Get to Know: The Artists of Laneway Safari |

Get to Know: The Artists of Laneway Safari

Posted by: Rebecca on November 11, 2013

Mulled wine in a cosy corner listening to drum ‘n bass. A refreshing cocktail perched on a balcony. A hot dog in a New York-style loft. Pop-up Pho and Babes on Grill. DJs spinning everything from jazz to dancehall to hip-hop. Between them, Section 8 and Ferdydurke – the latter casually named after a 1930’s surrealist novel from Poland and the former a clandestine container bar – have everything that is embraced by Melbourne. Supporting emerging artists and affordable food and drinks, the two bars on Tattersalls Lane promote the distinctive colourful culture of Melbourne’s music scene. And a joint party by them was always going to be of epic proportions. Part of Melbourne Music Week 2013 the neighbours have decided to throw a block party, or a laneway safari.

With such a diverse and different line-up we thought we’d give you a run down on the Serengeti of artists.

ELECTRIC WIRE HUSTLE / NZ

Developing their own sound and twist on modern hip-hop, psychedelic and soul, the music of ELECTRIC WIRE HUSTLE reaches forward while referencing key points of music’s past. Thick drums and percussion layered with synth lines, hints of the Fender Rhodes and nylon stringed guitars have your neck snapping while your ears crane to its soulful vocals.

While the EWH moniker is a relatively fresh name – formed in 2006 – on the scene, this production trio is no stranger to the music game. Members Myele Manzanza, Taay Ninh, Mara TK, are all familiar faces in the music scene in Wellington.

I’LLS / Yes Please!

Melbourne band I’LLS didn’t expect the one track they’d put up on Soundcloud to be heard by many people – let alone get them a booking at one of Australia’s biggest festivals. Simon, Hamish and Dan, who originally created the band as an escape from uni homework, had already picked up a cult following before releasing their first EP ‘Thread’ with their particular intricate jazz inspired sounds and heady vocals. Now, after the second release, ‘A Warm Reception‘ EP they’re arguably one of Melbourne’s most sought after bands.

FISHING / Yes Please!

The upbeat and unusual music of Sydney duo FISHING would be impossible to listen to whilst, actually, fishing. The skittering beats and joyful melodies demand at least a toe-tapping that would scare any potential catch away. Since Russell and Doug released their ‘Hookz’ series of mixtapes and ‘Oooo’ 7″ they have been picked up by online tastemaking label Yes Please, promoted by XLR8R and have quickly found a cult following for their brand of electronic music.

REMI /SENSIBLE J & DUTCH

Already at the top of his game, it’s hard to believe twenty-two year-old REMI only started rapping last year. After releasing two EPs and a debut album he’s since been nominated for Triple J’s Unearthed Award and supported the likes of DANNY BROWN, ERIC LAU, JONWAYNE and PHARCYDE. His semi tongue-in-cheek braggadocios style, by no means overshadows his lyrical abilities. Remi’s rapping persona is comfortable sitting amongst varying musical backdrops and tempos, and his singing voice is as smooth and catchy as the hooks he sings. Expertly balancing singing and rapping, REMI’s content is highly self referential, littered with pop-cultural tid bits and tales of a life equally footed in fantasy as it is reality. With their production skills on point across REMI’s debut album, the mysterious SENSIBLE J & DUTCH will be providing all the beats you can handle.

Alongside these diverse acts from the wilds of Australia and NZ, the Operatives Agents will be out in force – featuring JPS, ABLE8. NAM, EDD FISHER, SEAN DEANS, COSMO and FUGITIVE.

Did we even mention it’s completely free thanks to Melbourne Music Week? Head to Tattersalls Lane on Thursday 21st November from 5pm and RSVP here.