When it comes to the Australian hip-hop landscape, there are many big names most Americans probably have never heard of – 360, Hilltop Hoods, Bliss En Esso, or Illy. Some people have. Some knock it because they “don’t like rappers with an Australian accent” which i believe stems from being traumatized after trying too much Vegemite.
I’m not here to stomp on your beloved Outback Steakhouse bloomin onion, I am here to share real Australian music through this series on Teal Cheese called “Undiscovered Down Under”. Prepare to experience all the great music I discovered while traveling and performing there the past 8 years.
Whether it’s new music for an ARVO BARBIE, MACCAS (McDonalds) run, or blast while getting a SLAB of beers from the BOTTLE-O, my first featured artist is what we in Australia call “A Bloody Legend”. Combining roots, acoustic, hip-hop, and poetry, his voice shakes the ground with an energy and sound that moves any crowd. His music has been featured on Vanuatu airlines flights, currently with over 5.5 million streams of his music on Spotify, beatboxing skills so epic he was featured in a TED Talk, without further ado I would like to introduce the talented and humble legend I call a close friend – THE LYRICAL! (Warning: Explicit Lyrics)
When I first meet The Lyrical, it was a hot and sweaty summer in Miami 4 yrs ago. Both of us were competing in the Airlie Beach Festival battle of the bands held at Shark Bar (to clarify we are talking Miami on the Gold Coast of Australia, not Florida). Always crossing paths across QLF, after I purchased his self-titled album I was immediately hooked on “I Believe in Hip-Hop” and “If I Was Earth” helped inspire the lyrics for my own upcoming single “Rescue Me”. For the past 14=yrs, he has been constantly releasing new music, cover videos with his covers at home project, and every month is ALWAYS on the road performing across Australia in his van. Getting his start busking on the streets of Brisbane, he has shared the stage with many legends and I can without a doubt say his live show is one of the best I have ever seen (once saw him do an acoustic reggae hip-hop cover of “Little Talks” by Of Monsters and Men followed by the Lion Kings “I Just Can’t Wait to be King”).
Following the success of his single “F**ck It All” last year that got some serious play and love in Sweden, multiple singles, music videos, and another EP later, he is gearing up to release a new album ‘Remember the Roots’ on September 1st! His crazy work and tour schedule took it’s toll earlier this year, currently at the tail end of recovering from surgery after blowing his vocal cords during his first New Zealand tour. I was not only relieved to hear he is recovering well and already back playing live, but was beyond grateful to sit down with him for an exclusive interview with Teal Cheese to kick off our Undiscovered Down Under Series:
JD(TC): With your journey leading up to where you currently are, what was your biggest setback and also your biggest break-through moment?
The Lyrical: Great question! My biggest set back is easy – as the result was quite recent. My biggest set back was assuming I was invincible and never (in over 15 years of performing) doing vocal warm ups and warm downs or any kind of vocal coaching. It inevitably lead to having to get surgery on my vocal folds and missing more shows and taking more time off music than I ever have. Having to rebuild my voice, however, has been both terrifying and enlightening. I do warmups and exercises every day now and have and excellent vocal coach haha!
My biggest breakthrough moment wasn’t a moment at all – it was the 7 years of busking on the streets before doing a single show. That experience 100% set me up for the epic task of professional performing in a way nothing else ever has. Connecting with fans, dealing with all kinds of unmonitored situations (from best to worst), face to face networking, discovering what people stopped for, and put money in for, and came back for. Discovering what people ignored or even spoke out against. It got me out of my room and in front of strangers (whom many became fans) and gave me the confidence to take the next steps. These were some of the most important tools I could have ever hoped for and I am so blessed to have had that experience. Busking is a trulyagical part of the journey that I wish on every performer.
JD(TC): In regards to your upcoming album, which single are you most proud of or feel really stands (or will stand) out?
The Lyrical: It actually happens to be the one I just released last week, “Fight This War.” It was a song I have wanted to create and record for the longest time. The message is one I love. It’s mostly about community. About becoming strong in numbers and fighting for something you believe in knowing you don’t have to be alone to do it. We made the video with a team from the #StopAdani movement, as it was just one of many beautiful ways to show this point. The #StopAdani movement is such an important one for Australia right now and I am so proud to be able to help in some way with my music.
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Someone angrily reached out one day and said to me online, “This is just a publicity stunt to get the video seen!” – It was so weird, because I replied to him, “Well… Yeah. It is. That’s the whole point. That’s the biggest strength we have as entertainers and public figures. We help to make the issue seen!” – So yeah, that’s the single I’m proud of… And because I wanted a song with a chant at the end because of the Lion King influences haha!
JD(TC): I know you just performed in New Zealand. Have you played in the USA yet or have any plans to come play soon (especially Florida wink wink)?
The Lyrical: I have played there only for a private meeting about 7 years ago. I was flown to LA for 4 days to showcase in front of some people in a record label. (Interesting experience haha). But no, never a proper show. I would LOVE to!! And Florida is right at the top of the list!! I’ve heard such great things!!!
JD(TC): What remains your biggest inspiration to do what you do?
The Lyrical: Three main things:
My family. The inspire me to keep going and to be better. They have faith in what I’m doing, which is the most important thing for me in a job as risky as the music business. And coming back to a home that loves me and trust my vision is more than I could ever ask for.
My manager. (Weird one, I know, but seriously) He has been with me along for the ride for almost 10 years now. When I doubt what I’m doing or my worth as a performer, he had always been there to lift me up. He has been the one to tell me I’m better than I think I am, and that people DO want to hear me. He gave me the push to record both the first album and this big, new upcoming one. He’s done all the amazing business-y type stuff and helped me navigate this insane world. I could not, and would have done it without him.
My fans. I get messages so often that I STILL can’t believe. People telling me the my song “Fuck It All” helped them sell their house and move to a place they’ve always wanted to be (true story), or that it helped them get through some of the toughest parts of their lives to date because it inspired them to keep going. There’s been amazing stories shared with me that I just can’t believe I was even able to help with, yet alone be the reason for the change, or the inspiration for healing. These messages completely floor me every time, and if that what my music had the power to do, then who am I to stop? I feel like it’s bigger than just me know and that is a beautiful feeling.
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If you are an Australia artist or represent one that wants to be featured in our series, please send submissions to Johan@johandanno.com with subject “Undiscovered Down Under”