Originally from Adelaide, South Australia – Candice Monique is a talented & unique singer/rapper/poet whose individual vocal and lyrical style draws comparisons to Neneh Cherry, Me’shell Ndegeocello, Lauren Hill and Erykah Badu.
It is this distinctive style along with her stage presence & artistic depth which makes her one of Australia’s most exciting & original new artists. After being discovered by Professor Griff (Public Enemy), Candice was flown to Atlanta, Georgia to record her first demo CD produced by Griff himself. There she worked with Atlanta’s Jason Orr (The FunkJazz Kafe) in 2003 and later returned to to the US in 2005 where she recorded with Neo-Soul Producer, Rich Medina in Harlem NYC.
Candice returned to her new home in Melbourne and formed her stunning five piece band, The Optics, whose first album, In My Soul, was released on Freestyle Records UK in 2010. The band are currently recording a second album for release this year on Freestyle.
Over the last 8 years in Melbourne Candice earned her stripes and became a staple crop vocalist on the local hip hop and soul scenes singing backing vocals for a host of Melbourne bands including Diafrix, SIB, Direct Influence, Carmen Hendricks, Saritah and Traffik to name but a few. She has featured in collaborations with many local Hip-hop artists most notably the track Goodbye Gravity with M-Phazes and Muph (of Muph and Plutonic), singing the hook on the lead single to the M-Phazes album Good Gracious which won an ARIA.
She also featured on a track called Me Vs World, on the latest album by Simplex, as well as appearing on Moneykat’s single Nothing Is Safe produced by Lotek and stars in their new video clip for the song. Candice is also the front-woman for Metals (Illusive Records) who’s latest single was a collaboration written with rapper 360, and producer Styalz Fuego. She has also collaborated with 1/6, Kojo (of Culture Connect), Motley, 14 year old prodigy rapper Soliloquy. Luka Lesson on their collaboration Killing Time and US rapper Louis Logic.
Candice Monique has just released a ‘name your own price’ mixtape titled Free Me: The Mixtape. We highly recommend you pick that up, either by following the link here or below. Also, be sure to check Obese TV: Episode 2 as Candice features on the artist ‘Spotlight’.
M-Phazes is one of Australia’s most accomplished hip-hop producers, having worked with an impressive array of artists from home and abroad. One of his most applauded efforts so far is his showcase record Good Gracious.
New Era was lucky to collaborate with Mark Landon aka M-Phazes on a cap that gives a nod to this iconic Australian album. This cap was designed by Sydney based label Ones Clothing and will be hitting selected retailers mid December 2012. This is the first in a four part collaboration series celebrating some of our favourite music producers
You can cop the hat at these stockists in the coming weeks. Obese Records, 4A Izett St, Prahran Da Klinic, 20 Currie St, Adelaide Jimmys Skate & Street – Tasmanian stores.
“Mase n Mattic are some really talented guys and dedicated artists, they’re always putting in work.I really look forward to hearing their debut album, especially with Adfu behind the boards.” - Suffa, Hilltop Hoods.
Mase N Mattic have already gained a reputation for explosive live performances, both locally with the likes of Hilltop Hoods, Drapht, Funkoars, Urthboy & Phrase, and nationally as the supporting act for the sellout M-Phazes Good Gracious tour. Generating this measure of hype before a debut release is no mean feat, and places Mase N Mattic head and shoulders above emerging peers. Priding themselves on professionalism and an extremely hands-on approach to production, Mase N Mattic measure up to all and any audience they are faced with.
Mase N Mattic have been recognised by various respected media outlets, with praise for their live shows featured in Adelaide’s daily newspaper The Advertiser (“Tapping Into New Talent”), J-Mag naming the act as “SA’s #1 Live Hip Hop Act,” and live interviews in Sydney’s Triple J Studios. The combined interest of audiences across the country, respected music media and industry professionals places Mase N Mattic undeniably at the pinnacle of up and coming talent in Australia. There is no looking back for this hard working and dedicated duo, as they take their deserved place as leaders in the new generation of hip hop.
With their highly anticipated debut album Sound The Horns set for release, their strong fledgling following is sure to rapidly grow. The album was recorded in the world-class SAE Studios in Byron Bay, and set for release in mid-2011. Featuring production by Trials, Debate (Hilltop Hoods – Rent Week, Here Come The Girls) and Mattic, this release is built on professionalism, polish and the experience of respected producers and engineers. The record goes the extra mile featuring cuts by Adfu, DJ Flagrant and DJ Hacksaw.
Track Listing: 1. Set It Off 2. Live For This 3. Nights To Inspire 4. The Island 5. Hype Track 6. Heavy Horns 7. Go Now {Interlude} 8. Know By Now ft. Alisa Fedele 9. Gotta Go 10. Movin On 11. Not Perfect 12. Remember When 13. The Listener
Available: July 15th, 2011 Released By: Mase N Mattic Distributed By: Obese Records
Melbourne-based producer M-Phazes has released the instrumental version of his ARIA Award winning album Good Gracious. The album features the critically acclaimed production from the album, including instrumental versions of songs Goodbye Gravity, Where’s Elvis, For What It’s Worth and The Freak Show alongside selected acappellas.
The digital-only release is now available on iTunes and features a special bonus Bass Invaders remix of the track That’s What We On feat. Nine High. M-Phazes will join Illy as they journey nationally for The Chase tour before heading to Austin, Texas to partake at this year’s SXSW Festival where M-Phazes will feature in showcases alongside industry heavyweights such as DJ Premier, J-Live & Statik Selektah.
In less than one week, Illy has sold-out Melbourne’s iconic Corner Hotel on his upcoming national album tour! With such large demand, a second show has been added for Sunday 20 March. Be quick, this will be the last Melbourne date on the tour. A special second show in Sydney has been announced at the University of Sydney’s Manning Bar on Thursday 7 April. For WA fans, Illy and M-Phazes come your way in May playing 5 headline shows in Bunbury, Mandurah, Albany, Perth and Fremantle.
In the world’s biggest voted music countdown, triple j’s Hottest 100, Illy took out the Number 29 spot with It Can Wait (feat. Owl Eyes), the first single from his acclaimed second album, The Chase. Since it’s release The Chase has received rave reviews (“…one of the country’s best hip-hop releases” – triple j Magazine) and catapulted Illy to the forefront of the greater Australian music community.
Along for the ride on The Chase tour is producer and good friend M-Phazes. M-Phazes is one of Australia’s foremost hip-hop producers and his debut, Good Gracious, saw him exit 2010 with an ARIA Award for Best Urban Album.
In support of Aussie hip hop, Illy has hand-picked local supports for each of his headline shows, including Purpose (ADL), BBS Crew (VIC), Vegas Aces (QLD), Choose Mics (QLD) and many more. See below for the full list of artists in support. East Coast dates are on sale now, WA tickets on sale now also.
Purpose will be dropping his new mixtape coming out in March, called ‘If The City Had a Voice Pt. II’. You can check one of the first tracks from the album below titled Where I’m Comin’ From.
Where I’m Comin’ From – Produced by Purpose, Bass by Answer. Cuts by DJ Hacksaw.
New Dates: Sunday 20 March – Corner Hotel, Melbourne ** (18+) Just Announced Thursday 7 April – Manning Bar, Sydney(18+) * Just Announced Wednesday 25 May – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury Just Announced Thursday 26 May – Players Bar, Mandurah Just Announced Friday 27 May – Studio 146, Albany Just Announced Saturday 28 May – Amplifier Bar, Perth Just Announced Sunday 29 May – The Norfolk Hotel, Fremantle Just Announced
Full Tour Dates: Friday 25 February – University Of Tasmania, Hobart (18+) * Tickets from Oztix 1300 762 545, http://www.oztix.com.au and Oztix outlets
Friday 4 MArch – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney (18+) With guests: Pagen Elypsis, Dutch Tickets from Moshtix 1300 438 849, http://www.moshtix.com.au and Moshtix outlets
Saturday 5 March – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (18+) With guests: Pagen Elypsis, NJE Tickets from Moshtix 1300 438 849, http://www.moshtix.com.au and Moshtix outlets
Friday 11 March – Kay St, Traralgon (18+) With guests: Likewise Tickets from Oztix 1300 762 545, http://www.oztix.com.au and Oztix outlets
Sunday 13 March – Push Over Festival, Melbourne (AA) * Tickets from Oztix 1300 762 545, http://www.oztix.com.au and Oztix outlets
Friday 18 March – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (18+) ** SOLD OUT With guests: DJ Flagrant, Pagen Elypsis, BBS
Saturday 19 March – Karova Lounge, Ballarat (18+) ** With guests: DJ Flagrant, Pagen Elypsis, BBS Tickets from Oztix 1300 762 545, http://www.oztix.com.au and Oztix outlets
Sunday 20 March – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (18+) ** JUST ANNOUNCED With guests: DJ Flagrant, Pagen Elypsis, BBS Tickets from the Corner Box Office on (03) 9427 9198 or www. cornerhotel.com
Thursday 24 March – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (18+) With guests: Jae Druitt Free entry
Friday 25 March – The Zoo, Brisbane (18+) With guests: Vegas Aces, Purpose, Motive & DJ Hacksaw Tickets from Oztix 1300 762 545, http://www.oztix.com.au and Oztix outlets
Saturday 26 March – Coolandatta Hotel, Gold Coast (18+) With guests: Vegas Aces, Choose Mics Tickets from Oztix 1300 762 545, http://www.oztix.com.au and Oztix outlets
Friday 1 April – Fowlers Live, Adelaide (Lic AA) With guests: Pagen Elypsis, Mase & Matic Tickets from Moshtix 1300 438 849, http://www.moshtix.com.au and Moshtix outlets
Thursday 7 April – Manning Bar, Sydney (18+) * JUST ANNOUNCED With guests: Dialetrix and The Tounge Tickets from http://www.manningbar.com, Oztix 1300 762 545, http://www.oztix.com.au and Oztix outlets
Friday 8 April – ANU Bar, Canberra (18+) With guests: Raw City Rukus, Purpose Motive & DJ Hacksaw Tickets from Ticketek on 132 849 or http://www.ticketek.com.au
Thursday 26 May – Players Bar, Mandurah JUST ANNOUNCED Tickets from Star Surf Mandurah 08 9353 4500, Oztix 1300 762 545, http://www.oztix.com.au and Oztix outlets, Heatseeker 08 6210 2850 http://www.heatseeker.com.au
Friday 27 May – Studio 146, Albany JUST ANNOUNCED Tickets from Vibes Surf 08 9841 7577, Oztix 1300 762 545, http://www.oztix.com.au and Oztix outlets
Saturday 28 May – Amplifier Bar, Perth JUST ANNOUNCED! Tickets from Oztix 1300 762 545, http://www.oztix.com.au and Oztix outlets, Moshtix 1300 438 849, http://www.moshtix.com.au and Moshtix outlets
Sunday 29 May – The Norfolk Hotel, Fremantle JUST ANNOUNCED Tickets from Star Surf Perth, Mills Fremantle; Planet Mt. Lawley, Heatseeker 08 6210 2850 http://www.heatseeker.com.au, Oztix 1300 762 545, http://www.oztix.com.au and Oztix outlets
* M-Phazes not performing solo show ** M-Phazes not appearing
Melbourne emcee Illy is taking his breakthrough sophomore album The Chase on the road with a huge run of national tour dates throughout February, March and April. The Chase Tour will see Illy hitting up major cities and regional centres around the country. Along for the ride is producer and good friend M-Phazes.
Since it’s release, The Chase has received rave reviews from all corners of the media (“…one of the country’s best hip-hop releases” – J-Mag) and catapulted Illy to the forefront of the greater Australian music community. The lead single It Can Wait feat. Owl Eyes took music lovers by storm and lead the way for triple j to award The Chase it’s album of the week status in September of 2010.
Backing up the overwhelmingly positive press with a series of sold-out headline shows and stints on Groovin The Moo and Coaster Festivals, Illy said goodbye to 2010 with a set at the illustrious Pyramid Rock Festival.
With a new single looming, Illy is showing no signs of slowing down.
Joining the tour is one of our country’s foremost hip-hop producers, M-Phazes. Widely respected among the Australian music community, M-Phazes full-length debut Good Gracious saw him exit 2010 with an ARIA Award for Best Urban Album. M-Phazes is paving the way for hip-hop producers in Australia and abroad, and takes time out of his busy schedule to join Illy on his national jaunt across March and April.
triple j, vmusic.com.au and UNFD present… Illy – The Chase Tour With special guest M-Phazes
Tickets on sale Monday January 31. Sun Feb 20 – Summer Rhythm Festival, Canberra (AA) Tickets from Oztix 1300 762 545, http://www.oztix.com.au and Oztix outlets Fri Feb 25 – Uni Of Tasmania, Hobart (18+) Tickets from Oztix 1300 762 545, http://www.oztix.com.au and Oztix outlets Fri March 4 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney (18+) Tickets from Moshtix 1300 438 849, http://www.moshtix.com.au and Moshtix outlets Sat March 5 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (18+) Tickets from Moshtix 1300 438 849, http://www.moshtix.com.au and Moshtix outlets Fri March 11 – Kay St, Taralgon (18+) Tickets from Oztix 1300 762 545, http://www.oztix.com.au and Oztix outlets Sun March 13 – Push Over Festival, Melbourne (AA) Tickets from Oztix 1300 762 545, http://www.oztix.com.au and Oztix outlets Fri March 18 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (18+) Tickets from the Corner Box Office on (03) 9427 9198 or http://www.cornerhotel.com Sat March 19 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat (18+) Tickets from Oztix 1300 762 545, http://www.oztix.com.au and Oztix outlets Thurs March 24 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (18+) Free entry Fri March 25 – The Zoo, Brisbane (18+) Tickets from Oztix 1300 762 545, http://www.oztix.com.au and Oztix outlets Sat March 26 – Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast (18+) Tickets from Oztix 1300 762 545, http://www.oztix.com.au and Oztix outlets Friday April 1 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide (Lic AA) Tickets from Moshtix 1300 438 849, http://www.moshtix.com.au and Moshtix outlets Sat April 2 – The Cement Event, Kalgoorlie (AA) Ticketing details coming soon Fri April 8 – ANU Bar, Canberra (18+) Tickets from Ticketek on 132 849 or http://www.ticketek.com.au
Slaughterhouse, hip-hop’s quadruple threat consisting of Joe Budden, Royce Da 5’9″, Crooked I & Joell Ortiz have returned with Back On The Scene, the first single to their self titled EP which drops on Feb. 8th. The track is produced by none other than Australia’s ARIA Award winning producer M-Phazes (Good Gracious) and features a guest appearance from Dres (Black Sheep).
The ARIA Awards is the Australian music industry’s night-of-nights – our Grammy Awards, if you will – although this year all the “genre” categories are being announced prior to Sunday night’s award ceremony. Falling amongst these “genre” categories is the Best Urban Album award, the winner of which was just announced moments ago. Here is the official statement from ARIA: Winning his first ever ARIA Award in the category of Best Urban Album is M-Phazes for the album Good Gracious. Renowned for his ability to craft the perfect beat, his global pedigree is reflected by praise from his peers with an ever-growing list of artists seeking his sound for the backbone to their flow. After two years of countless studio hours, the album has been called his artistic triumph, reaching the ARIA Top 20 to boot.
You can check out the album review of M-Phazes – Good Gracious right here.
As we board flight PE 2010, and prepare ourselves for the journey of lifetime, the voices of our captains are heard loud over the speakers. “You are now strapped in for flight PE 2010″.
Captaining our flight is none other than the South Australian Hip Hop crew Pagen Elypsis.
The PE crew composed of Kadowg, Prime, Purpose, Motive and Pohetikut, are no strangers to the grimy streets of hip hop. Pagen Elypsis have been working tirelessly for the last few years to make 2010 a year that symbolises something big for the group and it seems to be going perfectly to plan.
The mixtape appropriately titled 2010 which dropped earlier this year offered a great taste of what was to come for the One Way Ticket LP. As we are given our safety instructions, a moment is taken to admire the great cover art, done once again by the king of covers, April77. We should also mention the top shots of the crew taken by Chances Photography. Pagen Elypsis – One Way Ticket is marked Don001 and represents the first release for the new label, Double Or Nothing Records. Other release’s coming soon include Afore Mentioned – The 11th Hour and Prime’s – Good Morning, the mixtape. Back to our flight. Throughout our trip operated by none other than Don Airlines, we prepare ourselves for 15 or so massive tracks and a little humor along the way.
As we double-check that our seats are in the upright position, our journey begins. One Hit Away dives in to the minds of each of the PE emcees, as they discuss the sometimes fickle nature of the music industry. The beat warms and peaks with a grungy rock guitar riff that set’s the backdrop perfectly. Keep It All Moving does exactly that as the head nod shit continues with a Cam Bluff produced banger.
One Way Ticket the title track from the album gives us an inside look at the major hip hop influences for PagenElypsis , we hear mentions of Biggie, Tupac, Boogie Down Prod, Eminem the list continues. This track really represents a period in time where everything in hip hop was new and exciting.
It’s evident from early in the piece that the PE emcees are no slouches behind the mic. With many of the guys born and breed in the battle scene, we’d imagine these guys sleep with their mics. Lyrical structure, topic, content, style, mic presence…it’s all first class (yes that was a subtle pun).
All We Wanna Know features a great sample from the man Biggie Smalls, clearly one of PE’s all time fav rappers. We should also mention that all the cuts (where applicable) were handled by none other than QLD’s monster, DJ Buthcer.Carrot Stones is sure to get you on your feet with Purpose and Boombaty holding nothing back on the beat. Butcher once again tears up this track with his devastating cuts. It’ll Be Ok, a solo track from emcee Prime changes the pace with a nice introspective joint that has Prime positioned on point for his Good Morning release later this year/early 2011.
“I never won the lottery therefore I didn’t break free, it takes more than $900 to stimulate me. But I happily accept and do with it whats expected”.
The beat selection, composition, lyrical dynamite and execution throughout the whole album never missed a..errr…beat. Boombaty, Kela, Cam Bluff,Purpose and Answer all produce tracks with a rich full sound, no tinny shit here. PE have outdone themselves with this release. Aerobiks one of the albums standout highlights is an absolute banger. DJ Butcher tears the shit out of this one. This track….this track…..killer opening, banging beat an instant classic. Each verse here is as murderous as the previous.
“Kill the track I’m peeling back your thinking cap, this is that silver back gorilla rap, Elypsis has the city and we won’t give it back..”
Who’s Foolin’ Who opens with one of the funniest skits we have heard in a longtime, these guys have a great sense of humor and the skit actually ties in with something, not just thrown in to add depth to the track list. Who’s Foolin’ Who is right up on that funk tip. A track that sets the groove for the second half of the album. The Kadowg written No Forgiveness a raw and brutal tale of drama and strife puts a little turbulence into our flight and. As we prepare for landing Necessary Evil and Peace round out our trip.
Flight PE 2010 was a smooth one. Don Airlines have hooked us up with the first class tickets and the Pagen Elpysis have catptained the trip perfectly.One Way Ticket doesn’t lack in any conviction, an album that will never become a coaster or dust collector. Pagen Elypsis have sealed 2010 as their own, have your boarding passes ready.
We rate Pagen Elypsis – One Way Ticket a high-flying 4.2 out of 5.
We were lucky enough to catch Pagen Elypsis perform some of their tracks from the One Way Ticket album on the M-Phazes – Good Gracious Tour. If you missed out, Pagen Elypsis will be launching their debut album One Way Ticket on October 9th in Adelaide at Fowlers Live, North Terrace (opposite the skate park). Special guests Crate Creeps and Dialect & Despair will be performing on the night…bam…plus an underage emcee comp. (This is an all ages show!)
Line up:
Pagen Elypsis
Crate Creeps (QLD)
Dialect and Despair
Hosted by Simplex of Terra Firma
Tickets $20 Licensed ALL AGES. Pre-sale tickets are now available from selected stores. Tickets available from Clinic116, Da Klinic, Cold Krush and through DON. Email donstudios@gmail.com.
Doors open at 7.30pm
Visit Pagen Elypsis on Facebook to check out the T-Shirt & Hoody designs. Available on the night T-Shirts $29, Hoodies $49.
Underage MC Comp details: Double or Nothing is putting on a emcee Comp for any underage emcee’s out there and offering them a chance to perform at the biggest album launch this year!
To enter submit your best 1 minute recorded freestyle or track to donstudios@gmail.com. The best 5 entries (announced October 1st) will receive a ticket to the show for them and 1 friend, a copy of Pagen Elypsis debut Album One Way Ticket and a poster signed by the group!
On the night each of the 5 contestants will get to perform there song live and the final winner (judged by the crowd) will receive $100 & prizes! Beats will be provided by Purpose. How to enter:
Submit a 1 minute recorded freestyle or track to go in the draw to be one of 5 that get to perform their song live on stage (recording quality does not have to be the best) Submit your entries to DON RECORDS @ donstudios@gmail.com
Criteria:
You must be under 18 to enter
You must have your entries in by TODAY OCT 1.
Proudly presented by Channel [V], NOVA, and MySpace, the fifth Annual Jagermeister Independent Music Awards (formally known as the Jagermeister AIR Awards) will be held on Friday October 1st at The Forum Theatre in Melbourne.
The event is a rare opportunity to join great Australian Musicians and the Industry at large, as they celebrate success with the Award winners, and enjoy performances by some of the country’s most sought after artists.
The Jagermeister Independent Music Awards are Australia’s only official independent music awards, rewarding the country’s highest achieving independent artists across all genres, in any given year.
The evening will feature performances from those purveyors of punk, hardcore rockers The Amity Affliction; new indie darlings and vintage-alt-pop stars Cloud Control; virtuosic jazz pianist Joe Chindamo; indie wunderkids and brit-rock exponents British India; the intoxicating world-renowned singer-songwriter Sally Seltmann; and a hip-hop extravaganza from M-Phazes with Illy, Muph & Candice Monique, Solo and Mantra which promises some electric on-stage collaborations.
Awards to be presented during the evening include Best Independent Dance / Electronic Release, Best Independent Artist, Best Independent Hip Hop/Urban Release and Best Independent Hard Rock/Punk Release among others, with a number of high profile special guest presenters on hand to help with proceedings.
Now in their fifth year, The Jagermeister Independent Music Awards continue to grow and are now recognised as a barometer for future ‘big’ acts. Previous winners include Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, The Hilltop Hoods, The Herd, Eddy Current Suppression Ring, Gotye, British India, Sneaky Sound System and John Butler, many of whom have gone on to major commercial and critical success subsequently.
Given the depth of such Label and Artist success, Independent Music can no longer be viewed as just small or emerging. Independent labels are currently estimated to have 80% of titles on shelves and online, and continue to have the biggest winning scorecard every year from the ARIA awards to triple j’s Hottest 100, while also providing the bulk of talent to the Australian festival circuit each year.
Curated and created by the Australian Independent Record Label Association (AIR), this year’s Jagermeister Independent Music Awards will be the jewel in the crown of ‘Melbourne Music’, a 10-day music festival programme presented by The City of Melbourne. AIR is a (non-profit, non-government) national trade association promoting and representing the interests and development of Australian independent artists, labels and music companies in Australia and throughout the world.
To win a double pass to the gig change your status on Facebook to: “I want to go to the Jagermeister Independent Music Awards” and tag AIR | Australian Independent Records. You could rub shoulders with industry and catch an awesome lineup including British India, Cloud Control, Amity Affliction and M-Phazes.
This is a quick look behind the scenes with one of Australia’s biggest hip-hop producers M-Phazes at a rehearsal with Muph, Mantra, Candice, and the D²Drumline for the upcoming AIR Awards at the Forum un Melbourne on October 1st.
