Touted as being one of the most skillful females in the scene right now after her solid debut release Earthworthy in 2010 and The One Nighter mixtape in 2011. Kadyelle has supported and toured with such acts as Sage Francis, Ozi Batla, M-Phazes, Phrase, Illy, Spit Syndicate, The Tongue, Class A, Optamus, Muph & Plutonic, Seth Sentry plus many more.
Her newest LP The Theory of Everything features Ozi Batla, Thorts, Optamus, Dazastah, Hunter, Porsah Laine, Rachael Berry, Soma, Miss Karleena, Miss.She.ill, Rob Shaker and production from Rahjconkas, The Digital Assassin, Admin Beats and Ren Riz. The Theory of Everything is available now for a ‘name your price’ download. You can pick it up by following the link here.
After a very successful 2012 centred around his widely revered album This is How We Never Die, Chasm has returned in 2013 with a fresh approach to releasing his music. The Chasm EP series, the first of which is set for release on March 15th this year, will comprise of four separate digital releases, each featuring a different vocal artist.
The collaborations, in true Chasm style, will spotlight artists from his international network including Guilty Simpson (USA), Blak Twang (UK), and our very own Monchichi (AUS), Skryptcha & Rachael Berry (AUS). The first EP from the series Diamond Cuts, features Chasm’s long time collaborators Skryptcha and Rachael Berry.
Chasm first worked alongside Skryptcha producing the Sydney emcee’s debut EP Left to Write. The two then collaborated on Skryptcha’s first LP The Numbers in 2010, which included hit single Get Mine featuringRachael Berry’s velvety vocals on the hook. Berry and Chasm went on to work on new songs together, which unfortunately never saw the light of day. Recently during a studio session for Skryptcha‘s mixtape The Summer, Skryp heard the unfinished tracks and knew he had to rap over them. Thus the EP came together.
Diamond Cuts – polishing up rediscovered gems from the vaults. The first single from Diamond Cuts is ‘Oo La La La’ is an up-tempo, vibing, straight up party number. Featuring an impressive verse from the bilingual Ozi Batla (The Herd), ‘Oo La La La’ is all funk guitars, accented claps, and a signature hook from Berry.
Australia’s most dexterous producer Chasm will be releasing a series of EP’s this year. The first of which, Diamond Cuts, out March 15th, features long-time collaborators Skryptcha and Rachael Berry. Lead single Oo La La La will be available from iTunes when the EP drops.
EP’s to come see Chasm team up with esteemed artists Monchichi, Guilty Simpson, and Blak Twang. Check out the behind the scenes video for Chasm’s next clip Dreamin feat. RUCL and Gappy Ranks below.
Skryptcha has a knack for making the philosophical non-confrontational. His second masterpiece Mindful is not unlike it’s creator; preceptive, sharp and ahead of its time. After the notoriety surrounding previous LP Numb3rs, and break out EP Left to Write, the slick young wordsmith has found time to knock out a Journalism degree, and travel substantially. Crafted during the most pivotal years of his life, Mindful takes a considered look at Skryptcha’s unique journey thus far.
Mindful’s production was expertly handled by illustrious US producer Illmind, a long-time favourite beat-maker of Skryptcha’s. Throughout the album, a dynamic emcee-producer synchronicity is evident, Illmind setting a scene and Skryptcha telling the story seamlessly. The most comprehensive period of the duo’s artistic interaction took place during Skryptcha’s visit to Illmind’s studio in Brooklyn. An otherwise digital collaboration, the distance between the two proved irrelevant in creating the album the two had envisaged. Using analogue equipment and processes, Illmind’s rich bass lines and homage to old school soul set the tone throughout Mindful.
Lead single, Dance sets the head nodding with its laid-back soulful guitar loops teamed with loose, punchy beats. Skryptcha maneuvers rhythmic rhymes skillfully around the beat, whilst observing music’s power to simplify a person’s circumstance. The hilarious film clip for Dance, featuring Steven O’Donnell (‘Bajo’ from the ABC show Good Game) has just been released. We recommend you check that one out above. Skyryptcha – Mindful is out now through Obese Records.
Track list: 1 – Graduation feat. Rachael Berry 2 – Take Off feat. Daniel Mifsud 3 – Dance 4 – Crash Course 5 – The Sun 6 – Going Nowhere feat. Daniel Mifsud 7 – Edge Of The World 8 – Let It Ride 9 – Work Out feat. Spit Syndicate 10 – 50 Ways 11 – I’m Good feat. Rachael Berry 12 – Goodnight 13 – My Way Up feat. Illy & Joyride
iTunes exclusive offer: When you purchase Mindful online through iTunes, you will receive two bonus tracks produced by Taku for free! 14 – Rainfall 15 – Your World
Skryptcha has a knack for making the philosophical non-confrontational. His second masterpiece Mindful is not unlike it’s creator; preceptive, sharp and ahead of its time. After the notoriety surrounding previous LP Numb3rs, and break out EP Left to Write, the slick young wordsmith has found time to knock out a Journalism degree, and travel substantially. Crafted during the most pivotal years of his life, Mindful takes a considered look at Skryptcha’s unique journey thus far.
Mindful’s production was expertly handled by illustrious US producer Illmind, a long-time favourite beat-maker of Skryptcha’s. Throughout the album, a dynamic emcee-producer synchronicity is evident, Illmind setting a scene and Skryptcha telling the story seamlessly. The most comprehensive period of the duo’s artistic interaction took place during Skryptcha’s visit to Illmind’s studio in Brooklyn. An otherwise digital collaboration, the distance between the two proved irrelevant in creating the album the two had envisaged. Using analogue equipment and processes, Illmind’s rich bass lines and homage to old school soul set the tone throughout Mindful.
“I’ve listened to Illmind’s beats for years and have always been in love with his sound. He’s on the exact tip I was looking for, so managing to link up with him on this entire project was a blessing.” – Skryptcha
Mindful stars a carefully selected bunch of guest artists including Obese Records label-mates Illy and Spit Syndicate, and the dulcet tones of vocalists Sam Ackerman, Joyride, Rachael Berry, and Daniel Mifsud. Skryptcha worked closely with his guest artists to develop hooks and song structure, wanting to emphasise each of their individual styles for their respective tracks.
In opening number Graduation a braggadocio track with premise; Skryptcha looks back on just how far he’s come since his rap career began. The proclamation of bold organ loops fused with sharp boom bap beats is complimented by the sultry vocals of Rachael Berry on the hook. Lead single Dance sets the head nodding with its laid-back soulful guitar loops teamed with loose, punchy beats. Skryptcha maneuvers rhythmic rhymes skillfully around the beat, whilst observing music’s power to simplify a person’s circumstance.
In My Way Up, Illy and Skryptcha compare notes on their exceeded expectations since putting out their first releases. With the soulful vocals of Joyride on the hook, bright piano and occasional electronic nuances colour the track. Already a musical hybrid release due to the international nature of its collaborators, Mindful has the potential to reach many with its positive outlook and widely relatable themes.
“I really hope people connect with this album. I write a lot of my music out of my own personal experiences but I always try and bring the listener into that. I hope it informs, inspires & empowers.” – Skryptcha
Track list: 1 – Graduation feat. Rachael Berry 2 – Take Off feat. Daniel Mifsud 3 – Dance 4 – Crash Course 5 – The Sun 6 – Going Nowhere feat. Daniel Mifsud 7 – Edge Of The World 8 – Let It Ride 9 – Work Out feat. Spit Syndicate 10 – 50 Ways 11 – I’m Good feat. Rachael Berry 12 – Goodnight 13 – My Way Up feat. Illy & Joyride
iTunes exclusive offer: When you purchase Mindful online through iTunes, you will receive two bonus tracks produced by Taku for free! 14 – Rainfall 15 – Your World
For Skryptcha, 2011 was a year of travel, experience and studio time –with his head down since early January 2011 working on a new album. All year long Skryptcha has been exchanging with producer from New York called Illmind, who he met up with whilst in the US in April to discuss plans for the album and work on tracks.
During his time abroad, Skryptcha visited places like New Orleans, Memphis & New York, drawing inspiration from the cities. Even though much of his time was spent in the studio, Skryp still found space to tour a large part of the country, playing shows in Perth, Melbourne, Jindabyne & Sydney. Skryptcha also found time to help out of Sydney artist Dutch’s track Best Day feat. The Tongue, and Alise Fedele. You can download Best Day for free below, using the down arrow in the player (100 downloads available).
With contributions from vocalists like Daniel Mifsud, Rachael Berry, DJ Joyride & Bastian Bones, as well as fellow Obese brothers Illy & Spit Syndicate, the new LP will be entitled Mindful.
aahh: 2010 saw the release of your debut LP Me, Me, Me & Him, The Secret Life of a Receptionist. What so far has been the highlight of this journey? Class A MC: The highlight of the journey was seeing it out and in JB Hi Fi. That was a big goal for me- to get it in stores. It was a very long and arduous journey and to see it finished, packaged and ready for sale was an amazing feeling. After the visit to JB, we then went and drank champagne and ate lots of dumplings to celebrate. The release date in general was pretty exciting, just knowing that it was finally going out into the world was a great accomplishment for me.
aahh: Where you going for the longest hip hop album title in history? Class A MC: haha um.. I just didn’t want something that was cliché or been done before and I wanted something that gave listeners an idea of what the album is about. There were a couple of strong themes throughout the album and I wanted to fit both of those in. It has caused some confusion, and radio dj’s not being able to get it right, but I wasn’t budging. Also, it reminded me of an Atmosphere album title so I liked it.
aahh: Your versatility on the mic has been described as one your strengths and it carries on through to the album with impressive fashion. Were your intentions from the outset aimed specifically on making a versatile album? Class A MC: Why thank you! Well I get bored with the same style, I like to switch things up a lot. I did want to show my versatility and to show all sides of my personality. I also didn’t want every track to sound the same. To keep it exciting, entertaining and diverse was the plan. I was just hoping it would all fit together and that it all wasn’t too different. I had to cut a few tracks to make it work, but I was happy with it in the end.
aahh: We don’t tend to see many female emcees in Australia with such character and style, what was it that lead you into this wonderful world of hip hop? Class A MC: I started getting into hip hop about 10 years ago when I heard it on community radio for the first time. I fell in love with it and the rest is history. I was already into Snoop Dogg and Salt N Pepa and Biggie etc. I started writing and kept it a secret for a while and I finally revealed my rhymes at an open mic and started hanging out with local emcees Fatty Phew, Thorts and crew who nurtured my skills and helped me create my music. I went to an all girls private school so nobody in my school was into Australian hip hop (except for a couple of girls). I hung out in town after school with the other rappers and kept the rapping pretty quiet for a long time at school. It wasn’t until I moved to Melbourne that I started meeting other female emcees, which was great.
aahh: Subject matter was obviously an important aspect on this album. Did you have any challenges in presenting an album that didn’t isolate the larger male audience? Class A MC: Yeah I was a bit worried that boys might not like the album, but I can’t help what I write, it’s all personal experience. I try to write songs that everybody will be able to relate to, but this album was very specifically about my life as a receptionist and my relationship with boys. I knew girls would definitely be able to relate to it, but I do think there are songs that guys can enjoy as well. Everyone can relate to being stuck in a job they don’t want to be in and fantasising about a better life.
aahh: Is the sexy receptionist we hear about on the album a bit of a persona/metaphor or more of a true representation of who you are as a person? Class A MC: haha no, I’m not really a sexy receptionist. I really was a receptionist, but I was a massive nerd. I guess I can be very girly and I suppose sexual at times, but I was that bored that I just came up with some fantasies of the milkman etc. I can be a bit of a daydreamer.
aahh: You worked closely with some of the finest producers in the country on this one, including BVA, Dly Thomas and M-Phazes. In your point of view, is it vital in the creative process to be able to have that back and forth interaction/relationship with your producers? Class A MC: Yes, absolutely. I only worked with producers who are my friends as well so it makes it an easy and enjoyable process. I like working with producers in their studio and throwing ideas back and forth. That’s what works best for me and I think you get the best result from working that way. I lived with Akouo at the time, M-Phazes came over and recorded “So Bad”, and me and Dyl would talk on a regular basis about the tracks. Thank god for the internet for the times where you can’t get together, especially working with BVA (who lives in Adelaide). We became good friends after the album as we spoke so much. There was a lot of interaction between myself and the producers.
aahh: With such a range of tracks on the album, from straight up hip hop to funk and electro what were some of the most enjoyable tracks for you to record or write? Class A MC: I really enjoyed ‘So Bad’ with M-Phazes, that recording processing was fun as hell. He challenged me so much and was wouldn’t settle for anything that wasn’t the best. We ended up with a great product and in the end, that track was one of my favourites. Fitzroy was pretty enjoyable to write too, I went for drinks with Akouo during the day (he made the beat), came home and wrote the song in a fairly tipsy state. It was a beautiful sunny day, and I was high off life in Fitzroy. Writing Break It Down was also memorable, as I was at a holiday house with my mum and sister and best friend and just reflecting on the year and where I was at. I was at the end of the album writing process and realising how important music was to me. That was pretty special.
aahh: Everyone wants to know, have you scored the milkman yet? Has he heard the track? Is there a milkman? Class A MC: No I haven’t. haha. After I left reception, I didn’t see him again. The new receptionist fell in love with him after I left, and now he isn’t working there anymore. I don’t think I’ll ever see him again, which is fine. It was just a fantasy! We were joking around saying we should send him the track but I decided against it, I think he might be scared of me if he finds out.
aahh: You recently went Wildside with The Tongue on his album tour, which also featured Spit Syndicate. Even more recently a few shows with Syntax. What have these tours been like? Class A MC: It was so much fun! I brought Rachael Berry and DJ Mathmatics with me for a lot of it and we had a ball. Me and Rach were like two schoolgirls on an excursion, very excited and loved doing the shows. I’d have to say Joyride would have to be one of the funniest guys on the planet, loved getting to know the boys. Brisbane, Melbourne and Freo were the highlights, they went off. Doing shows with Syntax is enjoyable as well. He is a very funny man.
aahh: We saw a spontaneous twitter battle between you and 360 earlier last year. Do you get many rappers wanting to battle or trying to spit bars at you when you’re out on the town or whatever? Class A MC: Haha yeah that was fun. There needs to be more of those. I’ve only had a couple of people trying to battle me when I’m out, but I’m a lover, not a fighter. I don’t really like battling, I don’t like dissing people for no reason. I can with 360 because he can handle anything and we give each other shit all the time anyway. If anyone tries to battle me out I just find it funny, I’m just out to have a good time really.
aahh: Without sounding to cliché, even though the question is cliché as fuck. What would your words of wisdom be to any young female looking to push their skills further or even just to start writing some raps? Class A MC: Just be yourself, make the music you want to listen to. Be proud of what you do, don’t be too hard on yourself and work really hard. Don’t let haters get to you, prove people wrong. If you believe in what you’re doing, you can hold your head up high and push your music to as many people as you can. Oh and be patient!
Back in 2008, Ishu garnered praise for the smooth, organic dub/reggae/dancehall flavours and laid-back vocals of his debut EP. Seven tracks which documented his time in Melbourne before heading abroad. Fast-forward two years later and he’s switching it up. A broadened sound palette has him charting new musical territory, using hiphop and electronic beats as his canvas. Culture-mashing boom-bap in a similar vein to local favourites Hermitude and with hints of big influences like Madlib, Hi-Tek and Bonobo, Ishu is now ready to unleash his debut album, A World In Progress.
Citing his environment as the main influence of his music, after traveling throughout Europe and Asia in 2008-09, it’s no surprise that Sydney-born hip-hop producer Ishu has returned to Australia with a bag full of fresh ideas and a new vision. Collecting samples and field recordings along the way; Ishu found inspiration in every country he visited, immersing himself in local culture and sketching beats for his forthcoming album release. Back in Melbourne, in his home studio, the finishing touches were made to bring the rough recordings to life.
This two year process produced the concept album, A World In Progress. A contemporary mix of world music soundscapes, down tempo electronic beats and heavy hip hop blends, it is an aural and sensory delight, that takes the listener on a journey. Scheduled for release in November 2010, this is an album that will appeal to hip hop and world music fans alike.
Ishu has enlisted some of Australia’s finest vocalists for the album, including Mantra, Hau, Lotek, Class-A, Elf Tranzporter, Dyl Thomas (Polo Club), Rachael Berry and Pataphysics. A World In Progress intro’s with atmospheric sounds recorded both locally in Australia and in Japan, the first and last stops on his musical journey. It’s here that Ishu sets the scene for this sonic journey; A World in Progress quoted in many languages, which are recordings of friends along the way, it is backed by a deep and heavy hip hop rhythm.
Each song on the album represents a different country visited…from the peaceful English countryside in summer contrasted with London’s coldest winter in 17 years, to India during the terrorist attacks of 2008, and the hectic city lifestyle of Hong Kong. With a portable recorder always within reach, Ishu captures the essence of places like Le Gare du Nord in Paris, the familiar Melbourne-esque trams in Basel Switzerland and the Islamic prayer calls in Istanbul Turkey.
In Prague Ishu recorded the giant metronome which stands in place of the former Soviet leader Stalin’s monument. “An interesting sight, producing an interesting sound…kind of ‘the beat of the people’, ironically very slow and mechanical”. It was this awareness of land and people that married Ishu to his tunes. Following the roots of his Lithuanian father he felt a natural connection there, meeting local MC Messiah, they together created a track with Lithuanian lyrics, that connects all races with a universal question, ‘So What Do You Really Want?’
A World in Progress, is the name, the motif, the question and the driving force behind this album. A release that can be classed as Hip-Hop, but do not be fooled in thinking this is where the musical genius stops. World music soundscapes and down tempo electronic beats make this album both fresh and original. The production is of an extremely high caliber and this only being Ishu’s second release, is proof of the talent of this young Australian producer.
Following in the footsteps of producers like Mad Professor, DJ Shadow and DJ Krush; Ishu has prepared a modern day live production of the new tunes using a computer and various other electronic contraptions. Blending each song into the next, Ishu gets hands on with the music, having full access to all elements of each song and endless effects possibilities. Always keeping things live and spontaneous, ensuring that every show is different from the last.
A World In Progress Launch Dates Dec 11th @ The Workers Club 51 Brunswick St, Fitzroy http://www.theworkersclub.com.au Doors open 8:30 $10 door or $10+bf pre-sales via moshtix Joined on stage by guest vocalists including Mantra, Class A, Lotek, Elf Tranzporter, Dyl Thomas, Rachael Berry, Pataphysics, Rae Pale, Dragonfly and Rayjah45. Pataphysics will be playing a full live set in support on the night, along with DJ sets from Elf Tranzporter and Dyl Thomas
Dec 17th @ Low Society Shush, Newtown RSL Enmore Rd Newtown Doors op 9pm (til 3am) $15+bf pre-sales via moshtix
Peats Ridge Festival Dec 29th – 31st NYE 2010/2011 @ The Dubshack
Citing his environment as the main influence of his music, it’s no surprise that Sydney-born hip-hop producer Ishu has returned to Australia with a bag full of fresh ideas and a new vision, after travelling throughout Europe and Asia in 2009. Collecting samples and field recordings along the way; Ishu found inspiration in every country he visited, immersing himself in local culture and sketching beats for his forthcoming album release. Now at his new home in Melbourne, it’s time to bring these rough drafts to life.
ISHU presents the new single ‘Progress feat. Mantra’ Back in 2008, Ishu had garnered praise for the smooth, organic dub/reggae/dancehall flavours and laid-back vocals of his debut EP. Seven tracks which documented his time in Melbourne before heading abroad. Fast-forward two years later and he’s switching it up. A broadened sound palette has him charting new musical territory, using hip-hop and electronic beats as his canvas. Culture-mashing boom-bap in a similar vein to local favourites Hermitude and Monkeymarc (Combat Wombat) with hints of big influences like Madlib, Embee (Looptroop) and Hi-Tek, get ready for the debut album, A World In Progress.
Citing his environment as the main influence of his music, after traveling throughout Europe and Asia in 2009, it’s no surprise that Sydney-born hip-hop producer Ishu has returned to Australia with a bag full of fresh ideas and a new vision. Collecting samples and field recordings along the way; Ishu found inspiration in every country he visited, immersing himself in local culture and sketching beats for his forthcoming album release. Back in Melbourne, in his home studio, the process began to bring the rough recordings to life.
This two year process produced the concept album, A World In Progress. A contemporary mix of world music soundscapes, down tempo electronic beats and heavy hip hop blends,it is an aural and sensory delight, that takes the listener on a journey across Europe. Scheduled for release in November 2010, this is an album that will appeal tohip hop and world music fans alike.
The first single to be lifted from the album is Progress, featuring well known Melbourne MC Mantra. This track was inspired by the sights and sounds of Istanbul,Turkey. Mantra’s lyrics are directly related to world progress in relation to the modern world and the ancient traditions.
To launch the album A World In Progress, there will be shows in Melbourne and Sydney: Following in the footsteps of producers like Mad Professor, DJ Shadow and DJ Krush; Ishu has prepared a modern day live production show using a laptop, Ableton and a gang of MIDI controllers. Blending each song into the next, Ishu gets hands on with the music, having full access to all elements of each song and endless effects possibilities. Keeping things live and spontaneous, ensuring that every show is different from the last.
Dec 11th @ The Workers Club 51 Brunswick St, Fitzroy http://www.theworkersclub.com.au Doors open 8:30 $12 door or $10+bf pre-sales via moshtix Joined on stage by guest vocalists including Mantra, Class A, Lotek, Elf Tranzporter, Dyl Thomas, Rachael Berry, Pataphysics, Rae Pale, Dragonfly and Rayjah45. Pataphysics will be playing a full live set in support on the night, along with DJ sets from Elf Tranzporter and Dyl Thomas
Dec 17th @ Low Society Shush, Newtown RSL Enmore Rd Newtown Doors op 9pm (til 3am) $15+bf pre-sales via moshtix
From one city skyline to another, Sydney emcee Skryptcha digs into hip hop’s East Coast influence for direction and tone on his much anticipated debut full length. Titled The Numbers, this fourteen track outing is an honest and personal expression of Skryptcha’s personality and love for the music wrapped up in that old boom-bap and soul sound. Like those who have made a mark in the past, The Numbers is a glorious mix of deft production work and intelligent lyricism and story telling.
Enlisting production from noted Australian beatmakers M-Phazes, Chasm, Jase and Ante Escobar alongside international input from Domingo (NY), Skryptcha brings to life the past twelve months with a blend of soul-drenched arrangements, catchy vocal harmonies, and classic beats.
The first single, Get Mine (featuring the vocal work of Melbourne songstress Rachael Berry) is the album’s apex. The Chasm-produced number, with its big horns and party vibe, is their finest collaboration yet- the latest in their already stellar musical partnership.
In All In (featuring Bastion Bones of Sydney band Bones Atlas), Skryptcha delves into relationships, perfectly capped off by the line “we still play to win with ridiculous sums”. The title track The Numbers is a perfect summation of the album, a mid-tempo piece driven by Skryptcha’s memorable flow contemplating all the digits that create life’s formula- goals, ambitions, tribulations, and questions in numerical form. The closer Postcard is the meditative finale, an introspective look back through all days gone by boasting feel-good melodies and impossibly catchy rhymes.
With additional vocals by the aforementioned artists alongside Jeswon (Thundamentals), Dialectrix (electric once again on Locked Down) and Lotek, The Numbers is Skryptcha’s new school tribute to hip hop’s yesteryear, the culmination of more than a year’s worth of work. Proving that he had much left to write, The Numbers looks to propel the Sydney emcee into the consciousness of the Australian music fan.
Track listing:
01. Good Music
02. All In (feat. Bastian Bones)
03. The Numbers
04. Get Mine (feat. Rachael Berry) MySpace
05. Locked Down (feat. Dialectrix)
06. Full Steam (feat. Lotek)
07. Clever
08. The City
09. Satisfied (feat. Rachael Berry)
10. Impossible
11. This World (feat. Jeswon)
12. One Way
13. Growth
14. Postcard
