Category: Elefant Tracks

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Spit Syndicate – Wildside Tour FREE Download

Jim Steps

The Wildside Tour heads around the country throughout November, co-headlined by Spit Syndicate with support from Class A. In celebration the lads from Spit Syndicate have released a brand new track, for FREE download. Get that below. Tickets are available now from elefanttraks.oztix.com.au More info on the tour is available here. Wildside Tour feat. The Tongue + Spit Syndicate Supported by Class A 5th November – ANU Bar, CANBERRA, 6th November – The Cambridge Hotel, NEWCASTLE, 11th November – Rocket Room, PERTH 12th November – Mojo’s Bar, FREMANTLE 13th November – Studio 146 (formerly Xomniax), ALBANY 18th November – The National Hotel, GEELONG 19th … Continue reading Spit Syndicate – Wildside Tour FREE Download

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Nay – Rappertag (#11)

Jim Steps

This is the 11th installment of rappertag. Nay from the Last Kinection. So far it’s been: 1). 360 2). Urthboy 3.) Brad Strut 4.) Fraksha 5.) Bias B 6.) Newsense 7.) Briggs 8.) Hunter 9.) The Master 10.) Hau 11.) Nay To Come: 12.) Lotek Previous 3 Tags: Elefant Traks were thrilled to announce earlier this year that, The Last Kinection are joining their roster and will release their second album The Next of Kin in the second half of 2010. The Last Kinection have close ties with the label: they were the main support on the last national tour with The Herd and … Continue reading Nay – Rappertag (#11)

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Urthboy News!

Jim Steps

Recently at the Big Sound Conference held in Brisbane Tim Levinson aka Urthboy and member of The Herd, talks about his early influences, the success of The Herd, his latest release as Urthboy, and his experiences as owner of the successful label Elefant Traks. Interviewed by Bluejuice singer/songwriter and music journalist Jake Stone. In other related news, Urthboy won an Independent Music Award and also got nominated for ARIA. Nice work! REMEMBER: There’s only a few days left to contribute your video or photos as entries close for the ‘Your Thing’ comp Monday 18th October. Full details here. New Urthboy … Continue reading Urthboy News!

Elefant Tracks

What’s “Your Thing”? – Urthboy Asks

Jim Steps

Hey Peeps! URTHBOY here. I’ve just written a track called Your Thing (check below) which is all about what inspires me and what keeps me ticking. I’m after all of YOU young peoples, Australia wide, to help me make the video clip for it! So what’s the drill? Me and my friends from ReachOut.com are putting the call out to young people across the country to submit user — generated video and photos which address the theme of the song Don’t Waste Your Thing. So. What is your thing? It could be dancing, painting, martial arts, football, writing, playing guitar … Continue reading What’s “Your Thing”? – Urthboy Asks

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allaussie spotlight on: DJ Wasabi

Jim Steps

To Australian hip-hop, dnb and dubstep heads, DJ Wasabi needs no introduction. The 25-year old turntablist, DJ, producer and youth mentor has amassed quite a reputation and following throughout his 13 years behind the decks. Long considered one of the pioneers of the Melbourne urban scene, Wasabi holds down three separate weekly club residencies, national tours, youth mentor programs and is the head engineer at Tetris Sound Studios in Brunswick. Wasabi’s much sought after DJ skills have landed him gigs djing for Kool Kieth earlier this year and supports for Redman & Method Man, Jean Grae, Talib Kwali, Scribe, DJ … Continue reading allaussie spotlight on: DJ Wasabi

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Rapper Tag (Round’s 2 & 3)

Jim Steps

The creative cat 360 (women start swooning) started a great idea of rappertag using youtube as a medium. We now have two more particpating emcees.  Elefant Traks legend Urthboy was tagged ealier last week by 360 and he has now responded. Find the video below. Urthboy then tagged another Australian legended in none other than Brad Strut. Check that below. This is a great idea and we hope to see it continue further, so if your an emcee get you ideas ready… Continue reading Rapper Tag (Round’s 2 & 3)

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Urthboy News + Free Download

Jim Steps

As part of the Urthboy mailing list – you get stuff before anyone else gets a taste. Here is a new Urthboy song sent out to mailing list members a few days ago, its called Your Thing. You can grab your copy below by using the down arrow. This is what Urthboy had to say about his latest track: I wrote Your Thing in Istanbul but it’s something that was started years ago and I think you might like it. Production is by Count Bounce and it features a handful of kids, including Traksewt’s little daughter from The Herd. Please … Continue reading Urthboy News + Free Download

Elefant Tracks

The Wildside Tour – The Tongue + Spit Syndicate

Jim Steps

Presented by Elefant Traks, New World Artists & Select Music Two of Australia’s most electrifying hip hop acts combine to bring you the Wildside Tour, kicking off in early November. Longtime collaborators, The Tongue and Spit Syndicate joinforces for a national tour of epic proportions. This is hip-hop’s answer to Voltron, or was it Captain Planet? The Tongue’s new album, Alternative Energy has just dropped and it’s been generating quite a buzz. The record has already featured as Album of the Week on FBi, 2SER and Austereo’s Radar Radio. The video for first single The Show has been screened on … Continue reading The Wildside Tour – The Tongue + Spit Syndicate

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The Tongue – Alternative Energy

Jim Steps

Alternative Energy is the title to your second full length LP dropping today. How are you feeling about the finished product? I feel like its my best work to date. I’m working with the best producers, I’m writing the best songs of my career, all the guests brought their A-game….I’m really proud of this album… It’s a slick-looking package for sure, is there any meaning behind the title Alternative Energy? The human race is headed for disaster….I don’t believe in that 2012 crap but all the signs suggest we need to change our ways. If we don’t find a better … Continue reading The Tongue – Alternative Energy

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The Tongue – Alternative Energy

Jim Steps

Some are content to watch on as life unfolds: happy to experience the movement from a distance. Others burst into life, like a reptile breaking open its own shell in order to get things happening. The latter would aptly describe The Tongue, and this is his brand new album Alternative Energy. Blessed with an infectious style and charisma, The Tongue has a knack for creating ‘sticky’ phrases that stay with you – wrapped inside hooky flows that suck you in. His style has an elegant complexity, dispatching pop culture references with acerbic wit, speaking straight to true hip hop heads … Continue reading The Tongue – Alternative Energy

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The Tongue – Alternative Energy Press Conference

Jim Steps

It’s safe to say that this past week has been more, err interesting than most, and we respectfully request you keep in mind Elefant Traks’ generally good reputation as we pass on some less than flattering news. The internet chatter circulating from an ‘incident’ that took place at The Tongue’s album announcement press conference has forced us to make a public statement addressing the issue. Elefant Traks has footage from the press conference that we have made available below in the interest of transparency. We unequivocally condemn any musician resorting to violence against music journalists and The Tongue has been … Continue reading The Tongue – Alternative Energy Press Conference

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Indent 10 Year Tour

Jim Steps

Indent, a project of Music NSW, has been providing all-ages events and opportunities for young musicians for 10 years. Indent dates back to the 1996 Drug Summit where one of the many outcomes was the development of a Youth Entertainment Pilot (YEP) project to promote developments in government policy relating to the staging of under 18’s and all ages events and drug and alcohol free entertainment. This excellent program is now 10 years old so in celebration of ten years of live all-ages drug and alcohol free events MusicNSW has just announced the Indent Ten Year Tour, supported by NRMA … Continue reading Indent 10 Year Tour

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Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial Tour (a little reminder…)

Jim Steps

Ozi Batla, frontman for The Herd is venturing out on his first solo tour in support of his debut record Wild Colonial, starting this Friday! Already heavily featured on triple j, Rage, Video Hits and Channel [V], Ozi steps out on stage backed by Sandro, who produced the entire Wild Colonial album. One of the most lauded and loved emcees in Australia, Ozi Batla has led The Herd and Astronomy Class on multiple National tours and performances at all the major festivals. Most recently he wowed the sold-out crowds at Before Too Long: Paul Kelly Tribute shows at the Forum … Continue reading Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial Tour (a little reminder…)

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The Tongue – The Show (Alternative Energy Sept 10)

Jim Steps

The Tongue climbs back into the ring with the announcement of his explosive new single The Show. Widely regarded as one of Australia’s most imaginative and skillful emcees, The Show mixes his signature sharp word-play with humour in equal measure to give us a taste of what we can expect from his forthcoming and most accomplished record to date Alternative Energy (Out September 10). The beat is a big-swinging funk bombshell produced by Elgusto (Hermitude, Urthboy) who doesn’t seem to be capable of putting a foot wrong. A bold and energetic music video is in production to accompany the single … Continue reading The Tongue – The Show (Alternative Energy Sept 10)

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Uncensored Conversations: Freedom of speech and censorship: How free are we? – Highlights

Jim Steps

The third and final event of the Uncensored Conversations Speaker Series, ‘Freedom of speech and censorship: How free are we?’ was held in King’s Hall at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Canberra on 15 June 2010. Three members of Sydney hip hop group, The Herd, (Urthboy, Ozi Batla and Traksewt) shared their thoughts alongside Professor Dr Julianne Schultz. The Herd have used music as an outlet to express their opinions on a variety of issues. Their song ‘77%’ – which features the line ‘77% of Aussies are racist’ – refers to survey results that revealed the … Continue reading Uncensored Conversations: Freedom of speech and censorship: How free are we? – Highlights

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allaussie hip hop’s spotlight on: The Last Kinection

Jim Steps

The Last Kinection are an Indigenous Hip Hop trio made up of brother and sister Weno and Nay, as well as DJ Jaytee. 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 … Continue reading allaussie hip hop’s spotlight on: The Last Kinection

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Spit Syndicate – Exile (Interview)

Jim Steps

Nick Lupi from the Spit Syndicate catches up with allaussie hip hop to talk about their new release Exile, touring, competing with hip hop legend Ozi Batla plus more: aahh: Exile has just dropped lads, congrats on the release. Brilliant is something that comes to mind. Tell us a little about the album? Nick Lupi: Big ups Jim, thank you – glad you like it. I much prefer to let the music speak for itself rather than try to describe it with words, but in terms of the album, it’s the culmination of a lot of late nights and long … Continue reading Spit Syndicate – Exile (Interview)

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Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial Tour

Jim Steps

Ozi Batla, frontman for The Herd is venturing out on his first solo tour in support of his debut record Wild Colonial. Already heavily featured on triple j, Rage, Video Hits and Channel [V], Ozi steps out on stage backed by Sandro, who produced the entire Wild Colonial album. One of the most lauded and loved emcees in Australia, Ozi Batla has led The Herd and Astronomy Class on multiple National tours and performances at all the major festivals. Most recently he wowed the sold-out crowds at Before Too Long: Paul Kelly Tribute shows at the Forum in Melbourne. Expect … Continue reading Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial Tour

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Uncensored Conversations: Freedom of speech and censorship: How free are we? – Interview with Herd member Traksewt

Jim Steps

Ozi Batla, Urthboy and yourself (Traksewt) will be taking part in a Speaker Series forum titled ‘Uncensored Conversations: Boat People, the F-bomb and political power. High profile Australians speak out”. Held by the Museum of Australian Democracy (MOAD) in Canberra, can you tell us a bit about this important event? A lot of Australian’s might not know MOAD exists, as it was only opened in 2009. The forum of Uncensored Conversations is promoting people to think about what makes a successful democracy and to remind us that it can disappear if no one cares about it. So democracy is like … Continue reading Uncensored Conversations: Freedom of speech and censorship: How free are we? – Interview with Herd member Traksewt

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The Last Kinection sign with Elefant Traks

Jim Steps

Elefant Traks are thrilled to announce The Last Kinection are joining their roster and will release their second album The Next of Kin in the second half of 2010. The Last Kinection have close ties with the label: they were the main support on the last national tour with The Herd and have collaborated musically. The Last Kinection are known for stylish Indigenous flavoured hip hop but their foundation is family. The group, its music and image is a way of expressing their pride and honour, respect and knowledge for their culture and elders. Drawing influence from their Kabi Kabi … Continue reading The Last Kinection sign with Elefant Traks

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Urthboy takes tour to Europe

Jim Steps

Urthboy will be performing a special intimate show in Sydney on June 19 before departing on his first European tour. It’s going down at the tiny Sandringham Hotel in Newtown with special guests. Urthboy heads to Europe in July playing at Open Air festival in Switzerland (Jay-Z, Eminem, Nas & Damien ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley) and Splash! Festival in Germany (Wu-Tang Clan, Missy Elliot). Club dates include three shows supporting Brother Ali in Germany and a headline show in London with label-mates Hermitude. Tix are extremely limited for this send-off show at the Sando. First in first served. Urthboy feat. Elgusto … Continue reading Urthboy takes tour to Europe

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Urthboy – The Sneakquel Tour (Adelaide Leg Review)

Jim Steps

Elefant Traks giant Urthboy, Jane Tyrell and Elgusto (Hermitude) hit Adelaide last weekend, bringing an in your face, energetic live show that had the punters out of control.  Joining Urthboy on The Sneakquel Tour this time round is Melbourne emcee and lyrical magician Mantra. Local lads Mase and Mattic kicked the night off, warming up the crowd early on. It was then on to Koolta who performed tracks of the recently released Deportation EP, both groups were well received by the eager crowd. You could tell that the atmosphere was hyped, a real sense of excitement hung in the air. … Continue reading Urthboy – The Sneakquel Tour (Adelaide Leg Review)

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Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial (2010)

Jim Steps

Here it people, for a very limited time we are streaming Ozi Batla’s long awaited debut solo album, Wild Colonial – out May 14 on Elefant Traks. There will also be a deluxe edition out with a second disc containing instrumental versions of each track (available via iTunes). Pre order your physical copy through JB Hi-Fi and you will receive a signed version of Wild Colonial, you can do that here. Mark down the release date today! At long last, Elefant Traks is pleased to introduce the debut solo record from Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial. The most personal record … Continue reading Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial (2010)

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Urthboy – Still Keep Diggin’ (New Track)

Jim Steps

Urthboy and entourage headed up the coast in February and decided to start and finish a few new tracks. One of which is Still Keep Diggin’, and the guys want to share it with you. On a side note you may also catch one of these new tracks performed live on Urthboy’s – The Sneakquel Tour. The Sneakquel Tour has started, so make sure you catch Urthboy, Jane and Elgusto with Mantra as support if you get the chance.  You can download Still Keep Diggin’ for free below. You can also check the full Sneakquel Tour details right here. Urthboy … Continue reading Urthboy – Still Keep Diggin’ (New Track)

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allaussie hip hop Interview with Ozi Batla

Jim Steps

We catch up with Elefant Traks emcee Ozi Batla to chat about his upcoming debut solo LP Wild Colonial (May 14). Wild Colonial is the title of your upcoming debut solo LP, dropping next month on Elefant Traks. It’s a great sounding title, whats the concept behind it? “Wild Colonial” is from the old Irish/Australian folk song “Wild Colonial Boy” about the legendary bushranger and his fight with the authorities. It captures the rebelliousness of how I like my hip hop. The colonial is me, not just of this country but also of hip hop – so the “Wild” relates … Continue reading allaussie hip hop Interview with Ozi Batla

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Ozi Batla – New track Put It On Wax from Wild Colonial

Jim Steps

At long last Ozi Batla is releasing a solo record! The first single is the throwback head nodder Put it on Wax produced by Sandro and featuring DJ Bonez. Put it on Wax is taken from the scorching debut album Wild Colonial, out May 14 on Elefant Traks. Sandro’s production revolves around a boom-bap aesthetic – his funk is back to the future; it’s psychedelic and unexpected. Ozi Batla is arguably in the finest form of his career. This is the first taste of an album that is going to take people by surprise. You can check out more on … Continue reading Ozi Batla – New track Put It On Wax from Wild Colonial

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Horrorshow Inside Story Tour – Melbourne Show Review

Jim Steps

Joey Smiles hits the Horrorshow – Inside Story Tour in Melbourne here’s what he had to say: Horrorshow and Spit Syndicate took to the stage in Melbourne on Friday night for some unforgettable live hip hop. The sold out show nearly tore the roof off The Evelyn Hotel and was testament to the growing fanbase these groups have been receiving across the country. Doors opened about 9:30pm and Melbourne local Tys opened up with some tight, original raps over some well-known instrumental tracks including Roots Manuva’s Witness The Fitness and DJ Shadow’s chilled masterpiece Midnight In A Perfect World. Spit … Continue reading Horrorshow Inside Story Tour – Melbourne Show Review

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allaussie hip hop’s monthly cook up: Urthboy – Beef & Burgundy Pie (Sauce of the Gods)

Jim Steps

It’s time yet again for the allaussie hip hop’s monthly cook up. This time the man behind the hotplate is none other than emcee Urthboy. Let’s get right into it with his: Beef & Burgundy Pie (Sauce of the Gods) My best version of this pie came about the night after I cooked a pot roast, using the left-over meat, but you can use casserole steak or whatever red meat you like. Ingredients – change portions to suit the size of the pie * Steak – I would say, heaps. Like, over 1kg for sure. Don’t starve your peoples – … Continue reading allaussie hip hop’s monthly cook up: Urthboy – Beef & Burgundy Pie (Sauce of the Gods)

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The Sneakquel Tour with special guest Mantra

Jim Steps

In the name of late nights and lost mornings, Urthboy is coming to your town on the Sneakquel Tour throughout April and May 2010. Nominated for this year’s Australian Music Prize (one of the only artists nominated twice) Urthboy is joined on stage by the incandescent Jane Tyrrell and DJ/producer Elgusto. Their Spitshine Tour in Oct/Nov 2009 was a huge success playing to over 10,000 people. After successfully navigating their way through the Australian Summer Festival collision course, the time for a headline tour with visuals, dance moves and new tunes has come. In support is gun-lyricist Mantra, whose debut … Continue reading The Sneakquel Tour with special guest Mantra

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Urthboy nominated for an Australian Music Award

Jim Steps

Sydney artist Urthboy (Elefant Traks) aka Tim Levinson has been nominated to join the shortlist for this year’s Australian music award, The Amps, for his new album, Spitshine. Urthboy, also known for his work with The Herd, worked on the new album with fellow stable mates Hermitude. Levinson makes up one of the nine artists on the shortlist for the Australian Music Prize for outstanding album of 2009, the second time he’s been nominated after The Signal made the cut in 2007. Now in its fifth year, the music prize is not just the most reputable of the gongs handed … Continue reading Urthboy nominated for an Australian Music Award