Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth-based hip hop artist IamSnap has reunited with frequent guest vocalist Lydia Caesar for an incredible new single, “Last Round.” Hot on the heels of their previous collaborations “Lifer” and “Alive,” this song is a powerful pop anthem born from Iamsnap’s own battles with depression and anxiety.
On paper, these talents make an unlikely pair. Iamsnap’s gritty rapping is so different from the big soulful vocals Lydia brings to “Last Round.” But I love the way their contrasting tones and energies play together. You can also hear their chemistry, that special sauce that comes when artists have worked together long enough to truly understand one another.
IamSnap’s lyrics show a wicked sense of humour, but he doesn’t shy away from the challenges that come with mental illness, the procrastinating, the self-doubt, the creative paralysis that can make achieving goals seem insurmountable. But rather than dwell in that dark place, Iamsnap remains defiant, determined to keep fighting. Lydia’s soaring vocals embody that sentiment. So while the voices of IamSnap and Lydia are so different, we need them both to tell this story.
Roughly one in five Aussies have struggled with their mental health, yet talking about mental illness still feels taboo. And when relatively few people talk about it, it’s little wonder that so many battling mental health issues feel so alone. That makes tracks like “Last Round,” which give voice to the battles so many of us face, so important. It’s streaming now. If you’re concerned about your mental health, remember free support is always available through Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636).
Image used with permission from Shannon Elliott