The dawn of a better tomorrow is not a concept unknown
to Brisbane's most celebrated hip hop act and Obese Records’
latest family member.
Formed in 2004, The Coalition Crew have worked tirelessly
to foster their reputation as the state’s most accomplished
musicians and rhymesmiths. Releasing their debut album
in the same year, the Crew’s rich instrumental sound
has drawn rave reviews both for their studio work and
in the live setting. The core of the outfit, MC/producer
Yuin Huzami, producer Toxic Al, and DJ Nikk C, come from
an eclectic musical upbringing; enlightened by the social
consciousness of groups like Public Enemy and KRS One
and by the pop glare of trendsetter Bjork and deep introspection
of Elliott Smith, their collective influences form a bond
both moving and soulful, tackling musical sounds that
range from the roots of hip hop to jazz, to rock, to soul.
Already pioneers of the Brisbane scene through the formation
and promotion of their own record label, United Notions,
and having shared the biggest stages (including the Big
Day Out) with luminaries The Herd, Bliss N’ Eso,
Hilltop Hoods, and Sage Francis, the Coalition Crew embark
on their most ambitious trek yet; the 2-disc full length
album, Known Unknowns. Years in the making and a grand,
socially aware effort, Known Unknowns is the outfit’s
defining statement; an overture of the trio’s musical
consciousness meant to question the answers and lift the
human spirit. Featuring guest appearances from Masta Ace,
Lazy Grey, and Wordsworth, Obese Records proudly presents
Known Unknowns, available everywhere February 28th. Expect
the Coalition Crew to tour across the nation in support,
building on their traditions and renowned past. And in
this new time of hope, their history becomes as powerful
as their future.
Toxic Al: Many
and various! But literally speaking the last
thing I had on my stereo today was Sly &
The Family Stone - “Stand”.
Nikk C: The few
artists I have had on most rotation lately
would be; Fleet foxes, The Nextmen, Portishead
and Plutonic Lab solo Lps.
Yuin Huzami:
There's alot of good local stuff here in Bris:
Mr Laneous & The Family Yah, The Kelly
Gang, new Kryptamistik and Truth Syrum aswell
as Grassroots Street Orchestra.
2. What influences you musically? Any particular
artists?
Toxic Al: Far
too many to bore us all to death with a comprehensive
list of them. But my bass heroes are Graham
Maby, Paul Simonon, Colin Moulding, Norwood
Fisher, Larry Graham, Verdine White and Percy
Jones. And my beatmaking heroes are Prince
Paul, Dan The Automator and Dj Shadow (even
though “The Outsider” was bloody
awful).
Nikk C: Ive always
been very interested in soloists and musicians
who perform a lot of improvised music. I came
from a background of playing guitar and listening
to lots of Clapton and Leo Kottke. When I
discovered tablism though the Invisibl Skatch
Piklz, I knew at that point I also wanted
to leant to scratch and use that as a tool
for expression too. I listen to all varieties
of music now, not just including Hip Hop.
I am also largely influenced by a lot of technical
heavy metal because of the odd time signatures.
Artists like Meshuggah and Dillinger Escape
Plan make uniquely structured songs which
have influenced my scratch technique.
Yuin Huzami:
I'm actually motivated a lot by shit that
i hate. corporate monopolies, Greed, ignorance
and war. The drive to communicate is central
to my lyrics. I've always admired artists
like Aceyalone, The Grouch, KRS1 and Mos Def
eg. who have a message as well as a killer
flow. Production wise I’m inspired by
musicians, jamming and originality. These
days I’d rather record some mad musos
doing something new and fresh than to fish
in the shrinking gene pool of samples.
3. What are you working on right now?
Toxic Al: My
memoirs: something along the lines of “If
I’d have known the twenty-first century
was going to suck this much, I would’ve
had more fun in the 1990s”
Nikk C: A lot
of my own pieces. A lot of them are experimental
electronica using turntables and guitars.
Lots of soundscapes and downtempo stuff.
Yuin Huzami:
I'm building an artists production hub called
The Fort. I've been organising a collective
of cool people to lease a beautiful old building
in The Valley. It is now home to our new street
art gallery (Fortwenty Galleries) which I’m
starting up with a friend. We're also building
the new United Notions HQ and studio. Once
its finished I’ll be able to continue
working on various projects and helping local
cats record there songs. It's been an amazing
community process so far. Come check it out
if you’re ever in Brisbane.
4. What can't you say no to?
Toxic Al: Cigarettes.
Nikk C: A chance
to check the crates of vinyl at your relative’s
houses.
Yuin Huzami:
Getting things done on the cheap.
THE COALITION CREW - Download Media Kit Coming Soon
