP, Inntro.
And what was the moment when you thought as a collective, this is working creatively.
Sebby: Probably after Matt dished out a few beats on his newly purchased Maschine and Yan already had some beats in the vault, we decided to lay some vocals and throw around some concepts. Once we had a few songs coming along, the vibes just felt good and organic. We were just being ourselves musically and seeing where it would go.
Read more of the interview here. And follow The Outside Inn on Facebook here.
And what was the moment when you thought as a collective, this is working creatively.
Sebby: Probably after Matt dished out a few beats on his newly purchased Maschine and Yan already had some beats in the vault, we decided to lay some vocals and throw around some concepts. Once we had a few songs coming along, the vibes just felt good and organic. We were just being ourselves musically and seeing where it would go.
Read more of the interview here. And follow The Outside Inn on Facebook here.
Mastacraft Interview
Rappfox interviews Adelaide hip hop artist and promoter, Mastacraft, in the lead up to his tour with Canadian rapper Madchild. Mastacraft is no stranger to controversy, but with the release of his debut album, Fuck You Patrick, and a national tour, the artist is moving forward in 2016.
"I have been working on an album called Uppers & Downers for years, literally years, which spawned a single which hit on Nova called Ease The Pain. After so many delays and hardships I put it on the backburner. Then the Xzibit drama went down and well I was attacked from all sides even though nobody knew the real story and chose to believe under investigated media propaganda."
Read more of the interview here. Find out more about the Madchild / Mastacraft Australian tour here.
"I have been working on an album called Uppers & Downers for years, literally years, which spawned a single which hit on Nova called Ease The Pain. After so many delays and hardships I put it on the backburner. Then the Xzibit drama went down and well I was attacked from all sides even though nobody knew the real story and chose to believe under investigated media propaganda."
Read more of the interview here. Find out more about the Madchild / Mastacraft Australian tour here.
Beni Bjah Interview
Rappfox interviews Perth rapper, Beni Bjah.
Beni is about to release his debut album, Survivor. Survivor is also the title-track which is nominated for WAM Song of the Year.
Listen to the rapper chat about working on the album, his inspiration and his family. Survivor is out tomorrow Thursday 7th April.
Purchase the album here > beni-bjah.bandcamp.com/album/survivor
Beni is about to release his debut album, Survivor. Survivor is also the title-track which is nominated for WAM Song of the Year.
Listen to the rapper chat about working on the album, his inspiration and his family. Survivor is out tomorrow Thursday 7th April.
Purchase the album here > beni-bjah.bandcamp.com/album/survivor
Average Rap Band Interview
Rappfox interviews Average Rap Band about their latest release, El Sol.
"In 1982, Melbourne was a hot bed for electro rap funk fusion. For this LP we drew inspiration from that era. Groups such as The Blokes, Gayle Woodford, Alby and The Bastards."
Read more of the interview here.
Catch Average Rap Band at Mojos Bar Fremantle, Friday April 8th, event info here.
You can also catch them at Babushka Leederville, Saturday 9th April.
Purchase the El Sol EP from Bandcamp here, and follow the guys on the social medias; Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud.
"In 1982, Melbourne was a hot bed for electro rap funk fusion. For this LP we drew inspiration from that era. Groups such as The Blokes, Gayle Woodford, Alby and The Bastards."
Read more of the interview here.
Catch Average Rap Band at Mojos Bar Fremantle, Friday April 8th, event info here.
You can also catch them at Babushka Leederville, Saturday 9th April.
Purchase the El Sol EP from Bandcamp here, and follow the guys on the social medias; Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud.
Bitter Belief Interview
AKD & Deepstar Interview
Rappfox interviews UK-born, New York-based rapper AKD and Perth Australia producer Deepstar.
The up-and-coming duo have just released their album, Universal Language, that features hip hop heavyweights Masta Ace, Sadat X and AG.
"[O]ur story is a testament to the fact that Hip Hop is a Universal Language and brings people together from all over the world" says AKD.
Read the interview here.
Listen to and purchase the album here.
The up-and-coming duo have just released their album, Universal Language, that features hip hop heavyweights Masta Ace, Sadat X and AG.
"[O]ur story is a testament to the fact that Hip Hop is a Universal Language and brings people together from all over the world" says AKD.
Read the interview here.
Listen to and purchase the album here.
Mugzy Interview
For Rappfox readers, who aren’t familiar with Mugzy, tell us a bit about yourself.
Yeah the name’s Mugzy, I’m 25yrs old, resigned in a place called The Central Coast, which is about 1 hour & a half North of Sydney's CBD.
My brother who is 2 years younger than me introduced me to hip hop music.
When we were kids he had all these burnt CD's of artists such as Eminem, 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, even the likes of Bow Wow [laughs] and they were on loop constantly playing daily throughout the house.
Read more of the Mugzy interview here.
Yeah the name’s Mugzy, I’m 25yrs old, resigned in a place called The Central Coast, which is about 1 hour & a half North of Sydney's CBD.
My brother who is 2 years younger than me introduced me to hip hop music.
When we were kids he had all these burnt CD's of artists such as Eminem, 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, even the likes of Bow Wow [laughs] and they were on loop constantly playing daily throughout the house.
Read more of the Mugzy interview here.
DT Interview
Kogz Interview
Rappfox interviews Perth up-and-coming rapper, Kogz.
Kogz is currently working on his sophomore album, Trash Talk, which will be released sometime in March. The rapper says this album is "some of the most personal shit [he's] ever written".
Read the full interview here.
Kogz is currently working on his sophomore album, Trash Talk, which will be released sometime in March. The rapper says this album is "some of the most personal shit [he's] ever written".
Read the full interview here.
Bace Kadet Interview
Rappfox chats to one of Perth's up-and-coming turntablists, Bace Kadet.
Bace Kadet is not only one of the young crew bringing back the art of DJing but he is also a promoter of the monthly Dank night.
2016 is looking promising for Bace Kadet as his name appears on a number of line ups and Dank celebrates its first birthday.
Read more of the interview here.
Bace Kadet is not only one of the young crew bringing back the art of DJing but he is also a promoter of the monthly Dank night.
2016 is looking promising for Bace Kadet as his name appears on a number of line ups and Dank celebrates its first birthday.
Read more of the interview here.
The Tongue Interview
Rappfox interviews The Tongue in the lead up to his Hard Feelings tour show in Perth.
According to the rapper, "...Hard Feelings is my best album… it’s my fourth album… so I think if you listen to those records you can hear a steady progression."
Read the interview here.
The Tongue is playing Hussle Hussle at Mojos Bar Fremantle next Friday 12th February. $15 pre-sale or $20 on the door. Hit the event page for more info.
According to the rapper, "...Hard Feelings is my best album… it’s my fourth album… so I think if you listen to those records you can hear a steady progression."
Read the interview here.
The Tongue is playing Hussle Hussle at Mojos Bar Fremantle next Friday 12th February. $15 pre-sale or $20 on the door. Hit the event page for more info.
Interview with Able8 & Cash Krzma
Rappfox interviews producer Able8 and rapper Cash Krzma on the release of Solitary Electric featuring Dot, and asks whether this release is a nod to a collaboration EP.
Listen to the interview here.
And listen to Solitary Electric here and purchase the track here.
Listen to the interview here.
And listen to Solitary Electric here and purchase the track here.
Tera Interview
Rappfox interviews Perth rapper Tera on the release of his debut album Belly of the Beast and the journey it took to release the album later in his life.
Listen to the interview here.
Purchase his debut album 'Belly of the Beast' here.
Listen to the interview here.
Purchase his debut album 'Belly of the Beast' here.
A.Saxon Interview
Interview with Seasta Chani
Perth femcee Seasta Chani speaks to Rappfox about the release of her debut album and being a full-time mum/musician.
Listen to the audio interview here.
Download her debut album from Bandcamp here.
Listen to the audio interview here.
Download her debut album from Bandcamp here.
Interview with SMOG
SMOG is Perth rapper Kogz, Melbournian Maggot Mouf, and Perth producers Rob Shaker and Mat Rafle.
Friday 23rd October the boys released their debut album SMOG, which is currently available on iTunes and Bandcamp.
Rappfox interviewed SMOG about the 19-track album.
Read interview here.
Interview with Hyclass
Unless you’ve been sleeping, you would have heard that Perth femcee Hyclass has recently come out of a hiatus to release an EP. The 8-song EP I NEED U features 90’s influenced jams with Hyclass’ soulful flow.
Rappfox interviewed Hyclass on what she’s been up to (other than making throwback music), the release of the EP and what else she’s got on the cards.
Read more here.
Rappfox interviewed Hyclass on what she’s been up to (other than making throwback music), the release of the EP and what else she’s got on the cards.
Read more here.
Jam Baxter Interview
Rappfox for Launch Australia interviews High Focus Records rapper Jam Baxter in the lead up to the Freshly Skeletal Australian Tour.
Freshly Skeletal is the sophomore album of the Dead Players who are Jam Baxter, fellow High Focus Records rapper Dabbla and producer Ghosttown. Jam discusses making the album and why he loves touring Australia. Peep the interview here.
Freshly Skeletal is the sophomore album of the Dead Players who are Jam Baxter, fellow High Focus Records rapper Dabbla and producer Ghosttown. Jam discusses making the album and why he loves touring Australia. Peep the interview here.