Mantra – Speaking Volumes

17 08 2011

Mantra is fast becoming one of Australia’s most eminent hip hop artists. After setting a new bench mark with first solo effort Power Of The Spoken, the Melbourne emcee is back with an explosive new release entitled Speaking Volumes. Combining both musical proficiency and articulate character, Mantra has delivered a seamless, holistic album.

Speaking Volumes exhibits the intricate philosophizing idiosyncrasy of Mantra’s rhymes. His vehement lyricism with its tapestry of subject matters is vividly transposed by its musical accompaniment for the album’s entirety.  Publicly, yet astutely labeled ‘your favourite rapper’s favourite rapper’, it was no surprise that an inundation of accomplished names stepped forward to contribute. Speaking Volumes features an impressive array of guest artists such as Promoe (Looptroop Rockers, Sweden), Drapht, Urthboy, Illy and many more.  Production-wise, the album boasts a stylistically diverse selection of sounds; each producer bringing his own realm of sonic brilliance to the fore. Speaking Volumes credits beats from the likes of M-Phazes, El Gusto and Mista Savona among others.

“This is the first time I’ve recorded an album I was so in control of. I knew how I wanted it to sound and worked together with the producers and guest artists to make it happen.” Mantra

First single release (as heard on Triple J) Got Me Wrong feat. Parvyn Kaur Singh offers a brazen glimpse behind the misconceptions and snap- judgements public figures are often prescribed by the public. Boasting production by the masterful Mista Savona and the enchanting flourishes of Hindi-style vocalist Parvyn Kaur Singh, Got Me Wrong is characterized by its exotic melodies and bass-heavy, driving beats. Produced by Vegas with additional production highlights from Hattori Hunzo, the ever the riddling jester, Mantra continues to deliver impressive skill served with a side of moral confrontation in Nobody Knows I’m Famous. A witty, fundamentally self-deprecating track, making mockery of a seemingly shallow music scene. Perfect Thing, with its selfless and generous insight to love’s mystique, by rap standards may in fact be the most risqué track on the album. The song possesses a sensual fullness featuring Mantra’s enamored croon on the hook. Speaking Volumes is a true testament to both Mantra’s observance of social psychology, and his deep reverence and aptitude for language. With his careful approach in addressing poignant themes, this album is certain to live up to its namesake. Speaking Volumes drops September 9.

Tracklist
1. Right Here
2. The Volume featuring Jeremedy
3. Voodoo Music
4. Got Me Wrong featuring Parvyn Kaur Singh
5. Bad News featuring Drapht
6. This Evening featuring Hailey Cramer
7. A Pretty Marvelous Story (Interlude)
8. Perfect Thing
9. Game Of Chance
10. Understand This
11. Nobody Knows I’m Famous
12. Self-Destruct featuring Promoe
13. Family T.R.U.S.T
14. Dead Em’ featuring Illy, Jeremedy, Muph, Urthboy and Solo
15. For You featuring Mark Pearl
16. Stay Quite

Purchase first single off the album Got Me Wrong feat. Parvyn Kaur Singh on iTunes here!


Mantra gives us an exclusive sneak peek at “The Volume” (featuring Jeremedy) produced by M-Phazes, a track off his upcoming album “Speaking Volumes”, out September 9th. Shot by: Ginger Van Es for Macula Productions. Edited by: Romy Handley for Macula Productions

Pre-Order Now  ||  iTunes  ||  Twitter 


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Categories : allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Mantra’s Power Of The Spoken Triple J’s feature album

12 04 2010


Mantra’s debut album, Power of the Spoken, is driven by the importance of the verbalized thought; a way to paint ideas, thoughts, and opinions in its most effective form. In the opening title track, he breaks down the very word “mantra” as a concept- chanted and recited through history as “phonetic outreach” and distilled here as an introduction to his own; “spoken word as a weapon.”

Power of the Spoken is an electric hip hop album that isn’t afraid to embrace worldly elements. From the mystical Eastern influences of the title track to the multi-lingual and piano-based Fall Guy, the album features production by Mista Savona, Count Bounce and M-Phazes. The latter of whom produced the album’s first single, I Hereby Stand, a stand-out track powered by hard-hitting percussion and razor sharp flow. The track is the album’s right hook, the telling of Mantra’s credentials up to now- the blood and sweat spent on years of playing shows and the tireless work of becoming one of the finest emcees in the country.

In Mad With It, Mantra (with guest Jeremedy) takes an ironic jab at a world gone crazy, while in the aforementioned Fall Guy, he takes a somber look at personal vulnerability; someone wracked with anxiety and depression, finding a way to cope through lyrical catharsis. Perfect Little Island is a fine example of Mantra’s unique ability to display his vision of the world, backed by brooding bass-heavy beats skittered with tinges of more electronic diversions; a dynamic combination of gritty musical textures and urgent thought.

Like Perfect Little Island, the album isn’t about broadcasting a message, but rather exploring the word and the language as the most effective tool for discourse translated by hip hop. Power of the Spoken represents diversity in style linked thematically by a strong belief in what it proclaims. His talent is undeniable and this, the Mantra takeover, resonates with the unquestionable power of the spoken word.

Power Of The Spoken by Mantra is Triple J’s feature album all this week.



Track listing:
01. Power of the Spoken
02. The Wait
03. Thanks For Tuning In
04. Perfect Little Island
05. I Hereby Stand
06. Flightpath
07. Remember Where You Were
08. Fall Guy
09. Live It Out (ft. Cisco Tavares)
10. Mad With It (ft. Jeremedy)
11. I Wanna Go Home
12. Hip Hop Never Left


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Categories : allaussie hip hop exclusive

Mantra – Power of the Spoken (March 26)

25 02 2010


Through his early work with Equills and acclaimed Melbourne outfit Illzilla, Mantra has been blazing a name for himself since 2005. Boasting a captivating flow and intelligent lyrical work, Mantra has risen in status to become one of Australia’s most respected MCs, as touted by artists and fans alike.

His debut album, Power of the Spoken, is driven by the importance of the verbalized thought; a way to paint ideas, thoughts, and opinions in its most effective form. In the opening title track, he breaks down the very word “mantra” as a concept- chanted and recited through history as “phonetic outreach” and distilled here as an introduction to his own; “spoken word as a weapon.”

Power of the Spoken is an electric hip hop album that isn’t afraid to embrace worldly elements. From the mystical Eastern influences of the title track to the multi-lingual and piano-based “Fall Guy”, the album features production by Mista Savona, Count Bounce and M-Phazes. The latter of whom produced the album’s first single, “I Hereby Stand”, a stand-out track powered by hard-hitting percussion and razor sharp flow. The track is the album’s right hook, the telling of Mantra’s credentials up to now- the blood and sweat spent on years of playing shows and the tireless work of becoming one of the finest emcees in the country.

In “Mad With It”, Mantra (with guest Jeremedy) takes an ironic jab at a world gone crazy, while in the aforementioned “Fall Guy,” he takes a somber look at personal vulnerability; someone wracked with anxiety and depression, finding a way to cope through lyrical catharsis. “Perfect Little Island” is a fine example of Mantra’s unique ability to display his vision of the world, backed by brooding bass-heavy beats skittered with tinges of more electronic diversions; a dynamic combination of gritty musical textures and urgent thought.

Like “Perfect Little Island”, the album isn’t about broadcasting a message, but rather exploring the word and the language as the most effective tool for discourse translated by hip hop. Power of the Spoken represents diversity in style linked thematically by a strong belief in what it proclaims. His talent is undeniable and this, the Mantra takeover, resonates with the unquestionable power of the spoken word.

Track listing:
01. Power of the Spoken
02. The Wait
03. Thanks For Tuning In
04. Perfect Little Island
05. I Hereby Stand
06. Flightpath
07. Remember Where You Were
08. Fall Guy
09. Live It Out (feat. Cisco Tavares)
10. Mad With It (feat. Jeremedy)
11. I Wanna Go Home
12. Hip Hop Never Left

Mantra Webpage


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Categories : Obese Records

Vida Sunshyne & Chasm – Move (Album Artwork)

17 09 2009

vida sunshyne allaussie hip hop

He is Chasm, Sydney-based producer-extraordinaire who made his mark in 2008 with the Triple J feature album debut Beyond The Beat Tape. She is Melbourne-by-way-of-Ghana’s Vida-Sunshyne, and the enigmatic voice featured on both Beyond The Beat Tape and Astronomy Class’ Pursuit of Happiness. Together they are an electric collaboration of musical talent; one half behind the boards, creating the template for a limitless sonic foundation. The other, centre stage; creating the connection between performer and listener.

The pair have created Move, the brand new album that traverses the global spectrum of soul, reggae, and hip hop. It is a combination of styles and performances that raises the bar for Australian music.

The new album artwork for Vida Sunshyne and Chasm’s album Move has been released today,  a cool  throw back to an old 45 vinyl sleeves, Aprill77 has brought a slick look to Obese’s 69th release. The album will hit shelves October 23 and features Damajah, Million Dan, Mantra and Mista Savona.

If you can’t wait for the release date then you’ll be happy to hear that a mixtape will be out soon to get your taste buds ready for the main course. Titled Fire In The Building and Mixed by DJ Diaz, Chasm & Vida Sunshyne are sure to bring something red hot. You can check out Vida MySpace page here and Chasm’s here.

Vida Sunshyne will be appearing at the High Vibes Festival on September 20 and then on a host of dates with Astronomy Class in late November.


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Categories : Obese Records

TZU guest program rage

19 06 2009

tzu

Catch the lads from TZU hooking us up with a killer playlist this weekend. Tune in from 10am – 11am Saturday morning for an hour long taste of what’s to come, with the full guest programming from 11.45pm Saturday night, ABC1. Check below for the allaussie hip hop version or for a full program rundown go to the rage website here.

AUSSIE HIP HOP TIMES
1:00am
ILLZILLA Cut Feet (Shock)

2:00am
KID KOALA Fender Bender (Creative Vibes)

2:30am
TZU Dam Busters (Liberation)
TZU Wild Stylee (Independent)
TZU She Gets Up (Liberation)
TZU In Front Of Me (Liberation)
TZU Computer Love (Liberation)
TZU Mondays (Liberation)
SOUND UNLIMITED POSSE Kickin’ To The Underground (Sony)
DEF WISH CAST A.U.S.T. (Mushroom)

3:00am
KOOLISM Koolism Is (Independent)
1200 TECHNIQUES Where Ur At (Sony)
N’FA Cause An Effect (Inertia)
DJ PERIL It’s About To Blow (Warner)
BRETHREN Intercepta (Independent)
JUMBLEDAT Momentus (Independent)
CURSE OV DIALECT Bury Me Slowly (Independent)

3:30am
BROTHABLACK Are You With Me Out There! (Obese Records)
GOOD BUDDHA Ultrasound (Independent)
DIAFRIX In Tha Place (Independent)
RESIN DOGS Say Yeah (Independent)
PEZ featuring 360 & HAILEY CRAMER The Festival Song (Inertia)
MAYA JUPITER featuring CAMIELLE Move (Creative Vibes)
HERMITUDE Music From Your Mind (Elefant Traks)

4:00am
PEGZ Back Then (Obese Records)
HILLTOP HOODS The Nosebleed Section (Obese Records)
UNKLE HO Big Bad Rag (Independent)
BLISS ‘N ESO Up Jumped The Boogie (Liberation)
HYJAK ‘N’ TORCHA featuring MC KYE Corrected (Obese Records)
DOWNSYDE Les Fortunate (Obese Records)
ANECDOTE Ahead Of My Time (Independent)
LOW BUDGET Tailor Made (Independent)

4:30am
LAZY GREY & KEN OATH Have A Beer (Independent)
MISTA SAVONA Blaze The Fire (Elefant Traks)
BIAS B Been There Done That (Obese Records)
VENTS Love Song (Obese Records)
MUPHIN A Better Man (Obese Records)
PLUTONIC LAB featuring KYE Character Assassination (Obese Records)
SPIT SYNDICATE Here Today, Gone Tomorrow (Obese Records)
JUSTICE & KAOS Turn It On (Warner)

5:00am
BLUEJUICE Vitriol (Independent)
TRUE LIVE Keep Myself Awake (Shock)
KATALYST All You’ve Got (Independent)
DRAPHT The Music (Obese Records)
PHRASE Clockwork (Universal)
ASTRONOMY CLASS featuring VIDA SUNSHYNE & KWEEN G Where You At? (Elefant Traks)
THE TONGUE featuring DUDLEY PERKINS Animal Crackers (Elefant Traks)
URTHBOY We Get Around (Elefant Traks)
SNOB SCRILLA There You Go Again (Ivy League)

5:30am
FUNKOARS Black Sally (Shogun)
THE HERD 2020 (Elefant Traks)


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