Mantra 2011 Wrap Up

23 01 2012

2011 was an unheralded year for Mantra, your favourite rapper’s favourite rapper – as he’s widely known. Mantra had been lighting a fire under the genre as we know it with the release of his much talked about second solo album Speaking Volumes in September. 

After supporting Drapht on his Life of Riley National Tour and performing at the Come Together festival at Luna Park in Sydney earlier this year, Mantra was readying fans for what was to come…

The album’s first single Got Me Wrong feat. Parvyn Kaur Singh received high rotation on triple j, and was their most requested song during the week of its release. Shortly after the EP hit shelves, Mantra took his new set-list on the road for the Mantra Speaking Volumes Tour which featured special guests Tommy Illfigga, Ellesquire, In Good Company and more. Renowned for his involvement with hip-hop mentorship programs, Mantra (whilst simultaneously juggling his hip hop career) ran weekly workshops at juvenile justice centres in Melbourne with Dig Deep and Fresh Mob during the entirety of 2011.

Mantra also released the brand new music video for his second single from sophomore release Speaking Volumes  – Voodoo Music. Mantra also helped out on numerous other projects, including Drapht’s The Life Of Riley album, the In Good Company self titled LP and also Ishu’s – World In Progress & more.

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Mantra – Voodoo Music Official Video

19 12 2011

In contrast to the lyrical introspection prominent in revered first single Got Me Wrong (featuring Parvyn Kaur Singh) (Triple J’s most requested song in the week following its release), Voodoo Music is essentially a celebration of Mantra’s aptitude for wordplay and metaphor.

Crediting the production genius of young Melbourne wiz-kid Abstrakt with cuts from DJ Wasabi, Voodoo Music is characterized by its rupturing bass and pan flute-esk synths bringing Mantra’s audaciously swaggering flow to new heights.

‘One of the albums most bangin’ beats for sure. Produced by young buck Abztrakt, this track is all about the flow. I got really funky and loose with my rhyme patterns, trying to put as much movement in my vocal rhythms as possible. Theme-wise, the track is full of wordplay, much of it based around voodoo and black magic.’ Mantra

Upcoming Mantra Shows For 2011:
-Blah Blah Blah Music Festival, Brisbane, December 28th - Tickets
-Pyramid Rock Festival, Philip Island, December 31st - Tickets 

Directed by: El Davros for Cartel Film Production
Produced by: Katherine Cooke
Post Production by: ALT.VFX

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Mantra – Speaking Volumes Tour Comp

3 11 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 labelled ‘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. To celebrate the release of what is sure to be one of the Australian Hip-Hop releases of the year, Mantra is hitting the road with a brand new live show. Widely regarded as one of the best live performers in the country, he will be performing tracks off the new album, as well as some old favourites. 

Joining the line up in selected cities will be Hip-Hop mastermind Tommy Illfigga, who recently dropped his full-length album Walk A Mile. Tommy is one of Australia’s most exciting exponents of Hip-Hop culture; not only a prolific MC and producer, but also a world-renowned beat-boxer. Also joining Mantra is In Good Company featuring Syntax, Whisper and Breach.  The IGC guys have just dropped their debut self titled LP and are a live performance not to be missed. Be sure to get along to the Speaking Volumes Tour at the remaining dates.

 

Competition Details:
To help sweeten the deal allaussie hip hop are giving are 2 double passes to the next 3 Mantra shows. Be quick if you live in Torquay!! All you have to do to win is send you name, location and contact number to allaussiecomps@gmail.com and the answer to the following question: What is the name of Big Village Records artist, Ellesquire’s latest album?

Tour Dates:
• Torquay, VIC – Saturday November 5 Surf Coast Sport & Rec Club  - Tickets available on the day
• Bendigo, VIC – Friday November 18 Star Bar - Tickets from venue (03) 5441 8222
• Melbourne, VIC – Saturday November 19 East Brunswick Club – Tickets from venue http://www.eastbrunswickclub.com, or via Corner Box Office 57 Swan Street, Richmond

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Mantra – Speaking Volumes: Behind The Album

31 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 the explosive new release Speaking Volumes. After his enthusiastically received contribution to the infamous ‘Rapper-Tag’ internet cypher; Mantra has been keeping fans engaged with his weekly album teasers.

Take a look at his latest promo clip Speaking Volumes – Behind The Album (below). 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 Volumescredits beats from the likes of M-Phazes, El Gusto and Mista Savona among others

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 Mantra’s – Got Me Wrong ft. Parvyn Kaur Singh through iTunes here.
Pre-order Mantra –Speaking Volumes (limited signed copies available) through JB Hi-Fi online.

Mantra Twitter  ||  Obeserecords.com


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Mantra – Speaking Volumes

24 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 the explosive new release 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.

Purchase Mantra’s – Got Me Wrong feat. Parvyn Kaur Singh through iTunes here.
Pre-order Mantra – Speaking Volumes (limited signed copies available) through JB Hi-Fi online.

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 

Mantra Twitter  ||  Obeserecords.com


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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

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Mantra – Speaking Volumes

10 08 2011

Obese Records’ latest family member has been blazing a name for himself since 2005. From his early work with the group Equills and local Melbourne outfit Illzilla (fronting the group on their debut EP and Wasteland full length), Mantra’s captivating flow and intelligent lyrical connections continue to elevate his status as one of Australia’s most talented MCs as touted by both artists and fans. Mantra gives us an exclusive sneak peek at Self-Destruct featuring Promoe, 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

Having established himself with his group efforts alongside guest spots on acclaimed work by Chasm (2008’s Beyond the Beat Tape), Urthboy and Diafrix, Mantra’s history speaks for itself. With unmatched freestyle ability and a war chest of influences ranging from Jehst, Pharoah Monch and Mos Def to Hendrix and Otis Redding, Mantra is ready to once again break out with this highly anticipated release. Fuelled by unmistaken talent and a passion for the discipline Mantra is back Speaking Volumes. The fist single from Speaking Volumes entitled Got Me Wrong feat.Parvyn Kaur Singh will be available on iTunes August 12. 

MANTRA – RAPPERTAG #39

Filmed by El Davros on the set of the Got Me Wrong music video, coming soon.
Beat produced by Must.

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Mantra announces upcoming album title

18 07 2011

Mantra has wrapped up in the studio for his next release entitled Speaking Volumes. The album will feature a seasoned array of contributors including M-Phazes, Illy and Urthboy.


‘It’s a far more musical album, an album of songs, as opposed to “rap” songs. I also collaborated with a lot more guest vocalists, and worked more closely with the producers to get the sound I was after.’ – Mantra
Stay tuned for more exclusive Mantra news!


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