With the event designed to showcase up-and-coming musicians, artists like CLYPSO, Thando, Genesis Owusu, Kaiit and Kwame are some of this country’s best hip hop and R&B acts that hit the stage across this year’s event. The sound of CLYPSO is like no other; combining jungle-infused tropical electronica with afro-punk, and an unexplainable energy powered into every release. Having released two singles in 2018, Kwame teamed up with the Sydney artist on her track ‘Middle Ground’. Thando has also been busy this year, releasing her single ‘Happy’ and will support R&B soul singer, Allen Stone, at The Croxton in September. Genesis Owusu’s single ‘awomen amen’ is one to listen to if you’re a fan of jazz-inspired hip hop; with his music taking influence from the likes of Miles Davis and MF Doom. Kaiit’s EP Live From Her Room is making waves after being released in late August, with a sold out Melbourne show at the Corner this month.
The internet is losing their mind over electronica hip hop artist Yaeji is coming to Australian shores. The Korean-American musician – based in Brooklyn, New York – blends elements of house music with hip hop and vocals sung in both English and Korean. The 25-year-old rose to fame after her track ‘raingurl’ became the ultimate anthem for a Friday night party starter, a Saturday night kick-on, or just a good old-fashioned dance off any day of the week. But the producer and DJ’s music digs deeper than getting people on their feet; her music is incredibly self-aware and introspective as she explores topics of Korean identity, anxiety, therapy and the all-consuming makeup and skincare culture. Yaeji has recently partnered with a local Korean restaurant to serve curry at her Brooklyn shows, in an effort to personalise the gathering and music experience. The producer and DJ will play at The Night Cat on Wednesday December 5 before heading off to make it rain at Meredith Music Festival.
This week’s local spotlight dives down into the dark, brooding and electrifying music of Dawn Laird. A rapper, MC and producer from Newcastle, the artist is inspired by the likes of Wu Tang Clan, Mos Def, A Tribe Called Quest, Run The Jewels and Horrorshow, who Laird has recently supported on their The Grey Space ten-year anniversary tour in mid-2018. Most recently, Laird’s music has been paralleled to the likes of Kendrick Lamar for her powerful approach to lyricism and piano-heavy thump that gives tracks like ‘Sandworms’ a hard-hitting sound that feels ahead of its time. Horror-movie like strings create an unnerving energy in this release, which adds to its dark and grimy energy. Having spent this year supporting artists like Mojo Juju and Rapaport on their national Australian tours, fans of Dawn Laird are waiting patiently to see what this underground hip-hop prodigy will blow us away with next.
