Category: Elefant Tracks

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Urthboy Second Heartbeat feat. Sampa The Great & Okenyo

Jim Steps

‘Second Heartbeat’, featuring Sampa the Great & Okenyo is Urthboy’s follow-up single to ‘Long Loud Hours’, and it’s an autobiographical charmer, delivered with the warm charisma of Summer. Opening with the sound of kids cheering and screaming with delight, we are invited into a nostalgic celebration and a major clue as to the concept of Urthboy’s upcoming album. From there the upbeat piano and soulful beauty of Okenyo’s introduction takes us to a place where the past meets the present. The three singers take us on a journey of their lives, their lineage and the way their backgrounds inform their … Continue reading Urthboy Second Heartbeat feat. Sampa The Great & Okenyo

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Urthboy – Naïve Bravado feat. Daniel Merriweather

Jim Steps

Teaming up with incredible Daniel Merriweather, Urthboy sidesteps peers while exhibiting his trademark sharp flow, songwriting talents and that knack for well-crafted hooks. The concept of Naïve Bravado is like a lamb with a lion’s heart; a broken down car needing a jump start. It’s not a false courage if it leads you out of the mess. Anchored in running bass lines, ominous horns and monstrous percussive drums—all concocted by the brilliant collaborative production of Count Bounce and Hermitude. Urthboy has kept a frenetic pace since the release of the AIR award-winning, ARIA and AMP nominated Spitshine (2009); with 2011’s Future … Continue reading Urthboy – Naïve Bravado feat. Daniel Merriweather

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks, Obese Records

Chasm – Smokey

Jim Steps

This Is How We Never Die is the refreshingly on-point third instalment from prestigious Sydney producer Chasm. True to the quality displayed throughout debut album Beyond the Beat Tape (2008), and Move (with Vida Sunshyne, 2010) Chasm proves himself once more as a consummate composer. Joined by local and international artists; This Is How We Never Die features USA underground vocal heavyweights AG (Showbiz & AG), Guilty Simpson (Stones Throw), Vast Aire (Def Jux), and Fashawn (One), New Zealand’s Dave Dallas, and Blak Twang (UK). Not to mention an assortment of Australia’s top lyricists including Solo, Lazy Grey, Mdusu, Delta, Dialectrix … Continue reading Chasm – Smokey

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks, Obese Records

Chasm – This Is How We Never Die

Jim Steps

This Is How We Never Die is the refreshingly on-point third instalment from prestigious Sydney producer Chasm. True to the quality displayed throughout debut album Beyond the Beat Tape (2008), and Move (with Vida Sunshyne, 2010) Chasm proves himself once more as a consummate composer.  Joined by local and international artists; This Is How We Never Die features USA underground vocal heavyweights AG (Showbiz & AG), Guilty Simpson (Stones Throw), Vast Aire (Def Jux), and Fashawn (One), New Zealand’s Dave Dallas, and Blak Twang (UK). Not to mention an assortment of Australia’s top lyricists including Solo, Lazy Grey, Mdusu, Delta, Dialectrix … Continue reading Chasm – This Is How We Never Die

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks, Obese Records

Chasm – This Is How We Never Die

Jim Steps

Chasm’s highly anticpated LP release This Is How We Never Die is due  April 27th through Obese Records and features big names such as AG (DITC), Delta, Lazy Grey, Hau, Brad Strut, Guilty Simpson, Fashawn, Solo, Blak Twang, David Dallas and many more.  Chasm is one of the leading hip hop producers in Australia, signed to Obese Records for his solo work and to Elefant Traks for his work with his crew Astronomy Class featuring Ozi Batla and Sir Robbo. Having released 2 crew albums, Exit Strategy (2006) and Pursuit Of Happiness (2009) and 2 solo joints in the last … Continue reading Chasm – This Is How We Never Die

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

The Herd – The Better Alive EP

Jim Steps

In celebration of their A Thousand Lives tour kicking off next week, The Herd are set to release the Better Alive EP. Featuring 7 tracks, and including new single Better Alive, featuring the vocal talents of tour buddies Thundamentals and Sky’High. The single is available now as a free download. The song came about as a result of a therapy session between The Herd and Thundamentals, following the bike sabotage incident which left The Herd’s Ozi Batla hospitalised. The drama was all caught on tape and has been turned into a reality-web series.  Urthboy explains “Understandibly there’s been a lot … Continue reading The Herd – The Better Alive EP

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Sietta – Dark Passenger EP

Jim Steps

Sietta take an inspired sidestep in creating the hauntingly beautiful Dark Passenger EP, remaining versions of their debut album, The Seventh Passenger released last year. This bold new direction shines the warm glow of the spotlight on the powerful vocals of Caiti Baker. The emotion and raw honesty in her voice lays bare the heart and soul of Sietta. James Mangohig’s instrumentation is understated but considered, capturing the warmth perfectly with his use of vintage pianos and luscious string arrangements. They switch effortlessly from the up-to-the-minute coolness of bass-heavy electronica into the classic realm of voice and instrument from another era. It’s stunning. 1 Dark … Continue reading Sietta – Dark Passenger EP

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Mini Documentary on the life of Sydney MC Sky’high Pt. 1

Jim Steps

Elefant Traks announces the signing of Sydney’s Sky’high, arguably the most surprising act to join the label’s roster yet. One of the most compelling artists to emerge from the local hip hop scene, Sky’high’s raw aggression seemingly puts her at odds with many of the Elefant Traks family, but her sheer talent and songwriting skills are undeniable. Growing up in the housing commissions of Maroubra and Ultimo, surrounded by a lifestyle of drugs, alcohol and violence, Sky’s inner strength guided her through an upbringing completely foreign to most Australian kids. In many ways though, she embodies the spirit of hip hop and staunchly represents her area in a … Continue reading Mini Documentary on the life of Sydney MC Sky’high Pt. 1

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Joelistics – The Shining EP

Jim Steps

Following on from Joelistics’ debut from 2011, Voyager, is his electro mutant 7 track remix EP featuring new single The Shining. The Shining picks up where Joelistics left off, forging ahead and pushing his sound further outside the realms of hip hop, into a land of pulsing electro and lush electronica. He hasn’t abandoned the backstory though, with remixes plunging the EP back into hip hop. The charisma and adventurousness of one of our best lyricists shines through in this reimagined format. Lending their remix touch to Joelistic’s material include TZU band-mate Count Bounce, Monkey Marc, Indie dance outfit Rufus, … Continue reading Joelistics – The Shining EP

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks, Grindin'

P-Money Interview on Sky’High

Jim Steps

A few weeks ago, New Zealand producer P-Money shared his thoughts and experiences on twitter, regarding the production he did with newly signed Elefant Traks member Sky’high. We caught up with P to delve a little deeper in to his role on the Your Highness EP. Check that out below. How did you first come across Sky’high and what were your first impressions? I first saw Sky’high rhyming on a YouTube video early last year posted by Sydney’s Fbi Stolen Records.  After watching that video I asked my mate Sam Dutch from Grindin’ to introduce us (I was hyped). We met … Continue reading P-Money Interview on Sky’High

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Joelistics & Diafrix – Running To Shine National Tour + New Singles

Jim Steps

Illusive, Elefant Traks, SHM and Premier Artists are proud to present the Running To Shine National Tour, combining the dynamic pair of Diafrix and Joelistics, two of Australia’s most eclectic hip-hop forces. Spanning fourteen dates across the country this coming March and April, two of 2011’s breakout acts will grace the stage in a rare joint collaboration tour that kickstarts exciting campaigns for both artists. Both acts are also excited to announce brand new singles for 2012 – Diafrix with Running It and Joelistics with The Shining. Melbourne duo Diafrix had a bumper 2011, including the release of their biggest single yet … Continue reading Joelistics & Diafrix – Running To Shine National Tour + New Singles

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

allaussie hip hop ‘cover art of the month’: Hermitude – Hyperparadise

Jim Steps

HyperParadise is Hermitude hitting the bullseye of their artistic vision, a beautifully inventive record of future beats and electronica. It’s not just their meticulousness in production and musicianship, it’s the passion and love they have for instrumental music that makes them so special. The songs are bubbling with personality: choruses leap out of songs demanding an emotional response, differing for each listener. It wouldn’t be hard to imagine the more notably adventurous R&B/soul vocalists wishing they could get their hands on the likes of All of You and HyperParadise. Speak of the Devil has been one of the standout dancefloor tunes of … Continue reading allaussie hip hop ‘cover art of the month’: Hermitude – Hyperparadise

Elefant Tracks

Hermitude – HyperParadise

Jim Steps

The country’s premier beats duo soar to new heights on their fourth album HyperParadise. It follow the astonishing success of lead single Speak Of The Devil. HyperParadise is Hermitude hitting the bullseye of their artistic vision, a beautifully inventive record of future beats and electronica. It’s not just their meticulousness in production and musicianship, it’s the passion and love they have for instrumental music that makes them so special. The songs are bubbling with personality: choruses leap out of songs demanding an emotional response, differing for each listener. It wouldn’t be hard to imagine the more notably adventurous R&B/soul vocalists wishing they … Continue reading Hermitude – HyperParadise

Elefant Tracks

Sky’high – Your Highness EP

Jim Steps

It’s a big day for Sky’high today! The free download of Your Highness EP is available now. Sky’high is Australia’s most compelling Hip Hop artist yet. She displays a raw and aggressive style born from the gutters of Sydney. Tough as nails from a glance but catch a glimpse of that disarming smile and you get a hint there’s a lot more to this character than meets the eye. Sky’high has just been announced as the latest artist to sign with Elefant Traks and will be releasing an album in May 2012. The Your Highness EP features the 5 tracks including the … Continue reading Sky’high – Your Highness EP

Elefant Tracks

Sky’high Joins The Elefant Traks Family

Jim Steps

Elefant Traks announces the signing of Sydney’s Sky’high, arguably the most surprising act to join the label’s roster yet. One of the most compelling artists to emerge from the local hip hop scene, Sky’high’s raw aggression seemingly puts her at odds with many of the Elefant Traks family, but her sheer talent and songwriting skills are undeniable. Growing up in the housing commissions of Maroubra and Ultimo, surrounded by a lifestyle of drugs, alcohol and violence, Sky’s inner strength guided her through an upbringing completely foreign to most Australian kids. In many ways though, she embodies the spirit of hip … Continue reading Sky’high Joins The Elefant Traks Family

Elefant Tracks, Unkut Recordings

rage FIFTY results

Jim Steps

rage recently held its rage FIFTY, which celebrated the top 50 film clips of 2011, as voted by you. We see some impressive results from Elefant Traks Hermitude, with their Speak Of The Devil video and also Trem from Unkut Recordings with his video for the track Animal  Kingdom. Both artist and teams who worked on the respective videos deserve a massive congratulations. Below are the results to the to 25 of the rage FIFTY which was revealed on ABC1 Christmas Eve. We also recommend you head over to Trem’s website and read what he had to say about the result, you … Continue reading rage FIFTY results

Elefant Tracks

Hermitude – HyperParadise

Jim Steps

Hermitude soar to new heights on their fourth album HyperParadise out February 3rd 2012. It follows the astonishing success of lead single Speak of The Devil, the dancefloor gem thrashed by Australian radio; whose infectious video clip won the 2011 triple j J Award for Australian Music Video of the Year. HyperParadise is Hermitude hitting the bullseye of their artistic vision, the most perfectly representative record showing their grasp of future beats, electronica and hip hop. It’s not just their meticulousness in production and musicianship, it’s the passion and love they have for instrumental electronic music that sets them so far … Continue reading Hermitude – HyperParadise

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Broken Tooth Entertainment, Elefant Tracks, Golden Era Records, MGM, SBX

Australian Hip Hop Supports Canteen

Jim Steps

The Australian Hip Hop Supports Canteen collection is at one a definitive catalogue of Australian contemporary music and a warm and charitable gesture to our sick Australian kids from a supportive Australian music community. Australian Hip Hop Supports Canteens includes some of the final works from Hunter as well as a swarm of contributions from the local hip hop community. This very special album was the brainchild and final project of recently deceased seminal local rapper, Hunter. Sadly, Hunter missed the release of this album by weeks, losing his long battle with cancer in October 2011 and leaving his much-loved crew … Continue reading Australian Hip Hop Supports Canteen

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The Herd announce A Thousand Lives – New tour & video

Jim Steps

The Herd get set for an action packed 2012 with the announcement of a cross country stampede and the release of video for their third single, A Thousand Lives. A Thousand Lives’ nostalgic narrative sees The Herd at their story-telling best. The uplifting track is taken from the critically adored fifth album Future Shade. The new video is a ‘to camera’ piece utilising a projector to juxtapose the members’ previous lives. The video announcement coincides with announcement of the A Thousand Lives Tour, which takes place in March/April 2012 (see below for dates). This tour the hip hop pioneers will bring something … Continue reading The Herd announce A Thousand Lives – New tour & video

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Horrorshow – Did You Hear?

Jim Steps

Did You Hear? marks the return of Horrorshow, one of the most exciting young hip hop groups in the country. Did You Hear? sees MC Solo paying tribute to some of hip hop’s greats whilst making some irreverent and humorous observations on the local scene.The production sizzles and sparkles under the careful direction of Adit with a little help from a blazing horn section. It’s been another incredible year for the duo – they’ve programmed Rage, sold out countless shows, and rocked festivals nationwide – culminating in their main support slot for arguably the most successful local hip hop tour on … Continue reading Horrorshow – Did You Hear?

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Hermitude – Speak Of The Devil: Receives J-Award Video Nomination

Jim Steps

Hermitude have established their reputation for brilliant studio productions with an engaging and innovative live show – incorporating a confident, almost effortless musicianship with a deft grasp of technology. Playing with underground hip hop artists and electronic acts from all over the world.   In 2007 they released the Rare Sightings EP before embarking on their third album, Threads in 2008. Hermitude’s sound progressed into more electronic territory, embracing instrumental hip hop’s electronic relative ‘future beats’. Artists such as Glitch Mob and DJ Krush started dropping Hermitude songs in live sets. The first single on their fourth record dropped in … Continue reading Hermitude – Speak Of The Devil: Receives J-Award Video Nomination

Elefant Tracks

Elefant Traks Announces an Industry first ‘CD Plus MPFree’

Jim Steps

Your favourite label is leading the way with a new system of album sales through the Elefant Traks online store called CD + MPfree. Get a CD or vinyl sent to your letterbox; receive the same album as high quality MP3s in your inbox, free and Immediately! Downloads and cloud-based consumption is undoubtedly the future, but labels still sell more CDs than digital albums. This is about rewarding those who feel the liner note love and value lyric booklets or signed copies, or the joy of a parcel in the mail. It’s two for the price of one, without devaluing … Continue reading Elefant Traks Announces an Industry first ‘CD Plus MPFree’

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Urthboy – Exclusives EP

Jim Steps

Urthboy has been busy in the studio… going through the studio hard drive where he has located a stack of songs that have been released as a free download to his Mailing List a few weeks ago. The release titled Exclusives EP, features 9 tracks going back pre-Signal and post-Spitshine.  To stay up to date with all of the latest Urthboy happenings and news plus special exclusives goodies like this, be sure to sign up to the Urthboy mailing list right here. Urthboy will be performing at the Nick Cave Tribute shows called Straight to You in November. Urthboy has been working away … Continue reading Urthboy – Exclusives EP

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Sietta – No Longer Hurt: Official Video Clip

Jim Steps

Be prepared to be impressed by the fiery electronic soul of Darwin duo Sietta, made up of producer/instrumentalist James Mangohig and vocalist Caiti Baker. Their début album The Seventh Passenger is turning heads in all the right directions.  Both experienced musical childhoods: Caiti travelled throughout Australia to blues and folk festivals with her blues musician father, absorbing dog-eared record collections stocked with Etta James, Memphis Minni and Aretha Franklin; while James sat on wooden church pews with gospel music soaring around him. Caiti spent her entire teenage years recording herself on her dad’s 8 track digital recorder, learning to sing by building harmonies over … Continue reading Sietta – No Longer Hurt: Official Video Clip

Elefant Tracks

The Last Kinection – Next Of Kin: New Video Clip ‘Are We There Yet?’

Jim Steps

The Last Kinection have created one of the most positively energetic records of 2011, the confronting; the passionate; the inspiring Next Of Kin. Fiercely proud of their culture and history, The Last Kinection are extraordinary: uncompromising in their worldview, but with optimism and an outstretched hand. From the self-assured Find A Way (‘Ngai Wudhim Marigurim Ngai Yirinbu: I am afraid but I’m still strong’); to the commanding Together (‘If you could only spend a day in my shoes, maybe then we could talk, maybe then we could walk together’), Next of Kin is strikingly insightful. It’s the second album from the trio … Continue reading The Last Kinection – Next Of Kin: New Video Clip ‘Are We There Yet?’

Elefant Tracks

The Tongue – Sextape Tour kicks off

Jim Steps

When it comes to hip hop there isn’t much The Tongue hasn’t done; an MC Battle champion; an accomplished touring artist and songwriter with two albums; three mixtapes and an EP under his belt.. all before he turned 26. Having toured with the likes of Public Enemy, Dizzie Rascal, Drapht and The Herd, The Tongue connected with the masses via radio hits such as The Punch, Bad Education, The Show and Real Thing. His second album Alternative Energy was feature album on both FBi and 2SER, as well asAlbum of the Week at Drum Media and The Brag. His latest release The Sextape will be a free mixtape available for download September 12th, 2011.    Under the guiding hand of Sydney’s … Continue reading The Tongue – Sextape Tour kicks off

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

The Last Kinection win two ‘Deadlys’ and release new track ‘Are We There Yet?’

Jim Steps

No strangers to the music industry, The Last Kinection have had significant success and experience for years before the group formed. Naomi (MC Nay) was one half of R&B Pop group Shakaya and signed with a major multinational label at the age of 16, quickly climbing the ARIA charts and selling platinum singles and a debut album.  Joel Wenitong (Weno) and Jacob Turier (Jaytee) were on the rise as part of the infectious group Local Knowledge (Music Oz’ Best Indigenous Artist in 2005; Best Group in the 2005 Deadly Awards) before it folded. Disheartened and frustrated, all three quickly moved on to form The Last Kinection, … Continue reading The Last Kinection win two ‘Deadlys’ and release new track ‘Are We There Yet?’

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Ask…The Tongue

Jim Steps

With the recent release of his free download the Sextape, Elefant Traks member the Tongue has been swamped with a host of emails and facebook messages asking for advice on all facets of relationships and sexuality. In an effort to respond to all his fans, The Tongue has sent aahh a copy of some of the more popular and not so popular questions, we present to you Ask…The Tongue. Long term relationships – worth the effort or overrated? The Tongue: The best thing in the world is being in love with someone great. Sex is awesome but love is more powerful … Continue reading Ask…The Tongue

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

The Tongue – The Sextape: ‘Two Girlfriends’

Jim Steps

When it comes to hip hop there isn’t much The Tongue hasn’t done; an MC Battle champion; an accomplished touring artist and songwriter with two albums; three mixtapes and an EP under his belt.. all before he turned 26. Having toured with the likes of Public Enemy, Dizzie Rascal, Drapht and The Herd, The Tongue connected with the masses via radio hits such as The Punch, Bad Education, The Show and Real Thing. His second album Alternative Energy was feature album on both FBi and 2SER, as well as Album of the Week at Drum Media and The Brag. His … Continue reading The Tongue – The Sextape: ‘Two Girlfriends’

Elefant Tracks

The Herd – Future Shade Tour feat. Sietta

Jim Steps

Forming like Voltron, The Herd blaze across the country on the Future Shade Tour with the newest Elefant Traks signees Sietta as well as a swag of great acts in each city including Jimblah, Impossible Odds, Acumen and many others. Not only that but you can get the first song from Future Shade when you buy your ticket! The Herd are set to unveil their fifth album, Future Shade. In the lead up to the release The Herd are releasing an 8 Part series on all aspects the album, check out Part 1 with Jane Tyrrell here. Part 2 (below) features Urthboy talking about his love of fast cars and artist management in Elefant Traks.  He describes how Grandma’s Song from The Herd’s upcoming album … Continue reading The Herd – Future Shade Tour feat. Sietta