Illy coming to party at The Cambridge in March

by Helen Henry on February 24, 2011

Melbourne MC Illy is on The Chase, touring to promote his his latest album of the same name and will bring the fun times to The Cambridge on Saturday, 5 March. The Chase has received rave reviews since its release and was a Triple J feature album in Spring 2010.

ARIA award winning hip hop producer and friend of Illy M-Phazes will join him on tour.

I caught up with him ahead of his visit to Newcastle…

How did you become involved in hip hop?

Honestly, just by listening to the hip hop that my mate’s older brothers were into when we were probably 12-13. From there I did a bit of digging myself and after that it was a wrap!

Who are your musical influences and why?

I am influenced by artists from all genres. If they are doing something fresh and innovative it motivates me. People that sound like they are having fun making music, or are coming from a really heartfelt place - that’s what I love.

Is it true you recorded 14 tracks in 14 days. What effect do you think this approach to recording had on the final product?

We actually released the 14 tracks from the album in the 14 days prior to it’s release, one a day. Recording was done over a much longer time! It would definitely not be as good an album if it was done in 14 days!

How does it feel to place so highly in the Triple J Hottest 100, with It Can Wait coming in at #29?

It’s an amazing feeling. Being a listener to triple j since I was a kid, it means a lot to get in there at all, let alone number 29.

You were the victim of a Youtube leak just prior to releasing the album. How did that make you feel? Has it affected the way you think about illegal file sharing in the music industry?

I’m not too fussed to be honest. I like people getting into my music in general, if they are supporting the music by coming to shows or in other ways I’m to too bothered. Obviously I would prefer people pay because it takes a lot of time and money to make an album, but it’s not the be all and end all for me.

You’re studying a law degree. How do you balance that with your commitment to music? Do you think that you’ll put it to use after graduation?

Definitely will use it at some point but for the foreseeable future I want to do music becaue it’s honestly what I love doing. To quote Urthboy “there’s nothing that I’d rather do”

What is your plan for the rest of 2011?

Tour, record new tracks, and generally just enjoy where everything is at, and hopefully where everything is heading!

What advice would you give young Australians interested in pursuing a music career in hip hop?

To be productive while other people are are mucking around, work! And put yourself out there, gig wherever you can, make connections within your local scene, and build together. A lot of my peers from Melbourne that I came up with are now doing big things but we all started together - 360, Pez, Mantra, we all were doing the same tiny local gigs years back, so it’s good to see everyone coming up thorugh their hard work.

What can people expect from your live shows?

A damn good time. No lie!!

Who are you listening to right now?

Right now I’m in a studio, listening to my new tunes. Exciting times!

Do you have any plans for while you’re in Newcastle?

I’ll probably get smashed at the Cambo after the gig. It’s turning into a bit of a Newcastle tradition to do so!

Want to win a double pass to see Illy perform at The Cambridge? To enter, just follow us & tweet on Twitter or like us & post on our Facebook wall: “I want to party with Illy at The Cambridge” (tweeters don’t forget to add @urban_insider so that we can find your entry!). Winners will be announced on Wednesday, 2 March.