Mr Carmack

Last year the Operatives discovered a Hawaii-based producer blurring the distinction between hip-hop and dance music in such a progressive way that has even the most experienced producers scratching their heads. Mr. Carmack, the title of Honolulu based Aaron Carmack, has been taking the instrumental hip-hop world by storm and with featured spots on Los Angeles-based record labels Soulection, Team Supreme and an official release on Mad Decent, he shows no signs of slowing down.

His eclectic mix of handclaps and melting beats, with the kind of swing to his percussion that can’t be taught, make a signature to even his most opposed tracks – future-embracing club tracks sit next to lush, delicate soulful tunes – with a shift so subtle it’s unsurprising he’s a multi-instrumentalist playing no short of the French horn, piano, drums, bass, guitar and ukulele.

Esteemed by fans and DJs alike, his debut Australian performance at Espionage saw him tear the roof off – and give up the funk – a support-slot alongside friends and supporters KAYTRANADA, RYAN HEMSWORTH and DJEMBA DJEMBA. Who, like the audience, couldn’t stop dancing – even after the lights went on. It’s clear Mr. Carmack’s global domination has only just begun.

Photo by Renee Stamatis