Director, Morgan Matthews brings to screen X+Y, a beautiful film that was inspired by his 2007 documentary, Beautiful Young Minds. Following the footsteps of Daniel Lightwing, one of the mathematic geniuses on the autistic spectrum is Asa Butterfield, who is cast as Nathan Ellis in X+Y.
Nathan is a unique and gifted boy with mild autism, who develops an extraordinary liking for patterns and a special superpower of mathematics at a young age. Michael Ellis (Martin McCann) could not have given us a better description of his son, “you’re a wizard, like Harry Potter, and the rest of us are muggles”.
What changes the beautiful young mind of Nathan, is the tragic loss of his father at the age of nine. Unable to re-establish the same loving bond with his mother, Nathan finds comfort in his numerical patterns – eating a meal with a prime number of items, having a specific routine and order to make sense of life. To help ease with the painful transition and assist her son in following what he loves, Julie Ellis (Sally Hawkins) gets Nathan private maths tutoring from a well-renowned young maths whizz, turned middle-aged secondary teacher with multiple sclerosis, Martin Humphreys (Rafe Spall).
As an incentive to join the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO), an annual international high school maths competition that Humphreys once competed in, Nathan studies to the best of his ability with his tutor over seven years. During this period, Humphreys becomes a fatherly figure for Nathan, helping him grow out of his shell and learn to accept himself. To no one’s surprise, Nathan is selected to join the top sixteen best mathematics students from England, in the Taiwan IMO pre-competition for two weeks.
In a like-minded environment, where everyone is “painstakingly average” for their mathematical abilities, Nathan is forced to adapt to the social group of the British squad and work alongside his selected partner from the Chinese squad, Zhang Mei (Jo Yang). Much to the contrary, Humphreys finds himself a much needed companion in Julie, when his condition of multiple sclerosis worsens and he is let off work.
The relationships that form are pivotal to the character development and progression of X+Y, with the underlying theme being the importance and power of love. With the flawless intertwining of flashbacks between Nathan and Michael, the haunting patterns of life and death reinforce the theme. Nathan sums up perfectly his predicament at the beginning of the film, “I have lots of things to say, I’m just afraid to say them”. Through his interaction with Zhang Mei, Humphreys and Julie, Nathan finally comes to terms with the words that he has been struggling to say.
I cannot comprehend or even begin to understand an autistic mind, yet part of me feels that X+Y brought to life the reality of this spectrum. I think the audience would agree with me, in saying that – it is good to be different and even more significant to rejoice our differences with others.
Thank you Morgan Matthews and screenwriter, James Graham for giving the world a memorable and heartwarming film.
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 9th April 2015
Live Review: Raury + Milwaukee Banks – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney (2.02.15)
The intimate venue of the Oxford Art Factory was perfect for Raury and his opening act, Milwaukee Banks. As the duo from Melbourne took the stage, the night kicked off with a thumping bass that had heads nodding and bodies slowly moving.
As producer Edo and vocalist Dyl worked off the energy of the room, the smooth mix of electronic and hip hop brought a nice feeling of the local Australian scene. Performing tracks from their EP, Rose Water, as well as songs from their upcoming album, Milwaukee Banks had the crowd intrigued with their unique sound. Songs like ‘Sweater Made of Gold’, ‘Faded’, ‘Monitor’ and ‘Van Gogh’ had a large response, which got everyone hyped up for Raury.
With water bottles placed on the stage and final mic checks, the intensity was building up amongst the audience. All of a sudden, the lights went down and cheers erupted throughout the crowd. The one and only Raury Tullis had arrived.
Wearing that infamous brimmed hat, Raury’s energy was instant and infectious. Bringing a Michael Jackson vibe, Raury’s red shoes and red jacket had him shining like a star as he danced to each beat that hit.
Being completely under Raury’s spell, the crowd responded to every request he made, whether it was to clap or to put your lighters up. The participation of the audience was constant with nonstop dancing and singing, though when he spoke, everyone listened. As Raury took a moment to express his feelings of happiness to the audience, his optimism had everyone smiling. Passion lit up in Raury’s eyes as he told everyone to follow their dreams and do whatever makes them happy, no matter what it is.
Performing tracks from his EP, Indigo Child, Raury’s gig can’t be categorised under one genre. As he mixed rap, hip hop, acoustic and rock, there was something for everyone. Tracks like ‘Cigarette Song’, ‘Lost Souls’, ‘Higher’ and ‘God’s Whisper’ had the crowd going insane. So insane that after the encore, Raury made everyone have a water fight. As he jumped down into the crowd, people waved their water bottles in the air, making sure that everyone was some kind of soaked.
Being only 18 years old, Raury’s stage presence was mesmerising. Having wisdom beyond his years, this young artist from Atlanta is one to look out for. With his infatuating ways, Raury is setting the path for Indigo Children around the world.
Rating: 9/10
Live Review: Thando + Fulton Street + Beaten Bodies – The Vanguard, Sydney (29.01.15)
– Photo: Freddy Morales Photography
With dimmed lights and a mysterious vibe, The Vanguard is a venue based in Newtown that creates a relaxed atmosphere combining food and entertainment. As people found seating by the candlelit tables, Fulton Street kicked off the night as they opened for Thando‘s East Coast Tour.
Squishing on to the intimate stage with their numerous instruments, the Melbourne band got ready to open the show. The sassy lead singer Shannen walked out and belted her incredible vocals while Andrew played on keys, Scott on guitar, Jamie on bass, Daniel on drums, Hanna on sax, Anthony on the trumpet and Connor played the trombone. As they let the smooth sounds of funk and soul overtake the room, Fulton Street were like a small family with the way they worked off each other’s vibe. They performed songs like Roll On Home, Wasting My Time and Tell Me, as well as a mind blowing cover of the Sesame Street song. It was a perfect way to begin the night.
Next up on the list was Sydney based band, Beaten Bodies. Bringing a more electronic vibe, the band sang songs from their EP, The Royal Road, and even let the audience hear a new track called ‘Wrap the Arrow’. The song had an emotional connection to lead singer Marli, as she talked about the significance of the song and how it represented the importance of people being the tools to get their art out into the world. The happiness shone from the band as they performed the new track to the audience.
The moment people were waiting for had arrived. As the band got ready on stage, Thando walked up from the back of the room and waited for the right moment. She took a sip of her water, adjusted her black sequenced headband and breathed in and out as she transformed into the amazing creative artist that she is. With Thando’s count of “1,2,3,4” the show began.
The electrifying voice that came from Thando could’ve shut the place down. With the support of her amazing band, the set was everything you could’ve imagined. Full of compassion and empathy, Thando and her band performed tracks like ‘Work’, ‘Faded’ and ‘Inferno’. The big notes and loud sounds of soul had the Vanguard echoing.
Bringing up Tommy, one of Thando’s dear friends to the stage, the two of them performed a moving duet to Alicia Keys’ ‘If I Aint Got You’. With loving looks to each other that illustrated a sense of appreciation, they held hands in happiness. You couldn’t help but smile and feel all warm and tingly.
The night finished with Thando’s new single called ‘Won’t You Be Mine (WYBM)’. With the live band, the song had an authentic feel to it, which made you feel like you were being drifted into a world of nusoul and synth. Consisting of multiple layers, each band member contributed something beautiful to the final performance. As they harmonised and moved to the smooth beats of the final song, Thando showed her appreciation to her band and the audience as everybody clapped and showed her the love that she deserved.
Rating: 8/10
Thundamentals ‘Elephant In The Room’ Tour 2015
“Elephant In The Room…one of the centrepieces of So We Can Remember lashes out at 21st century ignorance and avarice and is about as challenging as any slice of rap music in this brave new post-Kendrick world. The Vine
Thundamentals are not stopping. Now announcing a tour that coincides with the 12-month anniversary of their 3rd LP So We Can Remember, the Blue Mountains crew have not had much time for visits home lately. Since first single ‘Smiles Don’t Lie’ went gangbusters the guys have been adopted, loved and championed all over the country.
So We Can Remember – “possibly…the best Australian rap album ever released” according to The Vine – was the release that Australia was ready for, as evidenced by #1 positions on Digital, Independent, Australian & Urban ARIA Album charts, and clocking #3 on the overall ARIA Charts.
The record [rel. 2 May 2014, Obese Records] was a Feature Album on Triple J and Fbi FM, spawned a sold out tour following the success of singles ‘Smiles Don’t Lie’ and ‘Something I Said [Ft. Thom Crawford]’, prompted the release of singles ‘Quit Your Job’, ‘Got Love ft. Solo’ and ‘Missing You’ and saw combined single sales of over 60,000, pushing their YouTube views get within a Thundakat whisker of 5 million.
The only 2014 record nominated for a J Award [Album Of The Year], a Carlton Dry Independent Music Award [Best Independent Hip Hop Album], an ARIA Award [Best Urban Album], an Fbi SMAC Award [Record Of The Year] and the critically acclaimed, nationally coveted Australian Music Prize, So We Can Remember spotlighted the crew’s mind-bending outlook, positioning them at the spearhead of a direction not-previously-realised in this country’s hip hop.
Not that Thundamentals had time to stop and pat themselves on the back. After massive appearances at Falls Festivals, Groovin The Moo and their biggest SOLD OUT headline tour to date they were invited on the road with industry legends Hilltop Hoods, playing to over 50,000 people in far flung locations around Australia. Finishing the year-long whirlwind with an incredible all-star hip hop performance in front of 25,000 fans alongside the Hoods, Illy, Horrorshow, Drapht, Seth Sentry and Tkay Maidza for the triple j 40th Birthday Celebrations in Sydney’s Domain, Thundamentals are in a well-deserved place in the history of Australian hip hop.
Energised by the huge love from their amazing fans, new and old, spring-boarding from the support of the hip hop scene at large, and thrilled with the reception from Australia and beyond, Thundamentals are kicking the door open to 2015, with ‘Elephant In The Room’ a reminder that just under the surface there’s an individuality and purpose that is purely their own.
If 2014 was #YearOfTheThundakat – 2015 is set to be seriously something to remember.”
_________
THUNDAMENTALS Elephant In The Room Tour
March 5th @ Manning Bar, Sydney NSW
March 6th @ Katoomba RSL, Katoomba NSW
April 10th @ Waves, Wollongong NSW
April 11th @ Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle NSW
April 17th @ The Zoo, Brisbane QLD
April 23rd @ Star Bar, Bendigo VIC
April 24th @ The Corner, Melbourne VIC
May 1st @ Fowlers Live, Adelaide SA
May 2nd @ Capitol Theatre, Perth WA
May 3rd @ Prince Of Wales, Bunbury WA
May 7th @ The Jack, Cairns QLD
May 8th @ Base Backpackers, Magnetic Island QLD
Tickets on sale Wed 28 Jan
http://thundamentals.com.au/
Nas Performs Illmatic – Australia 2015!
“Illmatic.
Just the sound of that word would send a flood of emotions into the mind of any self-respecting hip-hop head. Illmatic is arguably the most revered rap album in the genre’s history by one of the greatest MCs ever to touch the mic. And for the first time ever, Nas will perform Illmatic live in Australia from start to finish.
To celebrate the album’s twentieth anniversary, Nas has taken his sold out Illmatic tour all over the globe during the past year to enormous critical acclaim, and now it’s Australia’s turn. Off the back of his recently-announced headlining slot at Melbourne’s Sugar Mountain festival on January 24, where he’ll perform Illmatic in full, Nas will give fans in Brisbane, Sydney and Perth the same opportunity to experience the classic album live. Each show will be a one-night-only affair.
When Nas released Illmatic in 1994, it was off the back of tremendous hype he’d built through his debut appearance on Main Source’s ‘Live at the Barbeque’ and 1992’s ‘Halftime’, his debut solo release and Illmatic’s first single. The album was a relative commercial fizzer, debuting at #12 on the Billboard 200 and its five singles failing to gain much traction on radio. But it sent critics and hip-hop lovers into an absolute frenzy. The Source magazine, hip-hop’s bible in the ‘90s, gave Illmatic a five-mic review – an extremely prestigious achievement and unheard of for a debut release. In the years following, word steadily spread and a consensus was reached – the hip-hop world had a masterpiece on its hands.
‘A classic album is supposed to change or define its time. Illmatic did both. No album better reflected the sound of New York, ‘94. The alembic of soul jazz samples, SP-1200s, broken nose breaks, and raw rap distilled the Henny, no chaser ideal of boom-bap. The loops rummage through their parent’s collection: Donald Byrd, Joe Chambers, Ahmad Jamal, Parliament, Michael Jackson. The styles and stories that formed him fuse into something that withstands outdated slang and popular taste: it is a story of a gifted writer born into squalor, trying to claw his way out of the trap.’ – Pitchfork
The album has been the subject of books, academic studies and this year’s widely acclaimed Time is Illmatic documentary, which will be released in Australia in January to coincide with this historic tour.
On top of his full Illmatic performance, Nas will also treat the crowd to a selection of hits from his celebrated catalogue. Each show is a guaranteed sell-out. Don’t sleep (‘cause sleep is the cousin of death).” (Illusive)
______
TOUR DATES
TUE 20 JAN
The Tivoli (18+)
www.ticketmaster.com.au
136 100
THU 22 JAN
Enmore Theatre, Sydney
(Licensed All Ages)
www.ticketek.com.au
132 849
FRI 23 JAN
Enmore Theatre, Sydney – SOLD OUT
www.ticketek.com.au
132 849
SAT 24 JAN
Sugar Mountain, Melbourne (18+)
www.moshtix.com.au
www.sugarmountainfestival.com
132 849
SUN 25 JAN
Forum Theatre, Melbourne – SOLD OUT
www.ticketmaster.com.au
136 100
TUE 27 JAN
Metro City, Perth (18+)
www.oztix.com.au
1300 762 545
THU 29 JAN
HQ, Adelaide (18+)
www.oztix.com.au
1300 762 545
Jessie J Australian tour March 2015!
” Frontier Touring is thrilled to announce Grammy award-nominated, pop and R&B superstar Jessie J will return to Australia in March 2015 for a series of headline shows.
With swag loads of songs spanning multiple genres, Jessie J’s musical styling has redefined pop music for a generation. Blending vintage and modern music, Jessie J has been making waves since the release of full-length debut album Who You Are.
To date, Who You Are has sold over 3 million copies worldwide, debuting in the top 15 of the Billboard Top 200 and certifying multi-platinum in over 15 countries. The album’s debut single ‘Price Tag’ [featuring B.o.B] reached number #1 in 18 major territories, earning her numerous award nominations and accolades.
“I have poured my heart and soul into this record,” says Jessie of her latest album Sweet Talker (available now through Universal Music), “I am so happy to finally be able to share it with the fans all over the world!” Featuring the likes of Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, 2 Chainz, De La Soul and American violinist Lindsay Sterling, the album dominated worldwide charts, reaching number #1 on iTunes in over 50 countries and selling over 2 million copies worldwide. Standout tracks include ‘Burnin’ Up’ ft. 2 Chainz as well as her new smash hit ‘Bang Bang’ featuring Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj that the trio recently performed to hug acclaim at the American Music Awards.
Renowned for putting on a spectacular live show, UK-born Jessie J was named 2012 London Olympic Games Ambassador. She dominated the stage performing ‘Price Tag’ at the closing ceremony, finishing with a rendition of ‘We Will Rock You’ alongside original Queen band members and music legends Brian May and Roger Taylor.
Just announced is the news that Jessie J will be heading to Australia this year to join the Coaching panel of the fourth season of Channel Nine’s hit show The Voice, with fellow coaches Joel and Benji Madden, Delta Goodrem and Ricky Martin.
Joining Jessie J on her national tour is Tim Omaji (aka Timomatic), one of Australia’s most exciting rising singer-songwriters and dancers. Tim rose to fame as a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance (Australia) in 2009 where he placed seventh in the competition. In 2011, he appeared as a contestant on the fifth season of Australia’s Got Talent and was placed third. Later that year, Tim signed with Sony Music Australia and released his first single, ‘Set It Off’, in November 2011, which peaked at number two on the ARIA singles chart and was certified four times platinum. Since then Tim has gone on to release 4 x top ten singles, appeared as a judge on Australia’s Got Talent and collected a heap of awards and nominations. In the first quarter of 2015 Tim is set to release a brand new artillery of tracks onto Australian audiences with a highly anticipated new album.
Live on stage Jessie J is a powerhouse and not to be missed. Tickets on-sale Friday 23 January – be quick!
TOUR DATES
Friday 13 March – Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane (All Ages*)
Saturday 14 March – Big Top Luna Park, Sydney (All Ages)
Tuesday 17 March – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne (All Ages)
Wednesday 18 March – AEC Theatre, Adelaide (All Ages)
Friday 20 March – Crown Theatre, Perth (All Ages)
* U18s accompanied to the venue by a parent/guardian. For more info, contact (07) 3325 6777 “
SETH SENTRY + CITIZEN KAY + COIN BANKS
Channel [V], The Music, Select Music & No Dice present
SETH SENTRY RUN TOUR 2015 With special guests Citizen Kay and Coin Banks
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT SETHSENTRY.COM
Tuesday January 13, 2015 – Due to overwhelming demand, Seth Sentry has confirmed a second Melbourne show for his upcoming Run Tour in February and March. Seth will be bringing Canberra’s, Citizen Kay and Perth’s Coin Banks along as supports on his national headline tour.
Melbourne fans who missed out on tickets to the sold out Hi-Fi show on Saturday 7 March now have a second chance to attend on Sunday 8 March. Punters are advised to pre-book now to avoid disappointment. Tickets for the second Melbourne show and all other shows are on sale now at www.sethsentry.com.
Seth will also be making a special guest appearance at triple j’s Beat The Drum concert on Friday 16 January at Sydney’s Domain, joining an all-star Australian line-up including Hilltop Hoods, Joelistics, Remi, Thundamentals, Vance Joy and more.
The Run Tour heads to all major capital cities, as well as a handful of Seth’s favourite regional stops. Tickets are selling fast – don’t miss your chance to see Seth Sentry perform in your city from February 20th to March 21st. See full dates and more info below:
SECOND MELBOURNE SHOW AND ALL OTHER SHOWS ON SALE NOW
FRI 20 FEB | THE HI-FI, BRISBANE QLD
Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets
SAT 21 FEB | SOLBAR, MAROOCHYDORE QLD
Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets
SAT 28 FEB | THE REPUBLIC, HOBART TAS
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | 1300 GET TIX | All Moshtix Outlets
SAT 7 MAR | THE HI-FI, MELBOURNE VIC SOLD OUT
Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets
SUN 8 MAR | THE HI-FI, MELBOURNE VIC NEW SHOW
Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets
THU 12 MAR | THE CAMBRIDGE, NEWCASTLE NSW
Tickets available from www.bigtx.com.au
FRI 13 MAR | THE METRO THEATRE, SYDNEY NSW (ALL AGES)
Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au | 132 849 | All Ticketek Outlets
SAT 14 MAR | ANU BAR, CANBERRA ACT
Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au | 132 849 | All Ticketek Outlets
THU 19 MAR | PRINCE OF WALES, BUNBURY WA
Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets
FRI 20 MAR | METROPOLIS FREMANTLE, FREMANTLE WA
Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets
SAT 21 MAR | THE GOV, ADELAIDE SA (ALL AGES)
Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets
MORE INFO AT WWW.SETHSENTRY.COM
THANDO’s East Coast Tour + Special Guests
” Thando is a singer-songwriter who discovered her love for R&B and nu soul in the suburbs of Melbourne. Having fronted several bands over recent years, Thando has gained the experience and confidence to tackle Australia’s local independent scene with her material and has created a live show that pulls audiences in and leaves them wanting more. Citing NGAIIRE, Jill Scott and Alicia Keys as major influences, Thando’s electronic take on soul ballads are the love child of her collaboration with Melbourne producer Henry James. Thando’s original music is a blend of genres that oozes soul. Subtle nuances of electro and pop are coupled with Thando’s quirky and honest lyricism and evocative vocals to create a unique take on contemporary soul.
In January 2015, Thando will be releasing her new single, “W.Y.B.M.”. In celebration of this, Thando will embark on her first tour of the east coast in 2015, backed by her 6 piece live band and with special guests Beaten Bodies & Fulton Street. Thando’s East Coast Tour is an opportunity to see Thando shine and be true to herself as an artist with her own music, something which she didn’t get the opportunity to do in the confines of The Voice. In Thando’s own words, this tour will be “A cosmic journey to love and fulfillment.”
Watch Thando perform ‘Soul Wind’:
Beaton Bodies – CROWNS
The Kitten Jam presents Thando
January 23 – The Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne
With support from Beaten Bodies and Fulton Street
January 25 – Nimbin Hotel, Nimbin
January 28 – Lizotte’s Newcastle
Please call to book seats (02) 4956 2066
January 29 – The Vanguard, Sydney
With support from Beaten Bodies and Fulton Street
January 30 – Illawarra Brewery, Wollongong
Alongside Chuparosa
January 31 – Transit Bar, Canberra
With support from Fulton Street “
TECH N9NE + KRIZZ KALIKO AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND TOUR MARCH 2015
“Tech N9ne has sold over two million albums and has had his music featured in film, television, and video games.
His stage name originated from the TEC-9 semi-automatic handgun, a name given to him by rapper Black Walt due to his fast-rhyming Chopper style. He later applied a deeper meaning to the name, saying that it stands for the complete technique of rhyme, with “tech” meaning technique and “nine” representing the number of completion.
Tech N9ne rejoiced on the career-defining song “Strange 2013,” his collaboration with The Doors. Tech N9ne named his Strange Music label with partner Travis O’Guin after the icon rock group’s songs “Strange Days” and “People Are Strange.” As a black fan of rock and rap growing up in Missouri, Tech N9ne grew up thinking he was “strange”. Getting to work with the surviving members of The Doors on “Strange 2013,” a reworking of “Strange Days,” is one of the proudest moments of his ground breaking career.
“If it wasn’t for their fusion of music, I would have never told Travis I wanted to call the joint venture that we have Strange Music,” Tech N9ne explains. “That’s why ‘Strange 2013’ meant so much to me. Now, when I listen to it, I smile, like, ‘I did that.’ They’re the ones that inspired me. It’s the thing keeping me alive and putting my kids through college, because I was a Doors fan.”
Today, millions of people are Tech N9ne fans. He became known as an innovative rapper in the 1990s because of his trendsetting ability to rap at breakneck speed, to rap backwards and, soon thereafter, to also deliver riveting personal songs that examined his own inner demons, as evidenced throughout such memorable cuts as “Tormented” and “Real Killer.” In the 2000s, Tech N9ne hit the road relentlessly, becoming one of rap’s premier touring acts.
Tech N9ne is featured on Lil Wayne‘s ninth studio album Tha Carter IV on the song “Interlude“. The track features a verse from Tech and Andre 3000 (Outkast). With 2012’s “Hostile Takeover 2012 Tour,” Tech N9ne holds the title of headlining the longest continuous tour in rap history. Even with all these accolades and the impressive list of artists Tech N9ne features on Something Else, he sounds as fresh and hungry as he did when he first started releasing music commercially more than a decade ago. “I’ve got a chip on my shoulder,” Tech N9ne says. “I’ve still got a lot to prove. That’s why I still rap so hard. I’m always trying to get better and better. I’m not softening it.”
Something Else album was released on July 30, 2013 to universal critical acclaim. The album, which is broken up into three portions — Earth, Water & Fire, features guest appearances from B.o.B, Big K.R.I.T., Cee Lo Green, The Doors, Game, Kendrick Lamar, Serj Tankian, T-Pain, Trae tha Truth and Wiz Khalifa, among others.
Tech N9ne has appeared on countless TV shows, in movies and featured on video games, now its Australia and New Zealand’s time to be witness to one of the greatest live shows in Hip-Hop period.”
TECH N9NE + KRIZZ KALIKO AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND TOUR MARCH 2015
TOUR DATES
Saturday 28th February – CHRISTCHURCH The Bedford
Sunday 1st March – AUCKLAND The Studio
Monday 2nd March WELLINGTON Bodega (SOLD OUT!)
Tuesday 3rd March – WELLINGTON Bodega (SOLD OUT!)
Wednesday 4th March – AUCKLAND The Studio
Friday 6th March – MELBOURNE 170 Russell St
Saturday 7th March – SYDNEY Manning Bar
Wednesday 11th March – BRISBANE Eatons Hill
Thursday 12th March – ADELAIDE The Gov
Friday 13th March – PERTH The Bakery
Kerser ‘King’ National Tour 2015
“From amidst the hard-living, notoriously crime ridden suburbs of Sydney’s outer west, an epitomizing voice has emerged in the form of Kerser.
Kerser first gained notice in his home suburb of Campbelltown as a battle emcee. After a battle with ARIA award winning pop rapper 360 went viral on YouTube, new fans were won over by the emcee’s rebellious ways. Joining forces with production don Nebs, the two injected epic club beats into a unique brand of hip hop. Inspired by long players including Fabolous, The Game, 2Pac, Eminem, TI, Little Wayne and Dr. Dre. Accumulating 135,000 fans on Facebook with no marketing assistance or radio play, the brazen emcee opted only to self-promote via a monthly video upload to YouTube, some of which received up to 100,000 views in 48 hours.
Kerser’s debut effort The Nebulizer ran down the gates of convention in 2011. Second album No Rest for the Sickest, was released Nov 2012 (Kerser N Nebs Records, Obese Distribution) taking business to a whole new level. Kerser had created an honest, raw and ruthless sophomore album, his notorious conviction still intact. In the weeks surrounding the release, No Rest for the Sickest charted at #1 on the national ARIA Urban charts, #1 on the iTunes Hip Hop charts, and #14 on the overall iTunes charts (not to mention the lesser known accolade of ‘Most Stolen Album From JB HiFi’).
At 2012’s Sprung Hip Hop Festival Kerser joined the cream of the crop, his set receiving a huge response. In early 2013, Kerser acquired new management through Obese Records, and set off on his biggest national tour to date. With his infamous cohort of Campbelltown crew in tow, Kerser’s high-energy stage shows successfully packed out venues all around the country. The emcee also played to a massive audience at the Breath of Life Festival in Tasmania festival alongside 360, Illy, Seth Sentry and other notable hip hop heavyweights and international electronic acts.
His profile rising steadily, Kerser was approached by acclaimed fashion labels Familia Brands (Dissizit) and Burn, and in March of 2013 Kerser and brother Rates released hit single ‘We Here Now’. The single’s popularity spurred a whirlwind national We Here Now Regional Tour.
In August of 2013 Kerser released his first live tour DVD to an overwhelmingly positive reception debuting at #1 on the National ARIA Charts above P!nk. With footage recorded during his No Rest for the Sickest National Tour, the DVD included show highlights from his Melbourne and Sydney shows. Produced by Full Clip, Australia’s leading hip hop production company, the DVD gave an insight into Kerser’s life, allowing fans to see a whole new side of the emcee, also including bonus features and footage of hypeman Rates and Jay (UF).
Now with a date announced for his third album release, Kerser’s music continues to evolve and his fan base continues to grow. The new album entitled S.C.O.T will drop through Obese Records Distribution on Friday, October 25th 2013, and is available for pre-order through JB and Sanity online as well as iTunes. A national tour will follow the album’s release, set for Feb 2014 with supports announced in late 2013.
True of many rappers, Kerser uses his art form as catharsis. Despite his ability to project a staunch, sometimes cocky persona, one can safely assume this is a case of necessity rather than preference. One of, if not the most humble artists in the game, Kerser is rapidly gaining respect from media, industry peers and new fans alike.
KERSER ‘KING’ TOUR DATES 2015
Saturday 24 January – The Hi-Fi Melbourne {18 plus & all ages shows}
Sunday 25 January – The Hi-Fi Sydney {All Ages}
Saturday 31 January – Hi-Fi Brisbane {18 plus & all ages shows}
Friday 6 February – Metropolis Fremantle {18 plus}
Saturday 7 February – Metropolis Fremantle {All Ages}
Saturday 21 February – FOWLERS Adelaide {18 plus & all ages shows}
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
MELBOURNE: thehifi.com.au & oztix.com.au SYDNEY: thehifi.com.au & oztix.com.au
ADELAIDE : fowlerslive.com.au & moshtix.com.au PERTH: metropolisfremantle.com.au & oztix.com.au “