THE NEWS
Started as a means for friends to cross promote each other, IFS has now grown into a label, record distributor and an artist management hub that is run entirely by the artists, for the artists.
When the clock strikes 12am on Christmas Eve, each I Forget, Sorry! artists will release a free 5 track mixtape available exclusively through the label website at www.iforgetsorry.com. The generous offering from the IFS crew includes;
1. Coptic Soldier – Their Sound, Our Wings
2. Johnny Utah – Be Us
3. Mind Over Matter – Image Isn’t Everything
4. Phatchance – Approaching Infinity
5. Smiles Again – Fuck I’m Lonely
When most labels would decide to spread their releases out over a larger period of time the question must be raised is there method in I Forget, Sorry!’s madness? Time will fucking tell.
A limited hard copy press of the mixtapes spread across a double disc is available for order through the http://www.iforgetsorry.com store now!
“The voices are strong…… as are the lyrics. If drink gives you courage to act, it’s not courage.” Richard Kingsmill, Triple J
Each year Triple J Unearthed in conjunction with NIDA select five of the most promising new artists from across the country to have a professional video clip directed for one of their tracks. This year Coptic Soldier’s song Liquid Company – was one of those tracks chosen.
Liquid Company boasts probably one of the best instrumental builds ever featured in an Australian hip-hop song, soaring saxophone bursts sweep over an ever building round of vocal harmonies provided by Jon Reichardt, thick keys and creative three part harmonies sift through breaks in the action.
Since releasing his debut solo EP “The Sound of Wings 2″ in February this year, Coptic Soldier has been deemed “one of the most promising acts in Australian hip-hop” by the AU Review and has been added to rotation on independent and community radio stations around the country. This resulted not only in Coptic Soldier reaching #4 on the AMPRAP charts across all genres beating out highly aclaimed pop acts such as Sparkadia and Cloud Control but also holding down #1 position in the Hip Hop charts ahead grenre giants The Herd and Urthboy.
OUT SEPT 30
After two mixtapes and two critically acclaimed albums with Mind Over Matter the debut solo offering from Smiles Again has landed in the form of his new EP ‘How About You Stop Being So Serious & Say Something Funny’. One half of Sydney based hip hop duo Mind Over Matter, Smiles, 23, has played shows alongside Willow for the past 5 years. Together the boys have sold out shows nationally and toured extensively as both a headline and major support for artists such as Bliss n Eso, Method Man & Redman, Drapht just to name a few. Solo, Smiles expresses a very different side of himself lyrically.
The 9 track effort will shock most first time listeners as it’s like nothing ever done before within its genre. The EP is littered with sharp, comedic, satirical lyrics where in each song Smiles seems to take on a persona completely different to his own, taking that persona to the extreme in every instance.
“Morally I’m pretty much the opposite of every concept within this EP, hopefully listeners don’t actually think I’m an arrogant psycho nutcase asshole who snapped it after getting bullied at school”.
With production from DJ Ilz, Drakezilla, Konfuzion, Jon Reichardt plus more and feature verses from Drakezilla on “Asshole” and one of Smiles’s all time favourite rappers Rise (US) on “A Real Rap Song”, this is one tidy product.
Smiles says “The project came about for two reasons; the 1st to maintain momentum in the downtime between Mind Over Matter’s next release and the 2nd, to express a side of me lyrically that doesn’t exactly suit the direction of music made by Mind Over Matter”.
After digging through over 5000 beats for Mind Over Matter’s 2nd album Just Like Fireworks Smiles Again had more than enough beats to construct the EP. The EP will be available from the 30th September on iTunes andwww.mindovermattercrew.com.
Smiles plans to release a follow up 2nd EP shortly after titled ‘How Bout You Stop Being So Funny & Say Something Serious’.
www.whossmilesagain.com
wwww.iforgetsorry.com
Solo indie hip-hop artists Phatchance and Coptic Soldier have forged a large cult following through their tireless touring schedule and high energy stage show. After a year packed with a massive touring schedule, including two national headline tours and supports for heavyweight acts like Method Man & Redman, DJ Premier and The Beatnuts, the artists flipped the table completely in February 2011 with the release of a unique dual-disc acoustic hip hop EP and subsequent capacity acoustic residency at Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory. As a result of the success of the residency and overwhelming response to the releases the artists are once again hitting the road for an extended east coast tour, and this time they’re leaving the DJ at home.
Crowned a Triple J Unearthed, MYSPACE.COM and SBA Music Featured Artist, as well as packing out venues nationally on his ‘Inkstains’ and ‘I Forget, Sorry!’ 2010 Tours, Phatchance has quickly become Sydney’s biggest unsigned hip-hop artist. With his lead acoustic single ‘Build It Up’ currently receiving regular rotation on Triple J and Inkstains (Acoustic) garnering rave reviews in street press and throughout the blogosphere, it’s clear to listeners exactly why he’s earned labels such as “a masterful story teller” (The Australian) and “wisdom beyond his years” (Onion Mag).
Since releasing his debut solo EP ‘The Sound Of Wings 2’ in February this year, Coptic Soldier has been deemed “one of the most promising acts in Australian hip-hop” (The AU Review) and has quickly turned heads both on the ground and in the upper echelons of the Australian music industry. After being branded a Music NSW featured artist and AMRAP AirIT featured artist and beating out highly acclaimed pop acts such as Sparkadia and Cloud Control as well as genre giants The Herd and Urthboy in the AMRAP AirIT charts, Coptic’s acoustic single “I Hate Sleep” is proving itself a massive hit in the independent radio circuit.
Both artists will be joined by their full live band in a series of intimate, one off acoustic performances, showcasing their musicianship, endearing stage presence and acclaimed writing styles. With tour support by close collaborator and multi-instrumentalist Jon Reichardt, as well as a series of special guests in each state, these shows will probably be the only opportunities to catch this unique acoustic material live before the artists go into lock down to work on their respective albums.
Dates:
Sat 4th June – Byron Bay Brewery – Byron Bay
Sun 5th June – X & Y Bar – Brisbane
25th June – Empress Hotel – Melbourne
Sat 2nd July – Oxford Art Factory – Sydney
LABEL: I Forget, Sorry!/Other Tongues
RELEASE DATE: 18th of March
PRE-SALES: http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/music/urban-grooves/just-like-fireworks-signed-copy-sticker-poster/642951
Mind Over Matter are set to explode with their fittingly titled sophomore album ‘Just Like Fireworks’.
Entering as a wildcard in their local Battle of the Bands comp in 2003, Mind Over Matter blitzed the predominately all rock competition taking out 1st prize. From there, Mind Over Matter quickly built up live momentum performing at skate parks and youth events all around Sydney.
Releasing their first mixtape ‘For Our Hip Hoppers’ in 2006, they earned themselves an Ozhiphop.com nomination for ‘Mixtape Of The Year’, and because of their highly charismatic and energetic live presence, they were given the opportunity to perform alongside Australian heavy weights; Bliss n Eso, Muph & Plutonic, Pegz, Drapht, Downsyde, Pez, 360, DJ Flagrant and Def Wish Cast, as well as international acts; Method Man, Redman, Masta Ace and Mystro. Mind Over Matter have also performed at multiple festivals, both locally and interstate, and hit stages internationally performing in Phuket, Thailand and Osaka, Japan.
Dropping their Triple J Mag nominated ‘Album Of The Year’ ‘Keepin’ It Breezy’ in 2008, the album’s first single ‘Proud’ went on to receive national airplay on Triple J, while their single ‘Clipped Wings’ featured as FBi Radio’s ‘Single of the Week’.
After their album debut, 2009 saw Mind Over Matter jump into the host’s seat as they put together and featured on the ‘Who’s Got Next’ mixtape. Jam-packed with talent and mixed by DJ Flagrant, the release also features; Illy, Phatchance, Pez, 360 and The Thundamentals, to name just a few. That same year also saw the release of their second mixtape, the aptly titled ‘Free The Wolves’. The release represented a departure from the happy-go-lucky sound of ‘Keepin’ It Breezy’, and earned them another Ozhiphop.com nomination for ‘Mixtape Of The Year’. Whilst the lead single ‘It’s not a Secret’ took out the Triple J/NIDA music video competition and also saw them highlighted as a ‘Featured Artist’ on Triple J Unearthed.
In 2010 Mind Over Matter were invited to collaborate on Bliss N Eso’s #1 ARIA Charting, Platinum Certified album ‘Running on Air’, which featured them on verses in ‘Where The Wild Things Are’. Subsequently, Mind Over Matter received the privilege of being the national support on their sold out, ‘Down By The River’ tour.
March 18th, 2011 now marks the release of Mind Over Matter’s sophomore album ‘Just Like Fireworks’. Kicking things off in late 2010 with the debut single release ‘Rappers In Wonderland’, which was added to playlist on Triple J and community radio tastemakers, FBi. The new seventeen track long player is host to a melody of original and sample based beats which features a list of talented guest vocalist including; Pigeon John (US), Vida-Sunshyne, Saving Grace, Drakezilla, Jon Reichardt, Ernst Carter Junior (aka Sam Mcniell) and Lillian Blue. Mind Over Matter also incorporated; Matik (Pez/Seth Sentry), Poker Beats (Hilltop Hoods), Konfuzion, Allrounda (Germany) (DE) DJ Ilz, Jon Reichardt (producer/multi-instrumentalist/vocalist) and Saving Grace in the production of their new album.
Littered with punching percussion, driving guitar rhythms, and backed up with an infectious, chant style chorus, ‘This Wonderful Life’ is a shanty inspired crowd anthem and marks the second single from the album. At 142 Bpm and a 12:8 time signature, this is the fastest Mind Over Matter has recorded themselves rapping to date.
‘This Wonderful Life’ is direct reflection of how much fun the duo had while recording Just Like Fireworks. Throughout the album Willow and Smiles regularly exchange clever banter and witty wordplay, especially on upbeat numbers like ‘Rappers In Wonderland’ and ‘Just Like Fireworks’. Other standouts include ‘Hollow Eyes ft. Jon Reichardt’ (taking a more serious approach by addressing the issue of the drug and sex slave industry in Kings Cross and Thailand), and of course live favourites ‘Famous ft. Ernst Carter Jnr.’ and ‘Off The Chain’. Other collaborative efforts on the album include the reggae styled tune ‘Harder ft. Vida-Sunshyne’ and ‘I Been Told ft. Pigeon John’, (M.O.M. have looked up to and been influenced by Pigeon John’s work for over a decade, so they felt both excited and privileged to be working with him on their record). The album also offers a deeper dimension with songs like ‘Sunshine In You’ (explaining the hardships of two close friends in extended verses), and ‘Broken Me’ which sped up sample based chorus accompanied with an eight piece male and female choir is deep enough to pull on the heart strings of even the hardest individual.
With a reputation forged around a tireless touring schedule and passionate fan base, Mind Over Matter are guaranteed not to disappoint on their ‘Just Like Fireworks’ national album tour in April, check out www.mindovermattercrew.com for all the info.
Track List:
1) Capture The Spark
2) Rappers In Wonderland
3) Just Like Fireworks
4) Harder Feat. Vida Sunshine
5) I Been Told Feat. Pigeon John
6) I Can’t Wait Feat. Lillian Blue
7) Be A Pirate
8 ) So I Showed ‘em
9) Off The Chain
10) Ernst & His Two Cents (Skit)
11) Famous Feat. Ernst Carter Jnr.
12) This Wonderful Life Feat. Jon Reichardt
13) Black Cats Feat. Drakezilla & Saving Grace
14) Just A Ride (Interlude)
15) Broken Me
16) Sunshine In You
17) Hollow Eyes Feat. Jon Reichardt
RELATED LINKS
http://www.mindovermattercrew.com
http://www.mindovermattertv.com
Related show
February saw solo artists Phatchance and Coptic Soldier reach capacity three weeks running at Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory as they launched their acoustic Hip-Hop EPs. The residency followed the release of both their lead singles that are currently receiving regular spot play on Triple J. In recognition of the release, Coptic Soldier was featured as a Triple J Unearthed spotlight artist and also in Triple J’s weekly podcast.
The duo’s lead singles both feature Brisbane folk act Charlie Mayfair who flew down every week to support the residency.
“It warms the cockles of my heart”
Zan Rowe (Triple J, Mornings) RE; Build It Up – Phatchance
“The styles of Coptic Soldier and Phatchance are really suited the folky music of Charlie Mayfair…… Folk and Hip-Hop, together at last”
Dom Alessio (Triple J, Unearthed Podcast) RE: I Hate Sleep – Coptic Soldier
You can hear/download the singles below;
Phatchance – Build It Up feat. Charlie Mayfair
www.triplejunearthed.com/phatchance
Coptic Solider – I Hate Sleep feat. Charlie Mayfair
www.triplejunearthed.com/copticsoldier
FACEBOOK EVENT: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=119772861427587
After a year packed with a massive touring schedule, including two national headline tours and supports for heavyweight acts like Method Man & Redman, DJ Premier and The Beatnuts; solo independent hip-hop artists Phatchance & Coptic Soldier are ringing in 2011 with the release of a unique, dual-disc acoustic hip-hop offering comprising two separate EP’s – ‘Inkstains (Acoustic)’ and ‘The Sound of Wings 2 (Acoustic)’.
Crowned a Triple J Unearthed, MYSPACE.COM and SBA Music Featured Artist, as well as packing out venues nationally on his ‘Inkstains’ tour, Phatchance has quickly become Sydney’s biggest unsigned hip-hop artist. ‘Inkstains (Acoustic)’ includes acoustic renditions of popular songs from his debut album ‘Inkstains’ (‘Mountain Of Glass’, ‘Build It Up’) as well as an entirely new track ‘Infinity’. The EP takes cues from the indie-folk revival and features instrumentation and harmony work reminiscent of Laura Marling, Boy & Bear and Mumford & Sons. The instrumentation is organic and lush; banjo ostinato’s revolve around mandolin and acoustic guitar textures and pay homage to hip-hop roots through thick double bass grooves and clever, introspective song writing.
Coptic Soldier has gone from strength to strength over the past year, his debut EP ‘The Sound of Wings’ (a cross-genre collaborative effort with Sydney soul singer Miriam Waks) proved a huge hit on independent radio stations across the country, spending months in AMRAP’s Top 5 “Most Ordered To Air” charts. As well as joining Phatchance on two national headline tours and supporting many of the “whose who” of Australian Hip-Hop (Bliss N Eso, Drapht, The Herd, Pez, etc), Coptic has earned a reputation for bridging the genre gap through his close collaborations with multi-instrumentalist and producer Jon Reichardt. ‘The Sound of Wings 2 (Acoustic)’ is a beautifully textured release offering glimmers of roots and folk influences. Enormously varied instrumentation including everything from saxophone to hammond organ weaves a backdrop for Coptic’s pointed social commentaries (‘Liquid Company‘) and honest and self revealing lyricism (‘I Hate Sleep’, ‘Fight For The Fame’).
The releases will be launched through a FREE, three week acoustic residency at Sydney’s popular Oxford Art Factory on the 11th, 18th and 25th of February, before being taken across the country in a limited run of dates at intimate venues. Phatchance & Coptic Soldier will be joined in their residency by Brisbane folk pop sweet hearts Charlie Mayfair (who also lend their talents to the EP’s) and Sydney local Atlas B Salvensen.
LISTEN TO PHATCHANCE’S “BUILD IT UP FEAT. CHARLIE MAYFAIR” NOW ON;
www.facebook.com/officialphatchance
AND
LISTEN TO COPTIC SOLDIERS “I HATE SLEEP FEAT. CHARLIE MAYFAIR” NOW ON;
Related show
After a year packed with a massive touring schedule, including two national headline tours and supports for heavyweight acts like Method Man & Redman, DJ Premier and The Beatnuts; indie Australian hip-hop artist Phatchance is ringing in 2011 with the release of a unique, acoustic hip-hop offering titled ‘Inkstains (Acoustic)’.
Crowned a Triple J Unearthed, MYSPACE.COM and SBA Music Featured Artist, as well as packing out venues nationally on his ‘Inkstains’ and ‘I Forget, Sorry! 2010’ tours’, Phatchance has quickly become Sydney’s biggest unsigned hip-hop artist. ‘Inkstains (Acoustic)’ includes acoustic renditions of popular songs from his debut album ‘Inkstains’ (‘Build It Up’, ‘Mountain Of Glass’,) as well as an entirely new track ‘Infinity’. The EP takes cues from the indie-folk revival and features instrumentation and harmony work reminiscent of Laura Marling, Boy & Bear and Mumford & Sons. The instrumentation is organic and lush; banjo ostinato’s revolve around mandolin and acoustic guitar textures and pay homage to hip-hop roots through thick double bass grooves and clever, introspective song writing. The disc breaks’ entirely new ground for Australian hip-hop music and introduces a score of new sounds for the genre – a typical ‘unplugged’ release this is not.
The lead single ‘Build It Up’ features an interstate, Unearthed networked collaboration with independent Brisbane folk pop sweet hearts Charlie Mayfair, who lend their emotive three part harmonies to a song which captures the essence of young love and the inevitably contradictory emotions which come with it. At times Imogen Heap and at others Lupe Fiasco an infectious chorus, clever harmonies and tight performances merge in a single sure to turn heads on the national stage. Other stand outs include a previously unreleased offering ‘Infinity’ taken from Chance’s sophomore album scheduled for release later this year – the track is movingly arranged and proves why Chance has earned labels such as ‘a masterful storyteller’ (The Australian) and ‘wisdom beyond his years’’ (Onion Mag).
The release will be launched with a full live band through a FREE, three week, acoustic residency at Sydney’s popular Oxford Art Factory on the 11th, 18th and 25th of February, before being taken across the country in a limited run of dates at intimate venues. Phatchance will be joined by stage partner Coptic Soldier, Charlie Mayfair and Sydney local Atlas B Salvensen.
Related show
After a year packed with a massive touring schedule, including two national headline tours and supports for heavyweight acts like Method Man & Redman, DJ Premier and The Beatnuts; Egyptian born, Sydney independent hip-hop artist Coptic Soldier is ringing in 2011 with the release of a unique, acoustic hip-hop offering titled ‘The Sound of Wings 2 (Acoustic)’.
Coptic Soldier has gone from strength to strength over the past year, his debut EP ‘The Sound of Wings’ (a cross-genre collaborative effort with Sydney soul singer Miriam Waks) proved a huge hit on independent radio stations across the country, spending months in AMRAP’s Top 5 “Most Ordered To Air” charts. As well as joining Phatchance on two national headline tours and supporting many of the “whose who” of Australian Hip-Hop (Bliss N Eso, Drapht, The Herd, Pez, etc), Coptic has earned a reputation for bridging the genre gap through his close collaborations with multi-instrumentalist and producer Jon Reichardt. ‘The Sound of Wings 2 (Acoustic)’ is a beautifully textured release offering glimmers of roots and folk influences. Enormously varied instrumentation including everything from saxophone to hammond organ weaves a backdrop for Coptic’s pointed social commentaries (‘Liquid Company‘) and honest and self revealing lyricism (‘I Hate Sleep’, ‘Fight For The Fame’).
The first single from the release ‘I Hate Sleep’ features Brisbane indie-folk sweet hearts Charlie Mayfair, fresh from winning a spot on Brisbane’s massive Sunset Sounds festival the group lend their evocative harmonies and crooning vocals to the summery, dub style beat. A deep grooving bassline and syncopated guitar rhythm set the foundations for an endearingly clever and self critical offering, culminating in a multi-layered and pounding vocal medley. Stand out track ‘Liquid Company’ boasts probably one of the best instrumental builds ever featured in an Australian hip-hop song, soaring saxophone bursts sweep over an ever building round of vocal harmonies provided by Jon Reichardt and thick keys and creative three part harmonies sift through breaks in the action.
The release will be launched through a FREE, three week acoustic residency at Sydney’s popular Oxford Art Factory on the 11th, 18th and 25th of February, before being taken across the country in a limited run of dates at intimate venues. Coptic Soldier will be joined in the residency by stage partner Phatchance, Charlie Mayfair and Sydney local Atlas B Salvensen.
