This project has been more than 18 months in the making, and this is the first taste of it I’m hitting y’all with. I’ma be dropping a song a month til I release the full mixtapes, so welcome…

I wrote this cut after a huge argument with a close friend, and it seems that some of the best music comes as a result of some sort of drama. When I first heard Angus & Julia Stone’s ‘Down The Way’ album, this tune came on while I was driving. I literally pulled over and couldn’t move for the whole 8 minutes; I had shivers. I knew I had to do something with it.

My project is called ‘The Indie Experiment’. Over the last couple of years, I picked up the guitar again (I’ve been playing on and off since I was 9) and discovered rock/indie/electro/alternative music, and it had a huge affect on me. I decided that I wanted to undertake my first ever solo project by adding my vocals to some of my favourite indie tunes, but instead of chopping the songs up like most rappers tend to do, I left the original song intact and placed my vocals around those of the artist, creating a whole new dichotomy for the song.

It’s going to be a three volume mixtape, with 8 songs on each joint, and I plan to release volume one on my 31st birthday, April 10th, with each volume dropping on May 10th and June 10th, respectively. I’m scared shitless to release such personal material, especially for my first solo joint, but fuck it. I really hope y’all dig it.

You can download or stream the song from my Bandcamp page.

Y’all can check me out on Facebook and Twitter too. Much love.

My dude J-Lah done dropped his debut project, Time Trap EP, and y’all need to hear this shit.

Peep the info from the press release:

A youthful barrage of neu-disco, progressive and electro-sprinkled synths, J-Lah’s Time Trap EP contains sounds for every EDM lover. The lead single, Time Trap, provides an alluring steady climb of introductory synthesizers and, after much foreplay, spontaneously combusts into a drop of rich, characterful melody with an enormous amounts of energy. Conversely, You Don’t Understand conveys more intimacy – a contemplative homage to influences of past, present and future. The Time Trap EP is JLah’s first official record release, and we are extremely proud to welcome him into the Burner family.

Check out the EP on Beatport and cop that, hit dude up on Twitter and vibe to more of his fresh electro sounds on his Soundcloud:

J-Lah on Beatport
J-Lah on Twitter
J-Lah on Soundcloud

The good homies You And Your Music, who we’ve performed with a number of times before we dipped from Oz, have worked for 9 months putting together a fantastic video for the remix version of their single ‘Keep On Spinning’, which details the daily struggles of the bicycle courier. It’s picked up some steam amongst the two-wheeler crowd, and in anticipation for the launch next month, the boys dropped a teaser for the video. Peep game.

Also, you can catch the boys live with The Fam’s own Bekah at the St Kilda Festival in a couple weeks!

Aaaaaaand we’re kicking 2012 off with a foot to the balls, son.

Notion plans to drop a track a month; and I’m gonna put my nuts on the line and say I’ma do it too.

So as promised, Nosh comes with the goods on his ‘So Cold (Freestyle)‘. Absolute banger, and you can download it free. Win.

Peep game, and download ‘So Cold (Freestyle)’ from Notion’s Bandcamp page!

Oz Hip Hop is poppin’ hard right now (pause). Three dope MCs came together, put their solo stuff on hold for a second, formed a group and knocked out a fresh album that’s making some serious noise. The fellas took the time to chat with me about the album and other assorted rap singer related nonsense. Peep game.

Cee: What up, fellas? Peace for chatting with us. What’s good?
IGC: Thank you brother! It’s always a pleasure to chat with The Movement Fam.

Cee: Alright, so let’s back this up (pause) and let us know how In Good Company came to be.

Whisper: Well, in 2010 we came together to make a mixtape. A-Diction (Boltz and Breach) as well as Syntax and myself (Whisper) were all working on solo albums and thought it would be cool to hook up and make a promotional mixtape. It made sense that we could all help each other out with putting something together before our albums dropped. But I think we were all surprised by how quickly it came together and how much we liked what we did. It was packaged and treated like a mixtape, but it was really an album of completely original music. People ended up really feelin it, so this year we regrouped and said, “let’s do a proper album!” We started really working on it in April and by October 7th, it was released.

Cee: So being this is a group effort and all y’all are solo artists (well, aside from Boltz and Breach for the most part), how was the dynamic in the lab compared to your own stuff?

Breach: Well Boltz is now a baby daddy, so he took a back seat on this album. He thankfully was able to bless one of the tracks, but IGC is now officially comprised of me, Syntax and Whisper. The main difference with IGC compared to passed projects for all of us is really time and energy. We’re all really into what we’re doing together so things come together quite quickly. We all have our own skill sets we bring to the table, so we save time and are energised by each others enthusiasm.

Cee: Was the general process of putting this project together any different, or even difficult, as there were more ideas and egos (to an extent) to consider?

Whisper: Haha! Well, there are three of us that are in the group and we’re all pretty diplomatic. When ever someone felt differently about something or had an idea, it was up to the others to accept or reject that idea. As far as process goes, I’m the main producer on the album, so we get in my lab and vibe out. I oversaw the musical side of things with the beats, while Breach and Syntax brought a lot of the lyrical concepts to the table. It was sometimes challenging because the bulk of the work was handled by me during the production faze. But once the album was done, the other boys were able to step in and take on the promotional side of things. We each have our roles. I’m the beats guy. Syntax is the graphic designer and Breach is the driver, haha!

Cee: How did y’all get Obese to distribute the project?

Whisper: I’ve known Pegz for a minute now and have a really good relationship with him. He’s always been really supportive of what I do. Also, last year Obese released A-Diction’s album, so when we came to him with this project he was down from day one. Legend!

Cee: How has the response been thus far? Did you have any goals?

Syntax: Pretty much everyone who hears the album really loves it. Which is awesome for us! The trick is getting as many people hearing the music as possible in this over saturated market. People are constantly bombarded with new music and advertising, so it’s a challenge getting their attention sometimes. I think our main goal for the next little while is to do as many shows as we can and expose as many people to our music as possible. We really feel like we have something special. So it’s about proving to people that we’re worth their time and attention.

Cee: I’m assuming y’all have been on your grizzy promoting the album, doing shows and all that jazz. How’s that been so far?

Breach: So far it’s been great! We did a gig with Urthboy and Pegz at the Espy a while ago. That was probably the best gig I’ve ever done. We got up on stage and played to a packed room where no one knew who we were at the start. But by our third track, the whole place was going off for us! It was sick! We’ve also done a few shows supporting Mantra for his tour. Also we’re having a joint album launch with our fellow label mate Eloquor at Revolver on December 17th. We both recently released projects on the label Myspherical Entertainment, so it’s a family thing. That’s gonna go off! There’s a couple of other things on the way too. We’re just gonna try and keep it movin.

Cee: Gimme all y’alls snapshot on how you feel Australian Hip Hop is faring at the moment?

Whisper: There’s so many really talented people making and releasing really good music now! The scene has really grown and matured a lot and that’s really inspiring! However, I’m not too sure how many people are actually buying music. So getting to the point where music is financially self sustaining is a bit tricky. But hey, I make music because I love it, so that doesn’t really get me down anymore. As a culture, we’re thriving! So it’s great to be a part of that and contribute to the scene.

Cee: Will there be another In Good Company album in the works?

Syntax: We’ll, actually there’s a new little somethin’ on the way. Just a little free release that should be dropping early next year. After that, if all goes according to plan, there’ll be many IGC albums in the future. We really wanna keep this thing going because we all get along so well and we love the music that we make together. Hopefully people will keep wanting to hear it. If they do, we’ll be here.

Cee: What’s up next from all you guys, whether individually or in a group situation?

Whisper: Well, other than the next IGC release we’ve got some other stuff on the way. Syntax is alway busy writing and releasing music. You can expect new Syntax and Death Stars albums very soon. Breach is always writing raps, so you can expect him to be droppin heaters around the joint. As for me, I’m in a group with my girlfriend Ginger Van Es who featured on the In Good Company album. Together we’re called Macula and we make more electro soul type music. We’re working on some stuff at the moment and I’m really looking forward to getting that out into the world soon as well. We like to stay busy. Ya feel me? Haha.

Cee: How can folks cop the album?

IGC: Well, if you live in Australia, you can get it at most JB Hi-Fi stores around the country. Most good independent music stores will have it too. Otherwise, you can get it from iTunes. Just go to,

http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/in-good-company/id463400450

Cee: Hit us with the multitude of social media links where the people can find y’all.

IGC: If anyone wants to find us, they can check us out at,
www.facebook.com/ingoodcompanymusic

http://igcmusic.wordpress.com/

http://soundcloud.com/in-good-company

http://ingoodcompany.bandcamp.com/

http://www.myspherical.com.au/index.php

Cee: Thanks for your time, blokes!
IGC: Any time homie. Peace!

It’s not that uncommon these days to see musicians branching into the business world to acquire more income streams. However one bloke out of our hometown of Melbourne is doing a lot more than just starting a business. Chris Ferre is into so many things right now, I have no idea how he does it. We caught up with him to chat about his new bizzo, his new band and his new sport.

Cee: G’day bloke. Cheers for taking the time to chat.

Chris: Anytime!

Cee: OK, so the regular readers of TMF.com might know you as the dude who smashes the shit out of drum kits at our shows for the last couple of years. What’s been happening lately?

Chris: Uni, teaching, drums, drums and more drums, started rock climbing (mental sport!!!), and just started working for myself!

Cee: Word got around that you started your own business, eh…fill me in (pause).

Chris: Yeah! It’s called AUSTRALIAN DRUM SUPPLY. We’re a retailer of TRX Cymbals, Corsair Drum products (sticks mainly), and Pulse drum bags.

Cee: What made you decide to start a business on top of your musical aspirations?

Chris: To be totally honest, the idea just fell into my lap out of co-incidence. I was lucky enough to receive an endorsement from TRX and Corsair for my playing, and due to me having a large client-base as a teacher they wanted to make sure that all of my students were all playing TRX and Corsair.

Cee: How did the endorsement come about, and how does it help your business?

Chris: Basically in a very short story, the importer/director of TRX Cymbals Australia wanted me to on-sell to my students and anyone else. Then I came up with idea of running my own online store, and that was that! It’s awesome to have a great company like TRX backing your business, and it’s awesome that even though the cymbals are of a Turkish design, they really market themselves to everyone, and in a way that is accessible in price and sound, not just to people that can afford expensive gear.

Cee: On top of your playing and the biz, you teach drums as well?

Yeah dude, I teach at a school in Bentleigh east (south east Victoria), and also teach privately out of my studio at home, so that keeps me on my toes and massively busy, with 40+ students ranging in age from 6 to 66.

Cee: And you study music? Jesus son, slow down! How much longer have you got in your course? What’s the plans once you graduate?

Chris: Yeah full time study as well as doing everything else! I graduate one degree this year, start another next year (2 years) and then am doing my masters in music/education after that (probably via correspondence as I need to get back out there and make some money)! All of the teachers/lecturers at Box Hill Institute have massive understanding to what I’m doing, which is awesome. It’s great that you can always ask them or advice when it comes to business/music/education, and they’re always there to help out!

Cee: Currently the business is a webstore, but do you have plans on opening a physical shop at all?

Chris: The business is only fairly young, so there are no plans at this stage – but who knows what’ll happen in the future. We seem to be nailing it on the head at the moment doing what we’re doing so we’re going to run with it how it is at the moment.

Cee: Do you ship locally or internationally as well?

Chris: We mainly ship locally/interstate, but can easily organise to ship O/S. Actually our first few customers were from Sydney and the Gold Coast. Who knows how they got word of what was going on!

Cee: So since you’re studying, working, running a business, teaching and playing, what’s the order of priority?

Chris: I guess the order is studying/playing (the two go hand in hand), running a business, and then teaching. That’s not to say that I take any of these things lightly, especially the teaching, but at the end of the day, good studying methods will make you more organised and therefore better in business, and the end goal is to become a teacher of music, not just drums. In this country you need qualifications to do pretty much anything in education. I barely get anytime to sit down and relax, but when I do have some downtime, you’ll find me down at the all of the indoor rock climbing joints around Melbourne.
So that’s where it’s at!

Cee: At the end of the day, what do you really want to be doing?

Chris: Look, to be honest, I never want to work ever! But that’s near impossible unless I win the lottery, so teaching is the end goal. Australian Drum Supply almost floats itself, so that’s awesome too. The top of the spectrum would be to be in an awesome touring band, flying around the world, and getting paid for it (I wish!)! So everyone should also check out my band, BRONSON

Cee: Hit the people with all your links so they can check you out!

Chris:
www.australiandrumsupply.com

http://www.facebook.com/australiandrumsupply

https://australiandrumsupply.bigcartel.com

and you may as well check these bad boys out!

http://www.facebook.com/bronsonmusic

Cee: Thanks for your time bro!

Chris: Cheers!

The big homie Purpose has finally dropped the third volume of his ‘If The City Had A Voice’ series, right before his album hits y’all. Peep the press release and links below…

After experiencing large underground success with If the City Had A Voice Pt. 2, touring the country twice and spending countless hours in the studio, Purpose rounds out the year by presenting the 3rd installment of his mixtape series. If the City Had A Voice pt. 3 will be released as a free download this Wednesday, November 30th.

It features 14 tracks from the Adelaide MC/producer and is mixed by DJ Hacksaw once again, showcasing the growing on track chemistry they have developed in such a short space of time. It also features Prime & Motive of Pagen Elypsis and production from Purpose himself, Rob Shaker, Answer & Debate.

‘It’s a little something to show you where I’m at in my head after having a good year and looking to even bigger things in 2012…’ – Purpose

This release marks Purpose’s 7th project in build up to his highly anticipated album Where It Starts due for release mid 2012 and is sure to tide fans over for the Summer.

Download ‘If The City Had A Voice Part 3′

Official Website: ifthecityhadavoice.com

Twitter: twitter.com/purposepe

Facebook: www.facebook.com/purposepe

Youtube: youtube.com/purposeadl

Much love to the homie Nastee on the anti-Thanksgiving tip. I think we posted this last year, but y’all need to know. Peep game.

So we were all like, ‘fuck it. Let’s make November big.’ And we did.

We got two new joints for y’all from both Notion and Cee…

First up, Nosh rips this fuckin’ gem of a double time cut, ‘Wassup (Okay) Freestyle‘. This is the first time Nosh has knocked out some serious double time since like 2004/2005, so I for one was excited as hell to hear this. Peep game, and download it for free:

Notion – Wassup (Okay) Freestyle

And finally, I got my ass into gear (pause) and got around to getting my solo career started. Now keep in mind, I haven’t purposely released a solo track (aside from my contribution to the homie FlamesYall’s ‘InternationYall’ album last month) since like 2002 or something. So this is a big ass deal for me.

While my girl was in Jamaica, I rocked a cut over Game x Chris Brown’s “Pot Of Gold” joint. Breezy’s hook is amazing, and I felt like I had to speak my mind about why things have changed lately, and where my passion for music lies.

Please ‘Like’ the Cee Facebook page to get it up with The Movement Fam, Notion and Cee & Bekah pages, and download the track for free from my Bandcamp!

Cee – Pot Of Gold

What up peeps? Got a message from my homie Purpose about his new mixtape and album…

Download ‘Don’t I Know It‘ for free!

My album is finished and ready to roll but in the meantime I will drop ‘If The City Had A Voice pt. 3′ late November!

It will be a free release as pt. 2 was.

Features: Prime, Motive & Production by myself, Answer, Rob Shaker (WA), Cam Bluff (QLD).

Thanks, homie! Cop that joint, folks…