Tag: The Herd

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The Herd – Future Shade

Jim Steps

It is the most complete realisation of the band’s vision, and their most carefully produced record to date. From a love of ‘90s hip hop (Red Queen Theory) to Eastern European soul (Grandma’s Song); from a Sufjan influence (My Sister’s Palace) to the incomparable (Signs of Life), Future Shade is underpinned by hip hop, but is not contained by any genre. At their essence, The Herd have always explored the personal and the political: but the fury of a song like 77% has given way to the subtlety of a song like Shihaba, detailing a family member’s encounter with racist … Continue reading The Herd – Future Shade

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records2 Comments

Illy – Cigarettes: New film clip

Jim Steps

This is the third single from Illy’s wildly successful sophomore release The Chase, this track Cigarettes features Hue Blanes of the Melodics, with production by ARIA award‐winning M‐Phazes. Music video by Rockaway Media This October, Illy hits the road for his biggest tour yet. With relentless live shows and two acclaimed albums under his belt, the emcee has earned his crown as one of our of country’s top hip hop artists. With Sydney’s Spit Syndicate and Darwin’s Sietta joining the bill, and ARIA Award winning producer M-Phazes as host, this tour is the perfect follow-up to the 21 date (mostly sold out) album tour last March. It’s been one hell of a ride for Illy, with singles Pictures, It Can’t Wait’ (Feat. … Continue reading Illy – Cigarettes: New film clip

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Obese Records

Illy announces new tour feat. Spit Syndicate & Sietta

Jim Steps

This October, Illy hits the road for his biggest tour yet. With relentless live shows and two acclaimed albums under his belt, the emcee has earned his crown as one of our of country’s top hip hop artists. With Sydney’s Spit Syndicate and Darwin’s Sietta joining the bill, and ARIA Award winning producer M-Phazes as host, this tour is the perfect follow-up to the 21 date (mostly sold out) album tour last March. It’s been one hell of a ride for Illy, with singles Pictures, It Can’t Wait’ (Feat. Owl Eyes), and The Chase already becoming radio favourites. Illy’s latest single Cigarettes has just hit radio … Continue reading Illy announces new tour feat. Spit Syndicate & Sietta

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

The Herd – Signs Of Life (2nd single from upcoming album ‘Future Shade’)

Jim Steps

The Herd are set to unveil their fifth album, Future Shade, with a national run of dates this August and September. The news comes as the second single from the record, Signs of Life, got its first airing on triple j this afternoon. Support at the shows will come from new Darwin duo Sietta. Details below: Sat 6 Aug | Station Hotel, Jindabyne, NSW Sun 21 Aug | Darwin Festival, Darwin, NT Fri 26 Aug | UniBar, Hobart, TAS Sat 27 Aug | The Gov, Adelaide, SA Thu 1 Sep | Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay, NSW Fri 2 Sep … Continue reading The Herd – Signs Of Life (2nd single from upcoming album ‘Future Shade’)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Joelistics – Voyager Records Episode 2

Jim Steps

This is the second episode of Voyager Records, Joelistics’s new series. Things are pretty bad in the future, everyone is pretty much dead. In amongst this post-apocalyptic backdrop, Joelistics decides to open a record store with six records and a box of cdr-s. This is his story. The adventures of Joelistics continue in Voyager Records Episode 2 http://www.joelistics.com Written and directed by Peter Brennan Introducting Voyager, the debut solo record from producer, rapper and singer Joelistics (TZU) Regarded as one of the most charismatic lyricists in hip hop, Joelistics is one of the most gifted freestylers to have never battled; a … Continue reading Joelistics – Voyager Records Episode 2

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Elefant Traks – Treasure Hunt

Jim Steps

Help us announce the huge new development at Elefant Traks this Monday morning at 10am, by joining their scavenger hunt. You’ll need to source 5 answers to our questions to find the announcement. From there you can break the news on your facebook/twitter feed and collect a free goodie at the end. Not only that but one person will go into the draw to win a big Elefant Traks pack containing an Elefant Traks hoodie, t-shirt, keyring and a collection of albums. We’ll be officially announcing the news at 3pm so if you can’t do it before then, you gotta stop … Continue reading Elefant Traks – Treasure Hunt

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Horrorshow – Public Consumption (Free Download) + New Merch

Jim Steps

This is a brand new track called Public Consumption from Elefant Traks crew Horrorshow. This little gem was cooked up recently and has now cracked over 1000 downloads in less then 24 hours. Attending Fort Street High School, whose musical output includes Josh Pyke, Unkle Ho (The Herd) and Joelistics among others, both Solo and Adit were heavily involved in bands, ranging from jazz through to rock. Along with fellow school mates and current One Dayers, Spit Syndicate, they embraced hip hop as the genre made big strides in Australia. Horrorshow have officially solidified their position in the ranks of … Continue reading Horrorshow – Public Consumption (Free Download) + New Merch

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

The Herd present new film clip for single “The Sum Of It All” (Filmed using a hacked gaming console)

Jim Steps

The Herd have just dropped their new video clip for the single The Sum Of It All, a slamming tune heavy on melody and an unexpected melancholy.  It’s the first taste of their fifth album, due later this year. The single premiered on triple j and Elefant Traks are happy to announce that The Sum Of It All is now available to download as a high-quality mp3 here on iTunes. Directed by Prad Senanayake (responsible for clips by the likes of Oh Mercy, Spit Syndicate and 360 & Pegz), the video for The Herd’s new single is a gritty, psychedelic pass through … Continue reading The Herd present new film clip for single “The Sum Of It All” (Filmed using a hacked gaming console)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Joelistics: Voyager Records – Episode 1

Jim Steps

This is the first episode of Voyager Records, Joelistics’s new series. Things are pretty bad in the future, everyone is pretty much dead. In amongst this post-apocalyptic backdrop, Joelistics decides to open a record store with six records and a box of cdr-s. This is his story. Written & Directed by Peter Brennan. Joelistics first single Days is an uplifting post-travel come down jam. A celebration of doing what you love, only truly realised once it’s questioned. Days, with its shoegazer backdrop and heartfelt lyrics, is not an entirely reliable indicator of his upcoming debut Voyager, out May 6 on Elefant Traks. But like any great adventure the album … Continue reading Joelistics: Voyager Records – Episode 1

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks, Voyager Records

Joelistics – Days: First single from the new Joelistics album “Voyager” (May 6)

Jim Steps

Joelistics first single Days is an uplifting post-travel come down jam. A celebration of doing what you love, only truly realised once it’s questioned. Days, with its shoegazer backdrop and heartfelt lyrics, is not an entirely reliable indicator of his upcoming debut Voyager, out May 6 on Elefant Traks. But like any great adventure the album has many twists and turns and this is just one of them. Days is available to download now from http://www.elefanttraks.com – pay what you want or below. Joelistics will be touring in support of The Herd in March/April: Tour Dates: Thurs March 31, The Cambridge, Newcastle … Continue reading Joelistics – Days: First single from the new Joelistics album “Voyager” (May 6)

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

Elefant Traks Welcome New Signing: Joelistics

Jim Steps

Elefant Traks welcome new signing: Joelistics!! His debut solo album is called Voyager and it drops May 6. From his time with TZU, Joelistics is regarded as one of the most charismatic frontmen in hip hop, one of the best freestylers to have never battled; a true storyteller influenced by shoegazer electronica and folk as much as classic boom bap hip hop. Self-produced and written in France, Mongolia, China and Australia, Voyager taps into themes of travel, modern world paranoia and growing older. The first single airs late March.  Elefant Traks believe he’s got an absolutely cracking record on his hands and we tend … Continue reading Elefant Traks Welcome New Signing: Joelistics

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks, Uncategorized

The Herd Mark 10 Years With New Single & Tour

Jim Steps

Celebrating 10 years since their debut, The Herd perform their first live shows in two years this autumn. Their first single Sum Of It All drops in March from their fifth album, due August 2011. The Herd are a culturally diverse expression of modern Australia, but they bring with them that grand Aussie tradition of storytellers ready and willing to question authority. If you’ve seen them live, you’ll also be familiar with their ability to laugh at themselves and bring the whole crowd together. Witness the heart of Elefant Traks live on stage this April. The Herd will be joined by special … Continue reading The Herd Mark 10 Years With New Single & Tour

allaussie hip hop exclusive, I Forgot Sorry!

Coptic Soldier- The Sound of Wings 2 (Acoustic) Out Feb 18th

Jim Steps

Coptic Soldier has gone from strength to strength over the past year, his debut EP The Sound of Wings (a cross-genre collaborative effort with Sydney soul singer Miriam Waks) proved a huge hit on independent radio stations across the country, spending months in AMRAP’s Top 5 “Most Ordered To Air” charts. As well as joining Phatchance on two national headline tours and supporting many of the “whose who” of Australian Hip-Hop (Bliss N Eso, Drapht, The Herd, Pez, etc), Coptic has earned a reputation for bridging the genre gap through his close collaborations with multi-instrumentalist and producer Jon Reichardt. The … Continue reading Coptic Soldier- The Sound of Wings 2 (Acoustic) Out Feb 18th

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Red Fox Records: City Wide Krew – Garden State EP

Jim Steps

From the hills of Mt Hotham to the streets of Melbourne City; from a sold out show with the Funkoars to your best mates backyard; from party raps to lyrical wisdom, City Wide Krew are about to become the one hip hop group you wished you’d heard of first. Originally a duo consisting of Fusion MC and Sammy Rocswell, City Wide Krew (aptly named, due to Fusion’s home in Melbourne and Rocswell residence in Geelong) overcame geographical distance through a mutual love of listening to and making hip hop music. Long trips down the Geelong freeway become rigueur de jour … Continue reading Red Fox Records: City Wide Krew – Garden State EP

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Tuka – Will Rap For Tuka (Out Now) + Free Download

Jim Steps

After years of humbly impressing Australian audiences as a member of Thundamentals, Rumpunch and Sketch The Rhyme, it’s now time for emcee Tuka to step to the fore and distinguish himself as one of the country’s most exciting lyrical talents. As comfortable rocking over a stomping Gypsy horn line as he is over Dub-Reggae or a driving Boom Bap rhythm. Tuka’s debut LP Will Rap For Tuka is the culmination of years honing his craft, both in written form and performance and delivers one of 2010’s most diverse efforts right before the buzzer sounds. With only two guests on the … Continue reading Tuka – Will Rap For Tuka (Out Now) + Free Download

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

The Last Kinection – Happy People [Stream New Track]

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 heritage, TLK represent what it is … Continue reading The Last Kinection – Happy People [Stream New Track]

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Born Fresh

Rainman – Can’t See You (Feat. Laneous, Prod. by Chasm): FREE DOWNLOAD

Jim Steps

Billed as ‘a watershed in local hip hop’, Rainman (Ray Bourne) has attracted some hefty praise since releasing his debut album Fire in the Belly. Rainman has been hailed as Queensland’s best kept secret with an eloquence for song-writing rarely seen in hip hop. Descriptions of Rainman’s music are consistently praiseworthy – what we have here is hip hop that is honest, thoughtful and fun. Rainman has appeared as a feature artist on the Triple J Hip Hop Show and now allaussie hip hop. His music was selected for the Rhythm and Poetry DVD – a documentary detailing the evolution … Continue reading Rainman – Can’t See You (Feat. Laneous, Prod. by Chasm): FREE DOWNLOAD

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

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!

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Jagermeister Independent Music Awards – Hip Hop Focus

Jim Steps

Proudly presented by Channel [V], NOVA, and MySpace, the fifth Annual Jagermeister Independent Music Awards (formally known as the Jagermeister AIR Awards) will be held on Friday October 1st at The Forum Theatre in Melbourne. The event is a rare opportunity to join great Australian Musicians and the Industry at large, as they celebrate success with the Award winners, and enjoy performances by some of the country’s most sought after artists. The Jagermeister Independent Music Awards  are Australia’s only official independent music awards, rewarding the country’s highest achieving independent artists across all genres, in any given year. The evening will feature performances … Continue reading Jagermeister Independent Music Awards – Hip Hop Focus

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

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

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The Optimen ‘The Out of Money Experience’ Album Launch with Rainman, Vegas Aces and Special Guests

Jim Steps

Brisbane Sounds is pleased to announce the next showcase in their series of spin off events to showcase Brisbane’s diverse music artists. The Brisbane Sounds Hip-Hop showcase will take place at the Hi-Fi in West End on Saturday 9 October and will offer a tasty selection of Brisbane’s finest Aussie hip-hop artists that includes the amazing crew The Optimen launching The Out of Money Experience, the esteemed talents of Rainman and fresh newcomers Vegas Aces as well as more guest DJ’s that are yet to be announced. The Optimen The Optimen or The OPees to their friends have quickly become … Continue reading The Optimen ‘The Out of Money Experience’ Album Launch with Rainman, Vegas Aces and Special Guests

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

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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Impossible Odds Records – Official Label Launch

Jim Steps

Impossible Odds are one of Brisbane’s, and indeed Australia’s, stand alone acts. Fred Leone aka Rival MC list of credits are impressive: The Artist · Winner of the inaugural JB Seed “Speak: Indigenous Hip Hop” Competition (2007) · Nominated for the 2008 Deadly Awards (“Most Promising New Talent in Music”) · 2 Tracks have received full rotation on Triple J · Triple J’s Aus Music Months feature Artist November 2009 · ‘Feature Album of the Week’ on ABC Asia Pacific · ‘Release of The Week’ & ‘Single Off The Week’ in both Time Off and Scene Magazines · Sat at … Continue reading Impossible Odds Records – Official Label Launch

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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

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

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

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

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

allaussie hip hop exclusive, allaussie hip hop interviews, Elefant Tracks

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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Uncensored Conversations – The Herd speak out!

Jim Steps

The third and final event of the Uncensored Conversations Speaker Series, ‘Freedom of speech and censorship: How free are we?’ will be held at 6pm 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) and will share 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 … Continue reading Uncensored Conversations – The Herd speak out!

allaussie hip hop exclusive, Elefant Tracks

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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Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial (Joey Smiles Review and Interview)

Jim Steps

As a veteran member of some legendary groups, Ozi Batla has already mastered raps over The Herd’s accordion and guitar-layered live instrumentation, the reggae influenced beats of Astronomy Class and some futuristic trip-hop feature spots – but Wild Colonial is much more personal than anything he’s done before and listeners’ preconceptions will be challenged over the diverse soundscape of the record, which is sure to cement him as one of the finest wordsmiths in Australia both in terms of lyrical content and his exceptional delivery and control over the mic. The concept behind the album becomes clear when listening to … Continue reading Ozi Batla – Wild Colonial (Joey Smiles Review and Interview)