Vegas Aces – The Departure EP

15 06 2012

Amidst the mayhem that was touring with Australian sensation, 360 and heading straight back on the road with label mates Seven and Mr Hill, Vegas Aces have managed to craft an EP touted as ‘next level’ by the local hip hop scene. 

The Departure is VA’s coming of age, both lyrically from emcee 4th and in the production from Cam Bluff, who is fast becoming Australia’s man to beat behind the boards. The two clearly set out to craft their own sound in making The Departure, a title directly related to a change in sound since their debut, VA All Day. The boys called on Adelaide stalwarts and fellow up and comers, Prime and Purpose as the only features for this release on the futuristic Nebula. Following Day Dreams (feat. Kaysie Rowe), the second single taken from The Departure is All That Shines.

Proven to be a success live, All That Shines is a raucous portrayal of 4th’s view on his standing within the Australia music scene. VA celebrate the launch of their website with The Departure EP, available for free download NOW. Tongue in cheek as always and accompanied by world class production, Vegas Aces truly are the next benchmark of local hip hop.

Born Fresh Records is hosting one hell of a block party and you’re invited! This weekend, June 16, Coniston Lane in Fortitude Valley will be hosting the very cream of the Brisbane hip hop crop with sets from Rainman, Seven, Mr Hill & Rajconkas, Crate Creeps, Vegas Aces, Prophet Rayza along with many other special guests. Tickets are on sale now.

Download  ||  Facebook  ||  V.A.





Prophet Rayza – Spits & Pieces Vol 2.

1 06 2012

With a passion and drive for perfection, Prophet Rayza draws from his musical inspiration the likes of Nas, Rakim, Ice T, KRS One and Wu Tang Clan.  In 2009 he released the first Spits and Pieces mixtape which went on to move all of the limited 5,000 copies pressed within two months of its release. Prophet Rayza now brings you the follow up to Spits and Pieces with Volume 2. 

His last record Six Books (Born Fresh Records), saw him working with some of this countries and abroads most up and coming producers including 5th Seal from New York, Dats of The Optimen, Tommy Illfigga and DJ Butcher of Crate Creeps, Cam Bluff of Vegas Aces and you can be sure to expect big things from this. Spits & Pieces mixtape Vol. 2 is available now as a free digital download below. 

Tracklisting:
1. In The Presence Of Greatness (Intro)
2. Wolves Are Loose
3. Broken Wings
4. Always Ft. Tommy Illfigga
5. Cold World
6. What I’d Do
7. You Better Write… Ft. Prophet Rayza, Skwid Rocca, Joe Average, Mr. Hill, DJ Butcher, Tommy Illfigga, Thomacide & Discrete Pete
8. Real
9. It Ain’t A Game
10. Shadows
11. Like I Can Ft. Sunny Dread
12. Wordology Ft. Pi-Emc3e
13. Monster Shit Ft. 4th (Vegas Aces)
14. What It Is
15. Paper Chase
16. Who Fresh? Ft. Joe Average
17. This Is (Soul Marauder Remix)

Prophet Rayza  ||  Twitter  ||  Download  ||  Facebook





Vegas Aces – Departure EP

14 05 2012

Vegas Aces – comprised of 4th and Cam Bluff are fast becoming one of the most exciting hip hop acts to come out of Brisbane. Since releasing their debut E.P V.A.All.Day in 2010 they have moved from strength to strength – from winning the triple j Sprung Festival Competition to being one of the first Featured Artists on the newly established Unearthed digital station – they show no signs of slowing down.

The duo have been carefully crafting their next free digital release Departure, as well as the full length album Coming Home, both due for release in 2012. Fresh off the sold out 360 Boys Like You Tour and currently at the mid point of the No Way Home Tour - it’s soon to be V.A. all day everywhere.

Download  ||  Facebook  ||  V.A.





Cam Bluff Interview: Real Beats

3 05 2012

After both artists had been doing their own things respectively, (Cam Bluff & 4thVegas Aces linked up officially mid 2010 and have been creating buzz ever since. The two have been crafting their sophomore EP at the same time as well as trail-blazing the live show circuit with many incredible acts such as Spit Syndicate, Illy, 360Seven and Mr Hill just to name a few.

We hear that Vegas Aces will be aiming to release a free EP at the end of the month, can you tell us a bit about this project?
Well this project has been in the making for the last 8 months. Its going to consist of 7 tracks and will be dropping May 7 for free download. Its going to be called Departure. We came up with the title after we noticed the change in the way we where making music. It refers to departing from what people know our sound as. We want to show people that we can be diverse. The last Ep consisted of the same attributes. This release is going to focus on many diverse and different aspects of todays hip hop, showcasing our talents as both artists and individuals.

The first tastes we’ve seen from this EP included the track Vs Up. Will the EP showcase a diverse range of your production styles or will it be similar to the Vs Up track?
The whole EP has a fresh, innovative, diverse approach to todays australian hip hop sound. We’ve tried to incorporate many sounds from all aspects of what makes hip hop enjoyable, same goes with the lyrics and song arrangements. You could say we have incorporated more electronic aspects to our songs.

Is there a plan for a full Vegas Aces LP?
We are currently working on an album and we are hoping for a late 2012 early 2013 release. I guess the EP will set the tone for the album.

You recently finished up touring with 360 on his ‘Boys Like You’ Tour which saw you hit a heap of stops around the country, what was that tour like?
The tour was incredible, every show brought something new to the table. It’s always fun touring with the Born Fresh Crew and we always bring it. I’ve got mad respect for 60. A lot of people neglect the fact that he is an ever evolving artist. His material is always fresh and interesting. Big things coming for the man.

While on the 360 subject, you also released the official remix of the 360 – Boys Like You. How did that come about?
I actually approached Flagrant in relation to wanting to release a remix. He mentioned this track along with a few others, though I decided to move forward with Boys Like You. We had previously released the Hearts A Mess Remix with 360 a few months prior, so I thought it would be fitting to drop this.

You’ve also started working with the ‘Business Man’ DJ Nate Flagrant, tell us a little about whats in store from this brilliant partnership?
We have a few things on the cards at the moment but can’t discuss anything just yet. We’ve been slowly branching into the US, so everyone should start to see some tracks coming out of that part of the world soon. He’s been a huge help during these last 12 months we’ve spent working together.

You’ve also got a beat EP in the works, tell us about that and where do you find the time to fit all of this in?
I’ve actually had this idea for a while now though. I’m actually going to try to drop something towards the end of the year. I might be getting some help on it from another up and coming producer, but more on that later. Man, working full-time and fitting all this in really takes it out of you.

You recently travelled over to the US. How was that experience?
The states were amazing. I initially went over my girlfriend lives there. Got to spend some time in Philly, which is an incredible city. The highlight would have had to have been NY. I got the privilege of meeting because Phat Garry (manager for DJ Premier). We met up in Headquarterz studios in Manhattan and spent the day going through the bulk amount of my beats, talking shop, and discussing the nitty-gritty of the business side of the music industry. It was crazy sitting there playing all my shit in the same room where all my influences and idols once stood and came from. 

What are your plans for the rest of the year and for the start of 2013?
I’m actually working very closely with The Tongue on his next release due out early 2013. Keep an eye out for new Spit Syndicate, Illy and Sky’high. I’ll be involved on all projects with plenty more to drop by the end of this year. I’ll also be making the move to Melbourne in early 2013 to work closer with Flagrant and to focus more on my music production and relationships with fellow musicians.

We may have asked you this briefly last time we talked, but let us know what gear you are using at the moment?
I’m using Ableton Live, Native Instruments, Novation Key 49, Akai MPC 2000xl, and a shit load of software synths and plugins.

Twitter  ||  Facebook  ||  triple j unearthed





Rainman – Bigger Pictures

9 04 2012

Mention Rainman amongst the initiated and the respect attributed to his name is palpable. Recognised nationally as one of Queensland’s finest, Rainman’s list of collaborations, support slots and guest appearances reads like a who’s who of Australian hip hop.

Rainman is poised to drop his second album Bigger Pictures, in stores Friday 4 May through Obese distribution. The album sees Sammsonite (The Optimen) return for the lion’s share of the production but also features some of Australia’s finest beat – smiths including the APRA and AIR Award winning, ARIA nominated Count Bounce (TZU/Urthboy), DJ Bonez, Mangohig (Sietta), Chasm (Astronomy Class), Cam Bluff (Spit Syndicate/The Tongue/Vegas Aces) and Calski. Guest MCs on the record include Muph, Tommy Illfigga, Yuin Huzami (The Coalition Crew), and many more, while Laneous (Laneous & The Family Yah) and Kel on Earth (Bankrupt Billionaires) lend soulful vocals across the album.

Tracklist:
01. Welcome (Intro) Production: Cam Bluff
02. Can’t See You (Feat. Laneous) Production: by Chasm
03. A 1000 Words (Feat. Muph) Production: Rainman & Sammsonite
04. WTF (Feat. Kel on Earth & Yuin Huzami) Production: Sammsonite & Rainman
05. Duck Face (Feat. Kel on Earth) Production: Rainman & Sammsonite
06. Muse Sick (Feat. Laneous) Production: Sammsonite
07. Big Night (Feat. Tommy Illfigga) Production: Rainman & Sammsonite
08. The Valley Production: Rainman & Sammsonite, Cuts: DJ Butcher
09. Everything Ain’t (Feat. Leah Carr) Production: Chasm, Cuts: DJ Butcher
10. Count Blessings Production: Count Bounce
11. The Buzz (Feat. pear) Production: Cam Bluff
12. Darlin’ (Feat. Calski) Production: Calski
13. Move! (Feat. Seven & 4TH) Production: Calski
14. Too Much (Feat. Youka) Production: Mangohig
15. The Bigger Picture Cuts & Production: DJ Bonez

Rainman is also proud to release the brand new film clip for the single The Valley. An ode to Brisbane’s notorious night spot of the same name, the tune and clip were inspired by and filmed amongst the grit and circumstance found in abundance on any seedy inner-city nighttime adventure. In Rainman’s own words: ‘It’s a pretty jaded and sarcastic portrait of the epicentre of Brisbane’s nightlife that is Fortitude Valley. It’s a place I definitely have a love/hate relationship with, having had some of the best times in my life there, along with the worst – and a whole heap in between.’

The release also comes with the announcement that Rainman has officially become a newly minted member of the Born Fresh Records family, joining label mates and album co-conspirators including producer Cam Bluff and MC’s Tommy Illfigga, Yuin Huzami, Seven, Mr Hill and more. The Valley follows on the success of recently released first single Darlin’ which was received strongly across the country; receiving triple j airplay, FBI Radio (Sydney) rotation and widespread praise for what critics are calling a “classic slice of hip-hop” (Sherlock Ohms.org).

Catch Rainman launching the clip at the following dates:
Calski (feat. Rainman) supporting Joelistics (TZU) and Diafrix for the ‘Running to Shine’ Tour:
Thursday April 12 Beach Hotel Byron Bay 18+ Free Show
Friday April 13 Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane 18+
Saturday April 14 Sol Bar, Maroochydore 18+

Calski (feat. Rainman) supporting Dialectrix for the ‘New Generation’ Tour:
Friday April 27 The Annandale, Sydney 18+ with Ellesquire
Saturday April 28 Great Northern, Newcastle 18+ with Ellesquire
Thursday May 3, Juicy, Brisbane 18+

Twitter  ||  Soundcloud  ||  Facebook  || Unearthed





Vegas Aces – V’s Up

28 03 2012

After both artists had been doing their own things respectively, (Cam Bluff & 4th) Vegas Aces linked up officially mid 2010 and have been creating buzz ever since. The two have been crafting their sophomore EP at the same time as well as trail-blazing the live show circuit with many incredible acts such as Spit Syndicate, Illy, 360Seven and Mr Hill just to name a few.

The debut E.P V.A.All.Day has been out for a moment now and featured Seven (winner of the triple j M-Phazes comp), Laneous (of Laneous and the Family Yah), and the incredibly talented Claire Walters. Currently on the No Way Home Tour with Seven, Mr Hill & Rahjconkas, their new EP The Departure is due very soon. 

Following Vegas Aces’ triple j unearthed win in 2011, fans were born all over the country, appreciating the Vegas Aces quality over quantity attitude as they continue to combine world class production with next level lyricism. V’s Up is a new track lifted from the Departure EP.

Twitter  ||  Facebook  ||  triple j unearthed





Vegas Aces – Day Dreams

2 02 2012

Vegas Aces are ready to reveal their full hand and show it to the country. Day Dreams is the first single from the duo’s upcoming EP The Departure. 4th (MC) shares his daily battle between juggling ‘real’ life and what may be, accompanied  by flawless production from Cam Bluff.

The two have refined their craft since releasing the VA All Day EP, mastering a truly unique style within the local Hip Hop scene. Not unnoticed,  Vegas Aces  have drawn praise from the countries finest as well as winning 2011’s JJJ Sprung Festival Competition to perform at Brisbane’s Riverstage.  Vegas Aces will join 360’s ‘Boys Like You’ tour during February and March, promoting their freEP The Departure. They will again hit the road in May and June with Seven and Mr Hill. 

Twitter  ||  Facebook  ||  triple j





Seven – Floated EP

1 02 2012

Buoyed with the success of single Good Thing, Seven continues his run into 2012 with the release of his second EP, Floated. Floated is a step-up for the Gold Coast emcee, distanced from the fickle politics of the scene, Seven has continued his trademark upbeat and honest take on the genre.

The EP covers successes, failures, long nights and unhealthy addictions to game consoles over a mixed bag of talented producers. Seven and M-Phazes again team up on synth-heavy My Way with the assistance of Yale vocalist, Stefan Emslie. Brisbane label-mate Cam Bluff (Vegas Aces) also contributes along with Mdusu, J-Squared and Rahjconkas.

The second single to be released from Floated is Get UP, a large synth banger, somewhat estranged from Seven’s usual style. However, Seven and J-Squared complement each other perfectly on the track assisted by Brisbane songstress Claire Walters.The tune tells of Seven’s largest epiphany circa 2009 which broke him from the action less surf/ps3/drink rut in which he was planted. The film clip, shot by Sydney’s Kacie Anning is below. 

Seven hits the road on main support duties for 360 throughout February and March and will headline his own tour in May. Download link for the Seven – Floated EP will be available right here Feb 2nd, 12noon.

Tracklisting
1. Floated
2. Good Thing ft. Mr Hill
3. Path of the Sun
4. Get Up
5. My Way ft. Stefan Emslie
6. Get Up
7. Her Song (Rahjconkas Remix)

Sevensies.com  ||  Twitter  ||  Facebook





Purpose – If The City Had A Voice Pt. 3

30 11 2011

After experiencing large underground success with If the City Had A Voice Pt. 2, touring the country twice and spending countless hours in the studio, Purpose rounds out the year by presenting the 3rd installment of his mixtape series. If the City Had A Voice pt. 3 is out now available here.

It features 14 tracks from the Adelaide MC/producer and is mixed by DJ Hacksaw once again, showcasing the growing on track chemistry they have developed in such a short space of time. It also features Prime & Motive of Pagen Elypsis and production from Purpose himself, Rob Shaker, Answer & Debate.

The full LP Where It Starts is slated to be released early 2012 after being temporarily on the backburner to focus on group projects and further hone his craft. During the past 4 years he has put out 6 street releases, most notably One Way Ticket with his group Pagen Elypsis in August 2010 (available on iTunes).

Twitter  ||  Purpose Music  ||  Download If The City Pt. 3





Boys Like You (Cam Bluff Official Remix)

30 11 2011

A member of Brisbane group Vegas Aces, Cam Bluff is no beginner when it comes to making bangers. Having already produced for Australian artists such as Spit Syndicate, The Tongue and The Optimen, his newest creation is his official remix of 360′s hit single Boys Like You.

aahh caught up with Cam Bluff to get his thoughts on the new remix. Check out what he had to say below:

After releasing the Vegas Aces track with Sixty (360) earlier on in the year, I was keen to work on some other things with him. I got handed the accapella for Boys Like You and was merly just going to muck around with the vocals. I just wanted to see if the track would actually work with a sequenced drum break compared to the original. After I had something solid I started to see that this was definatly going somewhere. I find now days when I’m working on a track i’ll often re-visit it and only then do I start to really open up and get creative. I’m honestly a fan of what Sixtys doing and can definatly say you will be seeing us working on more music together in the future“. – Cam Bluff

Flipping the track on it’s head, Cam’s remix takes the song in an almost eerie direction fusing deep synths and minimal drums to create a highly emotive version of 360′s tune.








Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 545 other followers