“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 “
Cypress Hill + Coin Banks + Ivan Ooze – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (8.11.14)
Photo: Liza Moscatelli for Mosca Media Australia.
Photo: Liza Moscatelli for Mosca Media Australia. B-Real | Cypress Hill at Enmore Theatre, Sydney
The murky blue light sets the scene to await the entrance of Cypress Hill after awesome support acts Coin Banks and Ivan Ooze. The production work on Ivan Ooze’s set was top notch! The crowd totally reacted to it with heads bopping and people jumping to the beats. The lyrics seemed a little Eminem-ish but the lyrical flow was amazing (although it was difficult to understand due to the immense rate Ivan Ooze was going at). However, production and heavy bass was off the chain, so it didn’t matter what the lyrics were in the end.
Perth-based rapper/ artist Coin Banks was super romantic and classy and it was refreshing to see local Soul artist Thandiwe Phoenix supporting him. We first saw her perform at Soulfest two months ago and I’d say she has a bright future ahead of her. Interesting collab and always nice to see two artists from different cities in the country come together and collaborate and explore new horizons. Apparently it was Coin Banks’ first time to meet DJ Naiki and their set wasn’t rehearsed. They did pretty well I say!
As good latinos running on latin time, Cypress Hill entered the stage fashionably later than the time assigned but when they entered – BOOM! The ground was shaking and the crowd went off! In truth there was so much energy in the place that even the security guards were bopping to the beats, while some others were tripping on the fear of the unknown.
Soon after Cypress Hill befriended the audience with B-Real‘s infamous high-pitched-nasal voice, and their ever memorable songs including “Insane In The Brain”, “Tequila Sunrise”, “Dr Greenthumb”, “Superstar”, “I Ain’t Going Out Like That”, just to name a few. The crowd chanted along to the famous hit singles throughout the past twenty or so odd years. There was a ton of energy which seemed reciprocated between Cypress Hill and the audience. The way they move on stage depict their love for their art but also feeds through to the crowd.
One glimpse of the bopping crowd reveals an age from more mature hoppers to younger adults, yet here the music does not divide but unites. Thinking back to the event at the Enmore Theatre and seeing some footage taken with my nifty iPhone device (LOL) I find the whole experience surreal. When you think about it – it’s amazing how much Cypress Hill’s music has impacted a whole generation of people. Being a Southern American immigrant myself and hearing their music for the first time at the age of ten or so in Australia (what was then culturally deficient), now blows my mind thinking of how well these guys have broken through cultural boundaries.
While standing watching the energy and character that these guys give in pure form to the world, I could only stare in surreal amazement. It’s a funny thing that happened whilst in the show, my mind knew if not all, but most of the words from their songs, it gave that feel good feeling of belonging to something. I could compare the cultural value of Cypress Hill’s music to the Lion King. I know this may sound a little odd and maybe uncool for you cats that are “too cool for school”, yet what I am really saying is that nothing beats the original and the classics. Cypress Hill is talented and chilled but the greatest asset they have is the raw truth that they portray through their music and way of being.
It was a crazy night! A guy jumped up on stage and lets say – contested the security guards position/ power through which commotion arose and a lot of egos bent. Nevertheless I give mad props to the guy because he had guts! The reaction from B-Real was pretty much “congratulations on having the balls”, which was refreshing to see. There was all types of crazy things happening at the show – some boobie-popping, bra-throwing and who know what else. Either way Cypress Hill never complained about the behaviour and seemed to enjoy it. However after what was probably continued groupie offerings, B-Real called it and said after all this “Hip-Hop show not a porno”, this may be unattractive to the wannabe hardcores, but I do respect people who respect their own art and teach others to do so also.
Looking back at the experience and smelling the whiff of weed after only the first minute of them exploding onto the stage confirms the former things mentioned. Cypress Hill’s cultural relevance is deep and will be for some time to come. Plurality in society is something to be respected yet I must be honest, their fascination with weed is something that intrigues me. All that can be said is that we all must walk our own path and be the realest to our own self, something Cypress Hill might also endorse. All in all it was truly an amazing performance and experience to be immersed in Cypress Hill’s world of lyrical ciphers. After that encounter I can now truly say as one of my favourite songs goes – I’m “insane in the membrane”.
Rating: 9/10
(Co-writer & editor: Liza Moscatelli)
For the full photo gallery click here! Photography by Liza Moscatelli for Mosca Media Australia.
Live Review: The Black Seeds + Ngaiire – The Metro, Sydney (28.11.14)
Photo: Liza Moscatelli | Mosca Media Australia
New Zealand based reggae band, The Black Seeds, are known for their captivating live performances and infectious energy. With eight members playing a range of instruments, what more could you expect at one of their gigs? They took the stage at The Metro Theatre in Sydney to showcase their musical skills.
Supporting the Black Seeds was the beautiful Ngaiire, who hypnotized the audience with her eerie yet warm presence as she opened with her track ‘Fireflies’. Her harmonic melodies continued as she belted out tracks such as ‘Novacane’, ‘Rabbit Hole’ and ‘Uranus’. As the bright light illuminated from behind her gorgeous hair, Ngaiire was like a magical angel, and everyone was at her mercy. The crowd swayed to the blissful beats while they waited for The Black Seeds. Ngaiire is art. Almost like Australia’s own version of Erykah Badu!
As each member of The Black Seeds slowly came out, the venue gradually filled up. With drinks in one hand and Iphones in the other, the audience was ready to lose their selves in the music. Coming out with a bang, The Black Seeds energised the room with their amazing hit ‘Fire’, from their 2004 album On The Sun. What an opening.
Good vibes continued throughout the night as every member of The Black Seeds delivered amazing performances and displayed their own characters through the instruments. Even the energetic bang of the tambourine got the audience excited and screaming for more.
The Black Seeds didn’t disappoint. As they performed songs such as ‘Settle Down’, ‘Cool Me Down’ and ‘Coming Back Home’, each track created a feeling of nostalgia that made you wish you were road tripping in a kombi van with friends in the middle of summer.
As the bass vibrated through the room, The Black Seeds hypnotized the audience from the beginning to end. With a welcoming atmosphere, everyone showed The Black Seeds the love that they truly deserved.
Rating: 8.5/10
Edited by Liza Moscatelli
________
Click here to view the photo gallery from the night!
Live Review: Jimmy Eat World + My Echo – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (22.11.14)
Photo credits: austinraven
Most bands only get one encore; however, most bands don’t play one of their most successful albums in its entirety as well as a back catalogue of their fans’ favourite tracks over their seven other studio albums. The tenth anniversary of Jimmy Eat World’s Futures album saw the band deliver a rare set filled with all the songs from the album plus many others from their deserving twenty-year career.
Warming up the crowd for the American rockers were Melbourne band My Echo. Having opened for bands such as Bodyjar and Trial Kennedy, My Echo were no strangers to the stage – and their performance showed it. Whilst they originally appeared as any other pop-punk band to the audience, they threw themselves into every song and earned the respect of everyone by the end of their set.
Announcing their arrival with a running synth, Jimmy Eat World instantly replaced the crowd’s impatient conversations with screams of excitement. Beginning with a line from “Futures” – “Say hello to good times” – Jim Adkins instantly had the crowd in the palm of his hand.
Continuing the set with all songs from the album delivered as close to the record’s original sound as possible, the band recreated most of the audience’s teen years over the course of fifty minutes. Although each song is different in sound and lyrical content, it was clear to see that the album flows together. With minimal chat and from the high energy of “Pain” and “Nothing Wrong” to the softer sounds and lyrics of “Drugs or Me” and “Night Drive”, the quintet proved their versatility and cements themselves as an incredible live band.
Departing the stage with fans still screaming out their names, Jimmy Eat World gave the crowd enough time to process the rare, unforgettable set they just witnessed before returning with songs from their other albums. Fans demonstrated the same amount, if not more, of enthusiasm for songs such as the high-energy “My Best Theory”, “Authority Song”, and “A Praise Chorus”. Crowd sing-a-longs ensued for most songs with no signs of exhaustion.
When the band left yet again, fans made no reservations about screaming out for their final encore. Returning with encore-worthy songs such as “Get It Faster”, “Sweetness”, and of course “The Middle”, the crowd lapped up the perfectly executed tracks with arguably more enthusiasm for these songs that they were dying to hear.
Delivering songs from all aspects of their long career, Jimmy Eat World proved that their growth as a band reflects in their live performances. With a loyalty base second to none, the American rockers deserved the massive applause received all three times they walked on stage that night.
Score: 8.5/10