Mr Carmack (Soulection/USA)

As part of the Ten Years Strong Series The Operatives are extremely pleased to present the return tour of MR. CARMACK across Australia. Already carving out a reputation as one of the most creative and unique producers in the game right now, he’s been name checked by the likes of Pharell and DJ Shadow when he’s not busy putting out his prolfic releases through Mad Decent, Team Supreme and Soulection.

Just last year the Operatives discovered this 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.

Pic by Renee Stamatis