From the Bottom of the Atlas

GROOVIN’ THE MOO BENDIGO SELLS OUT

2013-02-10T10:00:00.000+11:00

Groovin’ the Moo (GTM) Bendigo has officially SOLD OUT. Bendigo, Melbourne and regional Victoria were more than ripe and ready to pluck tickets to their local instalment of GTM 2013, resulting in a sell out event for a fourth consecutive year!

The enthusiasm and support of the City of Greater Bendigo as well as the loyal GTM famooly of fans is greatly appreciated.

"I just want to say a big thank you to Bendigo for supporting GTM again. As always, we are all very excited about the line-up and look forward to a great day. Apologies to those who missed out, but we do have a limited capacity and just can’t fit anyone else in the venue!" said Stephen Halpin, Cattleyard Promotions.

While the Bendigo Event is taking place during the second weekend of the National tour, it hasn’t dampened the local community spirit.

Stan Liacos, City Futures Director, City of Greater Bendigo, commented today on the event,

“Over the last five years The City of Greater Bendigo has developed a great working relationship with the organisers of Groovin’ The Moo. This event continues to grow in working with local community groups such as Freeza. It attracts a considerable audience of visitors from throughout Victoria and beyond and generates substantial economic benefit for the Bendigo region. It also provides our young citizens with a quality music event”.

Tickets are still available to the other four GTM Events – Maitland (27 April), Canberra (28 April), Townsville (5 May) and Bunbury (11 May) and with a ticket price at under $100, they’ll be snapped up fast, so don’t drag your heels in securing your tickets to these events.

With over 26 artists set to feature on the GTM double outdoor stages and in the Moolin Rouge big top tent, the festival also provides local food and market stalls, licensed bar facilities, slingshot rides and chill out areas to make a perfect day.

TICKETS ON-SALE NOW By logging onto gtm.net.au or moshtix.com.au | By calling 1300 438 849 (GET TIX) By visiting selected MOSHTIX outlets – visit gtm.net.au for an outlet in your local area.

GTM is a licensed, all ages (16 + recommended) event. GTM recommends parents should consider whether the event is appropriate for their child and recommends that any children under 16 years of age who attend the event accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Persons who are 18 years of age or older and wish to purchase alcohol MUST have valid photo ID (passport, Australian driver’s licence, proof of age card). In Bunbury, WA International driver’s licences will not be accepted and the only form of proof of age card that will be accepted is a WA proof of age card. No pass outs will be issued at any of the five GTM events. For full terms and conditions, please visit www.gtm.net.au.

ONE DAY SUNDAYS

2013-02-10T01:30:00.000+11:00

So its been a while between drinks for both Bottom Of The Atlas and for the One Day Crew! With Horrorshow and Spit Syndicate stuck in the studio preparing their upcoming albums for the past few months. However the Onedayers are back, and there bringing there IW game harder than ever with a monthly gig featuring all three one day acts, Horrorshow (Solo and Adit) Spit Syndicate ( Nick Lupi, Jimmy Nice, Joyride) and the newest members Jackie Onassis (Kai and Raph). Starting on the 24th of February at The Projects which is behind the Vic / 2 Addison Rd, Enmore.

To kick One Day Sundays off the Double S boys will be jumping up to celebrate the release of the forthcoming album "Sunday Gentlemen" Get down early to catch DJ sets from some of the IW's finest, Joyride Adit and Raph. For further information and announcements for the coming months make sure that you head over to the One Day Crew Facebook.

The Drop Block Party

2012-12-18T18:11:00.000+11:00

Running off the energy from the National Poetry Slam Word Travels is bringing together spoken word artists to celebrate an amazing year of performance poetry.

The Drop Block Party brings together musicians, MCs and performance poets from Sydney's ever growing performance poetry scene to collaborate in an amazing Pop Up space in The Rocks.

The headline act of the night is MUTE MC from big village, Sydney based MC is a part of the new wave of fine hip hop artists. Supporting MUTE MC is other up and coming spoken word artists PT Fresh, MC Dazzle and Coda Conduct. Blending the line between performance poetry and Hip Hop the night will have two rooms of performance for audiences to enjoy.

Hosted by the sardonic dandy and comic Seaton Kay Smith who brings his own renowned performances. Seaton is the creator of a popular series of webisodes and performs his unique brand of macabre performance poetry and stories around the comedy circuit.

The DROP BLOCK PARTY will bring mix and blend genres from Sydney's alternative art scene including projected media works and live improvised electronic music from ANIMA, DELIRIUM ENABLER and sound artist Daniel Brown.

Illy Signs New Contract and Smashes Beach Road, Bondi to Celebrate!

2012-12-13T20:09:00.001+11:00

What a treat Illy gave Sydney last night, ‘delivering a killer set’ at SOSUEME’s Sideshow Wednesdays at Bondi’s Beach Road Hotel. The one and only DJ Joyride kicked the night off with a killer DJ set as per usual. His selection of hip hop ranging from old-school boom-bap to newer material got the crowd buzzing and rearing for fellow One Day Crew members, Jackie Onassis, to jump up on stage and kick their set off.

As per usual Kai and Raff took over the stage and took the whole venue to another place. Kai’s stage presence and delivery set the crowd alight with energy. No matter how small or big the crowd, every time Jackie Onassis get up on stage they play as if there are 1000+ people in front of them singing along to every lyric. It’s a skill that many up-and-coming emcee’s and hip hop acts struggle with, especially playing to smaller crowds where the vibe and energy from the crowd is lacking, and it’s a skill that is going to take these two a long way in the future. Jackie Onassis released their debut EP not long ago as a free download which is available here and is definitely worth a look at for those who heard them last night or any other curious ears out there.

Illy then graced the stage with his presence to deliver his show to a packed-out room. Playing material from all three of his albums, he captured the attention of both old-school hip hop heads and the newcomers to provide a set that cannot be forgotten quickly. As many of you will know, his latest album ‘Bring It Back’ features a track titled ‘Where Is My Mind Part 2’ which is made up by cleverly placing together lyrics, track titles and various other hip hop lingo. Not only did Illy play Part 2 but he took it back to 2009 when he wrote Part 1 of Where Is My Mind for his Triple J Like A Version.

Towards the end of the set Illy took the time out to dedicate a track, It Can Wait to one of the audience's members mates who had passed and had It Can Wait played at the funeral a few years back to the day. It was a nice way to begin the business end of the set and I’m sure that it meant a lot to her to hear it a few years on to the day to have it played in honour of her mate and for Illy to have had the song played at the funeral.

As the set finished, Illy announced that he had just signed a new contract for his next four albums, and with much talk about the future direction of Obese Records and their artists, the question must be asked - has Illy signed to a new label? I guess we will find out in the coming days so watch this space for updates.

MACKLEMORE - New tour dates

2012-11-22T14:07:00.001+11:00

Seattle’s Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have been at this music shit for the past few years but with the release of their latest album The Heist they have blown up like nothing before, and there is nothing stopping them now! On their way round the globe on their world tour this independent duo are making all the right moves. With their latest single being added to the J’s high rotation and many other major commercial radio stations.

The Australian leg of the tour started out with a small gig in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The Sydney gig was almost immediately moved form the Oxford Art Factory to The Metro as ticket sales were huge in the first day. With second shows just announced in both Sydney and Melbourne this tour is set to blow your mind. Grab your tickets NOW this is one that you don’t want to miss!

Macklemore aka Ben Haggerty works with Ryan Lewis (producer), Andrew Joslyn (violin),Owour Arunga (trumpet), Zach Fleury (drums, guitar, bass), and Noah Goldberg (piano) to create a wholly rich and satisfying brand of rap music. Macklemore released his debut album titled The Heist on October 9th 2012, which reached #1 on iTunes in the US and #1 on the Australian iTunes Hip-Hop/Rap Charts.

Growing up on Capitol Hill in Seattle, Washington, Macklemore attended Garfield and Nathan Hale High Schools, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree at The Evergreen State College. Interested in reaching a younger generation through his music, he took a job at a juvenile-detention facility. There, he was a part of a program called Gateways, which was organized around rap.

Macklemore recorded an EP titled Open Your Eyes in 2000 under the name Professor Macklemore, which he distributed himself. Macklemore dropped “Professor” from his name, and released his first official full-length album, The Language of My World in January 2005. In September 2009, he released The Unplanned Mixtape. In October 2010, he teamed up with DJ Ryan Lewis to create the VS. Redux EP. Macklemore used his experience with substance abuse to create the mixtape’s critically acclaimed songOtherside, which samples the Red Hot Chili Peppers song of the same name.

Proving that interesting and intelligent voices can find an audience without label support,Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are paving the way for a new generation of artists and gaining attention from a wide variety of press including Hip Hop heavyweights XXL and left-slanted major American news argent Huffington Post. Don’t miss these shows, they are destined to be special; the first glance at an artist poised to take the world by storm.

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis + Special Guests

12th February, 2013 – The Metro – Sydney
13th February – The Corner – Melbourne
14th February, 2013 – Coniston Lane – Brisbane
15th February, 2013 – The Metro – Sydney – SOLD OUT
16th Feburary, 2013 – The Corner – Melbourne – SOLD OUT
17th February, 2013 – Festival Gardens, Perth Festival – Perth

I FORGET SORRY CHRISTMAS SALE!

2012-11-22T13:50:00.001+11:00

Hermitude - Villain Tour

2012-11-22T11:20:00.000+11:00

Villian Tour

Its almost been a year since Hermitude toured the country on their album tour. It seems the boys think that a year without playing a show is to long! So Hermitude are proud to announce their east coast tour (+Adelaide) as they hit the road in January on their Villain Tour. To get you ready for the tour, kicking off on Australia Day the boys have just dropped this dope little video for their track Villain. Make sure you get down to the gigs to catch Hermitude and Jonti on support smash it.

Sat Jan 26 – Oxford Art Factory – Sydney

Sun Jan 27 – The Zoo – Brisbane

Thurs Jan 31 – Republic Bar – Hobart

Fri Frb 1 – The Corner – Melbourne

Sat Feb 2 – Jive Bar Adelaide\

Grab your tickets here now!

Get ready to "Groovin The Moo!" in 2013

2012-11-20T18:10:00.001+11:00

ROUNDING UP THE BEST SOUNDS, CREW AND ALL THINGS MOO FOR 2013

Groovin’ the Moo (GTM) loves this time of year! With fond memories of GTM 2012 still fresh in mind, from Maitland to Canberra, Bendigo to Townsville and Bunbury, new music is pumping through the offices, bands are being booked, artwork is being crafted, event site planning is underway and the team is coming back into the GTM fold.

And while all the good news can’t be shared just yet, GTM can hatch a handful of the plans in store for 2013 around Australia’s regional centres and the centre of the ACT region.

Signalling a return to its roots, Maitland Showground NSW on Saturday 27 April hosts the first event on the 2013 tour, followed by University of Canberra ACT on Sunday 28 April. Then it’s off to Bendigo’s Prince of Wales Showground VIC on Saturday 4 May, Townsville’s Murray Sports Complex QLD on Sunday 5 May and last but certainly not least, Bunbury’s Hay Park WA on Saturday 11 May 2013.

To experience this trademark fun and value-packed day complete with a twist of country hospitality, Groovin’ the Moo is pleased to announce tickets will be on-sale from Tuesday 5 February and Wednesday 6 February 2013 for $99.90 + bf with the 2013 Artist Line-up coming to life on Wednesday 30 January. Be first to get all the news and festival updates, by signing up for the Moos Flash at www.gtm.net.au. Sign up by 5.00pm, 31 December 2012 and by the time the New Year ticks over you could have won tickets for you and two friends to your local GTM, a merch pack and a poster signed by artists from the 2013 line-up.

"....Groovin’ the Moo was a great success that packed a hell of a punch for its price tag… the efficiently run venue and friendly crowd is what sealed the day’s success. The festival was an udder triumph and hopefully it doesn’t moove on anytime soon” - Faster Louder

In the meantime, GTM is inviting all local artists, graphic designers, students, professionals and amateurs to submit work for the annual cotton and ink muster – GTM TEE. In 2013 GTM is asking participants to respond to the theme “Homegrown” for a single sided t-shirt graphic. Whether you graze in the grass or pound the pavement GTM wants you to share the informal, local, homespun, warm, old-school, daggy and wonderful world of your homeland – it could take in sustainability, agriculture, sport, nostalgia, local history or celebrities.

Along with a swag bag full of prizes for a major winner, a runner up from each state, the mini moo for the young people and the people’s choice award - the lucky major prize winner will have their artwork etched in GTM “merch-lore” for the 2013 events. Entries for GTM TEE open 28 January 2013, for further information and to get your creative juices flowing visit the Competitions page atwww.gtm.net.au.

Something Special!

2012-11-19T22:14:00.002+11:00

Something Special. That's what Stories For Nothing has pulled out on this one. His recording re entrance into the hip hop scene has been a strong one with this new remake of Heavenly by Pez.

He has completely flipped it up and shown his quality both lyrically and in delivery to tell a simultaneously breathtaking and heart warming story about his family in France. When he first told me that he was going to do a remake of Heavenly I was hesitant at first to say the least, Pez had already created a track that was remarkable and this new version had to be on par if not of better quality. Ill let you be the judge but in my opinion it defiantly sitting on par if not above par.

Kelton’s delivery, passion and story telling abilities have come a long way since I first interview him back in July 2011. Check this one out and check out his music. He is an upcoming force in Australian Hip Hop.

Download Special Here Now!

Bad Meet Evil

2012-11-19T21:40:00.001+11:00

Its been a while since ive had the chance to catch up with a hip hop group and interview them, but now that uni is over for the year i'm more dedicated then ever to jump back on my blog shit and keep it up to date. So to kick off the next series of interviews i've decided to turn to another element of hip hop, street art and street ware. I was fortunate to steal some of Joseph Fonti, founder of Bad Meet Evil to ask him about past works, what the future holds and how the clothing label came about. Check it out below, and if you like what you see head over to www.badmeetevil.com and pick up some fresh threads or head to Facebook to stay up to date with whats new.

Firstly you started Bad Meet Evil in 2010, what was it that made you take your drawings, which at this stage was nothing more than a hobby to something that you wanted to display and distribute on the public scale?

I think it was a combination of two things. Firstly, I’d always loved streetwear- the graphics, the attitude, everything about it appealed to my personality heavily. So naturally, to own my own label was my ultimate ‘dream job’. The other significant ‘kick starter’ was the fact that I could never see myself working for a boss. I don’t like being told what to do or how to do it, so I thought that combining my artwork with a label could be a ‘way out’ of the system.

The name Bad Meet Evil, is one that will come to be a household name in the future. Where did it originate from and what is the philosophy behind it and the label as a whole?

Haha. Cheers for the confidence booster dude. The name was actually inspired by the track, ‘Bad meets evil’, by Eminem and Royce. Back when I chose the name, the duo was really underground, and I thought that track captured my artwork and the essence of what I was doing at the time perfectly. I didn’t know that a year later they’d bring out a commercial album together- that really fucked with my head for a while. In fact, I’m very close to just changing the name of the label to ‘BME’. It’s been known as that for a long time now, and I think it’s time to break free of any associations people might think the label has with Em and Royce.

Anyone who has followed Bad Meet Evil over the past few years will know of the battle you have put up to the major labels in the industry and various street ware stores around the country. What is it that drives you to push on through when so many stores and labels have rejected you as a designer and as a label?

I wouldn’t say that they’ve ‘rejected me as a designer or a label’. Id say that what I do, and how I do it, is something completely new to what most stores and labels are used to. People are always hesitant to break away from what they know, and street wear/ fashion is no different. I like to show people ‘behind the scenes’, because it’s something that I really struggled to find out about when I was first entering the market. The fact that ‘JRF’ is very closely associated with the label also means that white BME is a ‘brand’, it also has a living, breathing, contactable entity behind it. The majority of other labels like to keep this side of things hush hush. But I believe giving people an insight into the inner workings of what I do allows them to appreciate it on a whole new level.

In the early days of Bad Meet Evil you did some design work for 360, this would have been an amazing platform to launch BME into the public eye. How did the relationship between BME and 360 form?

I actually went to a gig of his at the Evelyn in Fitzroy one night. It was a really small show, maybe 50 – 100 people? I was hanging out printing tees at the time with a friend of mine, and I decided to print his name on one of the earliest BME designs for shits and giggles. I gave it to him at the concert while he was on stage, and the next day he hit me up on Facebook asking me to do the illustration for his merchandise. And that’s how it all began.

Until the end of 2011 all of the designs had been your work but in early December of 2011 you collaborated with Melbourne based artist, Malicious. What prompted you to collaborate on this work? Was it a challenge to let go of the creative process or did you still have some control over the work?

I was definitely a little hesitant to let someone else have creative control. But I had a gut feeling that Malicious understood the message I was trying to convey, and would do an amazing job. Evidently he did, and ever since I’ve really enjoyed getting other artists on board from time to time. I’m very picky with my collaborations- the artist has to bring something new to the label that hasn’t been seen or done before. Everyone Ive worked with so far has nailed their graphic.

The introduction of color into each of your designs is done in a subtle manner to compliment the black and white design. With this work we can see that color is more present and that the image is on a greyscale base compared to many of your other works which are based on black and white. Was there a reason for changing this formula that had clearly been successful in the past, or is this the style of work that Nick normally produces?

Rik is an amazing artist. He usually works with colour so I told him to go right ahead and do what he usually does. Because I normally work with only black and white, I was really looking forward to doing a piece with colour in it. I love black and white because of the ‘haunting element’ it evokes. It also strips the artwork back to it’s rawest form, and in my opinion, can sometimes convey the most powerful imagery. It also looks dope on white tees.

What is the process that normally occurs when another artist designs a piece for BME? Who approaches who or are you generally mates with them before commencing work with them?

It varies from artsist to artist. I saw some of Malicious’ work at a gallery and hit him up from there. As for Rik and Ben, I’d always been fans of their work, and just reached out, hoping they’d dig the idea. Sarah and I have been pals for a while, so that one was a little more chill.

Recently you posted a status on Facebook explaining the pressure that you put on yourself and the expectations you have of yourself. When designing a work how much of an impact dose the public have each design, do they influence the content, style etc.

I definitely consider whether or not my fans will dig what I’m planning on drawing before I start a new piece. At the same time, you can’t please all the people all the time, so I have to find a happy balance between what I think looks dope, and what others will like too. At the end of the day, my artwork is still an expression of who I am, and people are either going to connect with it, or they won’t.

The Mr Squiggles work is one of my favorite designs as it brings back memories form when I was a kid watching it. Its designs like this and the Evil Mickey Mouse, and Ninja Turtles that I so many of your fans love. I feel as though putting these cartoon characters we grew up with as innocent children in a not so innocent situation reflects so the changes we go through from children to adults. What is it that makes you drives you to take these childhood characters and reproduce them?

Yeah I’ve always loved messing with childhood characters. I’m not sure why I do it to be honest. Maybe it’s a subconscious thing. I love the line work for many of these characters- they’re simple but bold. Ultimately I think I’m a massive kid at heart who dosen’t want to grow up. I collect toys and still watch cartoons. Sometimes I really question whether I’m mature enough to run a label.

The Nasty Naz artwork is simply amazing. Naz is one of Hip Hop’s godfathers and has done so much for what we take for granted today. There is no doubt that Sarah McCloskey has done it justice to this image. There are many other figures in the Hip Hop scene that you could have easily chosen weather they be Australian or American. What made you choose Naz over others and can we expect any more BME prints with other Hip Hop greats?

Nas has always been one of the most influential artists in my life. I specifically chose him over others for a number of reasons. I felt that Biggie and tupac, while amazing artists in their own right, had been done to death in the street wear industry. I also think that a whole heap of people just jump on board with the Biggie and Tupac thing, not because they appreciate their music, but more so because society has generally accepted them as being ‘cool figures’. I chose Nas because he isn’t as well known, and for someone to buy the tee, they’d really have to appreciate what he’s done for hip hop, on a ‘real’ level. I basically wanted to eliminate any posers wearing my shit.

It seems as though that every time i check back to the BME Facebook page that you have always got something new on the go weather they be a new set of limited edition pocket tees, space caps or an amazing design for you next tee. So I have to ask whats in the pipelines for the next bit for BME?

Cogs are turning. Minds are churning. This new shit that I’m working on is going to put anything else I’ve ever done to shame. I’ve got a whole heap of new projects going on at the moment, some of which I’m really hoping will change the industry. I’m just hoping to get everything out on the market before this candle that I’m burning explodes. Fuck it, hey.

Chance Waters, Young & Dumb

2012-11-09T15:28:00.002+11:00

After smashing out two awesome gig's in Port Macquarie and Brisbane, supported by Stories for Nothing last weekend Chance Waters is playing a home town gig tonight at Sydney's Good God Small Club. There are limited tickets still available so get down early and grab your tickets on the door!

Chance's album dropped last Friday and debut at number 1 on the iTunes Hip Hop Charts and in the top 10 of the overall iTunes charts.Check out his latest film clip for his hit single Young & Dumb below and see if you can spot yourself in it! Chances are many of you are!

See you all at the gig tonight and tomorrow night in Newcastle!

Smiles Again!

2012-11-09T15:24:00.001+11:00

For those who don't know, Smiles Again (one half of Mind Over Matter) has been living on youtube for the past 12 months keeping fans entertained with his offensive and weird videos. This new film clip from his upcoming solo EP has changed tone dramatically and has gotten everyone super excited for the Mind Over Matter record set to be released late next year. Check it out!!!

Australian Poetry Slam 12

2012-10-20T16:27:00.000+11:00

Are you an upcomming lyricist? Got something to say? Head down to War of the Words at the Marrickville Festival on Sunday afternoon from 2pm. Each wordsmith gets two minutes to bring poetry, stories and monologues to the mic. For further details head to http://australianpoetryslam.com

Smurfs Village

2012-10-17T19:59:00.001+11:00

As and original member of Daily Meds, Reverse Polarities, Big Village Records and Sketch the Rhyme P. Smurf is a prominent face in the Sydney Hip Hop scene both at the forefront and behind the scene. Smurf Village is P. Smurf's debut solo release and its available now for free download here. P. Smurf's persona is one that allows him to swing between comedy, satire and political themes from song to song and still maintain interest form the listener. Being such a prominent face in the Sydney Hip Hop scene P. Smurf know everyone and anyone who has anything to do with the scene, from the kid down the front who's at every get each week to the kings of the culture. So it is no surprise that Smurf's Village features a long line of emcees and producers including, P. Major, Roleo, Dj Morgs, Down Under Beats, Native Wit, Herb, Dj Bomb, Mikoen, Mute, True Vibenation, Hyjak and Nehi. Make sure you go and cop this killer release form P. Smurf NOW and hit him up on his Facebook and let him know what you think!

Smurf Village by P.Smurf

Beauty In The Bricks

2012-10-17T10:06:00.001+11:00

It is no question that when it comes to Australian Hip Hop that Spit Syndicate are among the elite. With there banging beats produced by Joyride and fellow One Day crew member Adit and killer rhymes, not to mention the amazing hooks sung by Joyride it is no wonder that when they dropped Beauty in the Bricks a few weeks ago that it rocketed up the iTunes charts. Check out their new film clip, for their first single, Beauty In The Bricks of their upcoming album. Make sure you head down and check the boys out live when they hit your town. Head to www.spitsyndicate.com for tickets and further details, while your there make sure you grab a free copy of their latest mix tape Best Intentions part 1.

"We are first and foremost lyricists - That said, we don't take ourselves too seriously, i guess. But we take song writing and hip hop very seriously" Nick Lupi

Thurs 25 October - Transit Bar, Canberra, ACT
Fri 26 October - Rhino Room, Adelaide, SA
Sat 27 October - Laundry Bar, Melbourne, VIC
Fri 2 November - Ya-Ya's, Perth, WA
Sat 3 November - Mojo's, Fremantle, WA
Fri 9 November - Great Northern, Byron Bay, NSW
Sat 10 November - Sprung Festival, Brisbane, QLD
Fri 16 November - Annandale Hotel, Sydney, NSW

Rattling the Keys!

2012-09-21T15:40:00.001+10:00

After completing one of their biggest national tours to date the Hoods have done it agin with their latest single from Drinking from The Sun, Rattling the Keys to The Kingdom. For the release of the single the hoods took the film clip to a new level like they have done with all other film clips off the album, calling in a favour from the biggest names in the scene to join them in the clip. It not only unified artist from across the scene but it gave the hoods the chance to give exposure to artists who they thought deserved more exposure.

Along with the film clip come two auctions in support of Canteen in honour of Hunter, SBX. Head over to www.rattlingthekeys.com/ and check out the 5x15m banner up for auction and a one off signed and framed artist pollards from the making of the clip.

The 18+ stop tour saw the Hoods preform in every corner of the country, from the big cities to small towns, chances are you would have been able to catch them somewhere close to you. With the words sold out constantly being posted on Facebook and various blogs across the web is simply testament to just how hard the trio and their team have worked over the past 10 years.

Sydney's Horrorshow and Victoria's Brigg's came along for the ride to support the hoods on each leg of the tour. Horrorshow showed great promise for their new album with amazing support form the crowd. We made it down to the Sydney gig and managed to catch up with Solo and Adit after the show and they had this to say, "Might just be my favourite set we've ever played, Sydney was off the hook." Brigg's did what he did best and had the crowd bumping to his tunes from the beginning of the set to the end. I remember talking to a mate the day after and they said " What more could you ask for from a support act Briggs was awesome! "

Hilltop brought nothing less than their A game to the stage, with a performance that will defiantly be remembered in years to come. With the introduction of pyrotechnics into their live show and featuring, One Above on the keys and Plutonic Lab on the Drums for the entire set along with Debri on the decks defiantly took their live show to the next level and it was evident that the Hoods were rattling their keys in Sydney!

Well as if releasing their biggest album to date, touring Canada and Australia with various festival spots along the way wasn't enough the hoods are set to headline the biggest Australian Hip Hop festival to date, Sprung Hip Hop.

Big Things Tonight

2012-09-14T11:36:00.001+10:00

In celebration of the release of 'Big Things Volume Two' the entire label roster is jumping on a bus and touring the country!

Starting in Sydney tonight the show will feature a joint set from Ellesquire and Tuka, Daily Meds, True Vibenation, Loose Change, Reverse Polarities, as well as special guests sets from speed drawing/freestyle rap gameshow 'Sketch The Rhyme'.

Come and get down with the traveling party that is the 'Big Things Tour' when it hits your city.

Sept 14th @ OAF - Sydney

http://www.moshtix.com.au/event.aspx?id=58795

Sept 22nd @ Northcote Social - Melbourne

http://northcotesocialclub.com/

Ticket enquiries ph: 1300 724 867 or via Corner Box Office (57 Swan St, Richmond)

Sept 28th @ Connistan Lane - Brisbane

http://www.moshtix.com.au/event.aspx?id=58830&ref=moshtix&skin

Oct 5th @ The Cambridge - Newcastle

http://www.moshtix.com.au/event.aspx?id=58709&ref=moshtix&skin

Also available from the venueu & 1300 GETTIX

Oct 6th @ Gearins - Blue Mountains

http://www.moshtix.com.au/event.aspx?id=58972&ref=moshtix&skin

Oct 12th @ Hussle Hussle, Mojos - Fremantle ** (Ellesquire + Tuka only)

Tickets available on the door

Oct 13th @ Shape - Perth ** (Ellesquire + Tuka only)

http://www.moshtix.com.au/event.aspx?id=59432&ref=moshtix&skin

Said and Done

2012-09-10T18:27:00.002+10:00

If you've been to a local hip hop gig in Sydney lately you would have more than likely come across one of the biggest up coming acts out of the Inner West, Jackie Onassis. Anyone who has seen this duo play live would agree that their beats, lyrics, stage presence and overall performance is amazing and one deserving of a packed out venue filled with fans bouncing along to their tunes. And in due time this will be the case. Today they released their first single, Said and Done from their debut album, January due out early 2013 which promises to join the ranks of other classic Inner West debuts, including The Grey Space and Towards The Light. But for now check out their first single Said and Done.

A pre-order NOT to be missed!!

2012-09-03T16:00:00.000+10:00

Urthboy's new album Smokey's Haunt is set to be his biggest release to date if the first two singles are anything to go by. Make sure that you cop your pre order direct through ElefantTracks.com and receive exclusive bonus' (See below for further details) Make sure to get in quick as the album is only a few short weeks away before dropping.

All pre-orders receive custom-made Urthboy Moleskine Notebook (90x140mm) while stocks last, Signed Poster and Bonus Album Song 'Orphan Rocker'.

Smokey's Haunt Pack ($20): Signed CD + Moleskine + Signed Poster + Album song

Womens Smokey's Haunt Tee Bundle ($45): Signed CD + T-shirt (Womens) + Moleskine + Signed Poster + Album song

Mens Smokey's Haunt Tee Bundle ($45): Signed CD + T-shirt (Mens) + Moleskine + Signed Poster + Album song

Smokey's Collection ($50): All Four Urthboy CDs (Signed) + Moleskine + Signed Poster + Album song

Pre-order Bring It Back Through Sol Clap

2012-09-03T09:54:00.001+10:00

Did you catch Illy on his Bring it Back tour, if you did then you will know just how big this next album is going to be! With features from some of the biggest names in the scene and some of the country's best upcoming emcee's including the likes of Grey Ghost, Mantra, Pez, Thundamentals, Elemont and more bring it back is set to be some of Illy's greatest work to date.

Make sure you support the artist and local record stores when buying the album and what better way to do it then to pre order through Australia's number one independent online record store, Sol Clap Records.

Skryptcha Dance

2012-09-02T22:26:00.002+10:00

“Jonathan is a regular guy, with a regular job. He doesn’t stand for much, doesn’t stand up for himself, and lets others walk all over him. One thing that makes him forget all that is 60’s-70’s funk. It's his escape. One day when everything seems to go wrong for him (losing his job, public humiliation etc.) something changes... He unknowingly taps into his favourite funk artist (Hilton Denis) and starts busting moves on anyone who gets in his way. Hilton is everything that Jonathan is not. He is funky, strong, savvy and he can dance. He acts on all the things that Jonathan can't. It soon dawns on Jonathan what has happened, he realises that Hilton has taught him how to dance and stand up to the people bringing him down." -Skryptcha

Urthboy, Naive Bravado Tour

2012-09-02T22:21:00.000+10:00

Urthboy has just hit the road on his Naive Bravado tour kicking off in Katoomba and Melbourne this weekend, and is heading to a town near you soon! (see tour dates above). After dropping his latest single off his upcoming album, Smokey's Haunt last week accompanied by his first single Naive Bravado both this album and tour are set to be one of Urthboys greatest works and achievements to date. I for one can not wait to unleash the sounds or Smokey's Haunt upon my ears.

Naive Bravado sees Urthboy exhibiting his sharp flows, songwriting talents and nothing short of a catchy hook. With Daniel Merriweather stepping up to take the hook simply takes the track above and beyond. The concept of Naive Bravado looks at the how the idea that "its not false courage if it leads you out of the mess". The track is defiantly a source of inspiration to many. "Naive Bravado is like a lamb with a lion's heart". His lyrics are accompanied by a phat base line, various horns, monstrous drums produced by none other than Count Bounce and Hermitude. Check out the sensational film clip below.

The second single off the album, Knee Length Socks is an ode to being out of place and harmless underaged fun. It looks back on Urthboy's youth and many of his musical influences. Agin this track exhibits Urthboy's story telling and song writing abilities to the fullest. Previously Hermitude and Count Bounce had been exclusive producers of all of Urthboy's material however Smokey's Haunt is the first album where they have co-produced the entire album.

Skryptcha Album Launch Supported by Crochet Crooks, Jackie Onassis and True Vibenation

2012-08-02T18:04:00.000+10:00

Sydney make sure you head down to Skryptcha's album launch tomorrow night at the Standard. Going to be a big night with amazing support acts, including Crochet Crooks who if you remember we interview a few months ago check it out below.

Your first EP, All Roads dropped not too long ago now. How has the response from the public and industry been?

S: Really good man, we road tested it with our friends and fam before we released it and got a really good response which made us a lot more confident in it. Since it’s dropped we’ve moved a few hundred hard copies and managed to get ourselves some love on Triple J courtesy of Hau (Hip Hop Show), and on FBi. So overall, real stoked.

All Roads isn’t one particular style of music, there’s Boom Bap, a bit of Dubstep and even an Acoustic track. What is your process of choosing beats, and who produces your

music?

J: We listen to whatever we’re given and we try and write to most of it. If we can build the track up nicely and it fits the vibe of what we we’re trying to write about, it makes the cut.

On the EP we had a few different producers, Daniel Neurath (SS, Horrorshow), Jacob Giles and the Jackie Onassis boys. For our upcoming mixtape and album, a lot of the production workload will be handled by the new addition to the crew, Jmaculate. He’s a real boss with a beat.

The track Cold Streets reflects on the city of Sydney. “See I’m walking city streets but I’m sick of the concrete, from Sydney’s inner city all the way to long beach” How has coming from the Inner West Suburbs of Sydney inspired your music?

J: Man, all of Sydney is a beautiful place, but there’s just something special about the I-Dub. It’s birthed a heap of talented artists and seems to have and endless supply of stories. So I guess growing up here has inspired it a lot. The inner west has something in the water.

What and or who is your greatest inspiration for your music and what was the concept behind the ep?

J: I’d have to say our friends, fam, and experiences. The feeling you get from telling a story. It’s amazing. Concept? I guess the concept was, “there is no concept”. We wanted to tell what we’d been through and seen, good-bad, beautiful-ugly. Just showcase a whole range of things.

How did the two of you, Jax and Sayso first meet and form a bond which has led to this point in your life?

J: We grew up in the same friendship circles, so we always knew of each other, I dunno. We lived close and went to the same gigs so eventually we started kicking it and writing the EP. It kinda just happened...

S: Have you ever heard of a Chinese finger trap? We got caught in one one time. Down there. Haven’t managed to break free yet ay..

Growing up in the Inner West of Sydney what sort of music did you listen to? Was there much hip hop around and did that have much of an impact on who you are today?

S: Man, growing up I was that kid bumping hip hop from home to school, all day during class and then back at home til early in the morning...and I never heard the end of it, everyone gave me shit about it...fast forward ten years and everyone’s a rap kid; it’s practically my DNA.

What do you wish to achieve through your music? and where do you see yourself in 5 years?

S: Getting laid mostly...nahh...but yeah. Haha man I want to make something that reflects me and what I’m about and gives me the opportunity to do what I love doing most, which is hip hop. And we wanna have some fun, meet some cool people along the way.

J: As above, in 5 years. It’s 10:30 on a Saturday night right now though,...so hopefully something more exciting than sitting at a computer.

The name Crochet Crooks, what does it mean and where did it come from?

S: Man we kicked it with a few different names for a while, and then one day we were just knitting some sweaters with gran and it kind of clicked. I like the way it sounds, and let’s face it; it gets people talking, hard to forget.

If someone was to listen to your music for the first time which track would you recommend to them? And do either of you have a personal favourite?

J: It depends what background they come from, we feel like we have a bit to offer everyone in that regard. All sorts of different people could feel our shit. From the stay at home mum (Anywhere but Here), to hard matey down the road (Cold Streets) and the heartbroken girl or guy (All Roads). I like Cold Streets for my favourite.

S: Cold Streets.

I hear that there is a new video clip about to drop? Can you tell us about it?

S: Of all the tracks we thought we’d make a clip for, Cold Streets was the least likely in my mind. Then Hau played it on JJJ, we got some mad love from heads on it, and seeing as it’s our favourite track off the EP, we thought why the fuck not. It’s all filmed through Sydney and the IW, but you’ll have to watch it to see more.

What’s next for the Crooks?

J: Well we’re both heading to the Americas. Without each other though. Need a little break. We’ve compiled a few beats from some dope producers so we’ll be writing to them on our travels as well as writing this mixtape.

S: Both of us have got our hunger on, we’re real fired up and we wanna step to the next level. AIN’T NO SUCH THINGS AS CROCHET CROOKS!

Latest tracks by CrochetCrooks

OBESECITY 2

2012-07-31T17:41:00.001+10:00

Ten years ago, at a time when Australian Hip Hop was still struggling to be heard, Obese Records Released OBESECITY. Invited from all corners of the country, emcees and producers hungry to showcase their skills contributed tracks, unbeknownst of the powerful ripple effect it would create

Bolstered by the humble independent label, the compilation birthed a generation of hip hop heavyweights, recognised today as the true pioneers of a flourishing industry. Hilltop Hoods, Muph & Plutonic, Bias B, Pegz, the late Hunter and more united to give the growing genre a voice.

To celebrate its anniversary Obese Records is extremely proud to present Obesecity 2. A dual-disc compilation showcasing the brightest and most promising new artists in Australian hip hop, handpicked alongside the genre’s most revered underground acts. With emphasis on the label’s distribution roster and independently established acts, Obesecity 2 will benchmark the scene once more.

The range of artists featured on the compilation varies both stylistically and geographically. With moments of progressive, electronic production, next to the more traditional sounds of BBQ rap boom bap. Obesecity 2 exhibits the extensive sonic landscape now occupied by the genre.

The diversity noted in the subject matter is reflective of age, circumstance and inclination, laid forth by the nation’s most unconventionally outspoken social conscience. Obesecity 2 is not only an ode to its genre-defining predecessor, but a time capsule, which will undoubtedly be prized for its conviction in this age of mass production and impersonal media.

Skryptcha - Dance

2012-07-10T17:00:00.000+10:00

Skryptcha is back with his first single from his forthcoming album, Mindful. after releasing his last LP, Numbers his profile as an artist grew not only throughout Australia but Internationaly being named in the top ten hip hop artists world wide to watch in Rolling Stone Australia earlier this year, along side Horrorshow. Working closely with producer, Illmind an A-grade soundscape has been created right throughout his forthcoming album.

"Dance", written form a hotel room in New Orleans in the midst of a Jazz Festival, Skryptch drew inspiration from his surroundings which gave him more than enough inspiration for a banging single which since release has seen high rotation on Triple J.

“I was in New Orleans during Jazz Fest too so everywhere you went there was music and dancing in the streets. The city just has such a good vibe where everyone’s so open and happy. No matter what they had in their pockets, they were either playing an instrument or dancing with a smile. The track really sums that vibe up perfectly.” - Skryptcha

Mindful hits stores on July 27th so make sure you get down to your local independent music store and cop that shit!