Tag: Illy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Illy Drops Latest Banger “Like You”

Back in the Warner Music Australia stable, Illy has just dropped his feelgood new single “Like You”. If you’re looking for a pick-me-up this Wednesday, you can stop searching. This is everything you need.

We shouldn’t be surprised it’s so catchy though, as “Like You” comes from Illy collaborating with Johnny Took from DMA’s, Reuben Styles and Adam Hyde from Peking Duk, Styalz Fuego, and Black Summer. That’s a lot of different voices involved, but this song comes together beautifully.

“I’m stoked to be releasing new music, especially after the last few years,” Illy said. “I wanted to kick off the new era with a bang, and ‘Like You’ was the perfect fit for that. Working with some of my favourite Australian artists and producers made the process a lot of fun, and something to be excited about. This really shines through in the track. I’ve listened to this song 1000 times and still, I love this song.”

Illy has just dropped a few dates and he swears there’s more to come. If he’s not visiting you yet, just sit tight.
18 November 2022 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
19 November 2022 – Volta, Wadawurrung Country/Ballarat
2-4 December 2022 – VANFEST, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
8-12 June 2023 – Dream Machine, Bali

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia; credit: Giulia McGauran

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Space Between” – Illy

I’ve spent most of this week crushing on The Space Between, Illy’s long-awaited sixth album. I’ve always loved the way he creates music which is so thoughtful and positive. This album’s his most introspective yet, with tracks offering a fascinating insight into his thoughts and experiences.

“The Space Between is about change. How much there is from one point to the next, and how those trips – not the destinations – define us,” he explained. “My music has always been about real life, and since last time we spoke, mine happened between albums, relationships, parties, therapy, triumphs, breakdowns, celebrations, mourning … all of it.

“I learnt a lot. About me and people around me. Who’s there for a good time, who’s there for a long time, and who was never really there at all. I learnt to keep it moving, but also to stop and appreciate where you’re at, because the one constant is change. I’m thankful for all of it. It all made this album.”

While this album isn’t as consistently upbeat as many of Illy’s other recordings, I think it’s the album we need right now when the world is so challenging. And while there’s some darker material, there are still definitely those moments to party! While I love what Illy creates solo, the collaborations on this album are really off the chain. While I have a soft spot for “Loose Ends” with G-Flip and “Lean on me” with Robinson, I think my favourite is the current single “Mirror,” featuring American singer-songwriter Wrabel. It’s so raw and powerful, a true indication of the diverse music Illy treats us to on this album.

Check out this song, but don’t stop there. The Space Between is out now.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melbourne Gets Another Weekend in the Gardens

After the massive success of A Weekend in The Gardens in March, organisers have decided to do it all again this November! And what a line-up they’ve assembled for the three-night event!

The Friday night show brings us Paul Kelly, still flying high on the recent release of his number one album Life is Fine, who’s ably supported by Steve Earle and Middle Kids. The Saturday show is all about hip hop, with Illy, Thundamentals, Spit Syndicate, and Birdz all on the bill. The final night will be a folky affair with Missy Higgins, Dustin Tebbutt, All Our Exes Live in Texas, and Harry Jakamarra doing their thing.

In addition to superb music, you’ll be treated to some of Melbourne’s finest foods in The Eatery, including Royale Brothers, Willy’s Fried Chicken, and Proper Fish & Chips.

“The artists and audiences have responded enthusiastically to having a beautiful, intimate outdoor concert space in the Royal Botanic Gardens in the middle of this amazing city,” said promoter Michael Newton of Roundhouse Entertainment. “The lineup of acts is first-class, and the food and beverage options are fantastic. Along with the Royal Botanic Gardens, we are very proud to be presenting another weekend of great entertainment in the gardens.”

Developed by the good folks behind a day on the green, the first A Weekend in the Gardens attracted nearly 12,000 people. Will the next event be even bigger?

A Weekend in the Gardens hits Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens on November 17, 18, and 19. Tickets go on sale from Ticketmaster at midday on August 28.

Image used with permission from Roundhouse Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sprung Makes Queensland Return

Sprung was massive when it launched in 2011, bringing Aussies the very best of local hip hop talent. During its dream run it brought fans big names like Hilltop Hoods, Drapht, Illy, Seth Sentry, and 360. Then four years ago, it disappeared from the festival calendar, leaving a space that no other event really managed to feel. But there’s good news for hip hop fans. Sprung is back for 2017, bigger and better than ever.

Organisers have pulled out all the stops for Sprung’s comeback year, with Illy, Allday, Tkay Maidza, A.B. Original, Pez, Spit Syndicate and stacks more set to take the stage this October.

“We have been waiting for the right time to bring Sprung back to the people, we hit the ceiling pretty quickly when it came to headlining artists so we needed to allow the community to evolve,” organisers explained. “We are now seeing artists that were once on at midday on our stages taking to the headline spots and a whole new wave of incredible artists that we can’t wait to showcase. We think 2017 is going to be an incredible year for Sprung and hip hop as a whole…rest assured we are back for the long run and have some tricks up our sleeve for the years to come.”

Sprung hits the Parkwood Outdoor Precinct in Queensland on October 28. Tickets go on sale from the Sprung festival website and Oztix on August 24.

The Sprung Festival is a strictly 18+ event. Sorry kids!

Image used with permission from Call & Response

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Citizen Kay Playing Almost Everywhere to Promote New Album

Citizen Kay is giving fans plenty of opportunities to hear the tracks from his upcoming album Belly of the Beast live. As if touring with Illy wasn’t enough, he’s also announced a string of headlining shows to celebrate the album’s August 25 release.

The Canberra-based rapper should excite fans of old-school party hip-hop with the way he blends genres, mixing slick rhymes with soul, funk, and jazz influences. While I loved his earlier EP Demokracy, Citizen Kay hasn’t rested on his laurels.

“A lot of time was spent choosing my words, and how I wanted things to be said,” he says of the writing process of writing Belly of the Beast. “I challenged myself more, as a wordsmith and poet on this album”

Hear the single “These Kicks” and other cuts from Belly of the Beast at the following shows.

25 August 2017 – Kay St, Traralgon (with Illy)
26 August 2017 – The Pier, Frankston (with Illy)
1 September 2017 – Odeon, Hobart (with Illy)
2 September 2017 – Club 54, Launceston (with Illy)
21 September 2017 – Wool Exchange, Geelong (with Illy)
22 September 2017 –Whalers, Warnambool (with Illy)
23 September 2017 – Shadows, Mt Gambier (with Illy)
28 & 29 September 2017 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (with Illy)
30 September 2017 – Sweaty Palms @ Proud Mary’s, Erina
6 October 2017 – Rolling Stone Live Lodge @ Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
7 October 2017 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
13 October 2017 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
14 October 2017 – The Transit Bar, Canberra
19 October 2017 – The Foundry, Brisbane
20 October 2017 – Amplifier Bar, Perth
3 November 2017 – Panthers, Port Macquarie (with Illy)
4 November 2017 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour (with Illy)
10 November 2017 – Home Tavern, Wagga Wagga (with Illy)
11 November 2017 – Area Hotel, Griffith (with Illy)
24 November 2017 – SSA Club, Albury (with Illy)

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Illy Playing Regional Australia

After lapping the capital cities several times, Illy is finally taking his music to Australia’s regional centres. His Two Degrees Regional Tour, which kicks off in August, will be his most extensive local tour to date.

Illy hasn’t visited regional Australia since he was part of the Groovin’ The Moo Festival in 2014. No doubt his fans in the regional towns and cities will be itching to see him finally headlining.

Illy says he’s “Really psyched to get back on the road for such a huge run. It’s been a couple years since last time, and this will be the biggest I’ve ever done. Let’s get loose.”

Tickets are on sale now for the following shows. There are plenty of dates, so there’s bound to be one near you!

3 August 2017 – Players Bar, Mandurah
4 August 2017 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
5 August 2017 – Dunsborough Hotel, Dunsborough
8 August 2017 – Wintersun, Geraldton
10 August 2017 – Pot Shot, Exmouth
11 August 2017 – Dampier Mermaid Hotel, Karratha
12 August 2017 – Pier Hotel, Port Hedland
13 August 2017 – Roebuck Bay Hotel, Broome
17 August 2017 – Judds, Kalgoorlie
18 August 2017 – Pier Hotel, Esperance
19 August 2017 – White Star, Albany
25 August 2017 – Kay St, Traralgon
26 August 2017 – The Pier, Frankston
1 September 2017 – Odeon, Hobart
2 September 2017 – Club 54, Launceston
7 September 2017 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
8 September 2017 – Mills Precinct, Toowoomba
9 September 2017 – Night Quarter, Gold Coast
10 September 2017 – The Northern, Byron
14 September 2017 – The Jack, Cairns
15 September 2017 – Dalrymple, Townsville
16 September 2017 – Magnums, Airlie Beach
17 September 2017 – Harvey Rd Tavern, Gladstone
21 September 2017 – Wool Exchange, Geelong
22 September 2017 – Whalers, Warrnambool
23 September 2017 – Shadows, Mt Gambier
29 September 2017 – The Cambridge, Newcastle
1 October 2017 – Yours & Owls, Wollongong
6 October 2017 – Setts, Mildura
7 October 2017 – Karova’s Car Park, Ballarat
3 November 2017 – Port Panthers, Port Macquarie
4 November 2017 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour
24 November 2017 – SSA Club, Albury

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Illy Releases Summery Video for “Oh My”

Illy’s album Two Degrees was one of my unexpected favourites last year. I loved the way he blended urban influences with straight up pop in tracks like the latest single “Oh My,” The track features guest vocals from Tonight Alive frontwoman Jenna McDougall, who was thrilled to work with the platinum-selling hip hop act.

“I really admire Illy’s artistry. Collaborating with him on the track was super natural and we had a great time on set together!” she said. “I loved singing on a song that praises women but has nothing to do with love. That’s bad ass to me. It was actually freezing the day we shot the video in LA but ‘Oh My’ brings the Aussie summer vibes.”

The LA clip saw Illy reteaming with Mark Staubach, who shot the “Catch 22” clip and has also made videos for Charlie Puth, Simple Plan, Lupe Fiasco, and heaps more.

If your day needs some brightening, this song and music video should do the trick!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Two Degrees” – Illy

I consider myself open to most musical genres, but I haven’t really listened to a lot of rap since the 90s. I had fun with acts like Salt-N-Pepa and The Fugees, but then the genre evolved, as most do, and I felt left behind. It seemed rap was either about the struggle of people from the “wrong side of the tracks” or about the excess of those living it large. Neither type of rap resonated with me, so I found myself listening to the genre less and less. And then came Illy.

It’s hard to believe, considering how Illy seems to have burst onto the scene a relatively short time ago, but his newie Two Degrees is actually his fifth studio album. It’s a highly anticipated release considering the way Australia’s responded to singles like “Papercuts” and “Catch 22.” It’s the strength of those singles that have taken it to number one on debut. But it’s the strength of the other songs that’s going to get people talking and keep it on the charts for many weeks to come.

My favourite songs are the ones where Illy collaborates with other artists. I think he does some of his best work when he has someone to bounce off. The chemistry he has with the artists he’s handpicked here elevates these tracks. “Hazard to Myself,” a collaboration with Sir the Baptist, is so playful and irreverent. “Oh My,” with Jenna McDougall, feels like a summer anthem. “Extra Extra,” featuring Mike Waters, is pure feelgood joy.

While these songs make me smile, some of the album’s most poignant moments come when Illy’s working alone. “Truce” feels very personal, with powerful lyrics that pack a serious emotional punch. The closing track “Highway” is such a perfect way to finish the album. This song closes this chapter in the Illy story by looking forward to the future.

Illy is a rapper, but his music is so much more than that. He effortlessly fuses his rhymes with pop, dance, and electronic sounds to broaden its appeal and make it accessible to people like myself who don’t spend a lot of time listening to rap. If like me you’ve moved away from rap music, Two Degrees encourages you to dip your toe back in to the genre. You won’t be disappointed.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Illy Releases “Catch 22” Ahead of Album Launch Shows

After the success of “Swear Jar” and “Papercuts,” Illy’s next album Two Degrees was already destined to become one of the biggest sellers of 2016. But he’s just guaranteed that it’ll fly off the shelves with the release of another stellar single, “Catch 22.” Featuring guest vocals from British singer Anne-Marie, this is another insightful feel-good from one of Australia’s favourite hip-hop acts.

“Sometimes life isn’t about always making the ‘right’ choices. Some of the best times are when you do the opposite. Catch 22 is about knowing that,” Illy explained.

Two Degrees hits stores on November 11 and is currently available for pre-order. Illy will bring its songs to the people with some intimate launch shows in the largest capitals. In addition, Illy will play a bunch of summer festivals. Here are all the places you can catch him in the coming months.

29 October 2016 – Banana Fields Music & Arts Festival, Coffs Harbour
15 November 2016 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
16 November 2016 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
17 November 2016 – Howler, Melbourne
29 December 2016 – Falls Festival, Lorne (SOLD OUT)
30 December 2016 – Falls Festival, Marion Bay
31 December 2016 – NYE Street Party, Newcastle
1 January 2017 – Falls Festival, Byron Bay (SOLD OUT)
7 January 2017 – Falls Festival, Fremantle

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anthony Callea Back on Top of Albums Charts

It seems I’m not the only one who thinks Anthony Callea’s new album Backbone is pretty amazing. It’s debuted at number one on the ARIA charts this week, giving Anthony his second number one album 11 years after the release of his self-titled debut.

Backbone unseated last week’s number one, Skeleton Tree by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, which is now at number three.

Divas and Demons, the sophomore album from Melbourne rapper REMI, rounds out the top 10 albums.

Meanwhile on the singles charts, Sia’s collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, “The Greatest,” is at number four. After nearly three months on the charts, “Papercuts” by Illy featuring Vera Blue is at number 10. Talk about staying power!

Take a closer look at this week’s top 10.

Top 10 Albums
1. Backbone – Anthony Callea
2. Suicide Squad: The Album – Soundtrack
3. Skeleton Tree – Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
4. My Dear Companion: Selections From the Trio Collection – Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris
5. Hard II Love – Usher
6. Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway – Barbra Streisand
7. Bridget Jones’s Baby – Soundtrack
8. 25 – Adele
9. Mount Ninji and da Nice Time Kid – Die Antwoord
10. Divas and Demons – REMI

Top 10 Singles
1. “Closer” – The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey
2. “Dancing on my Own” – Calum Scott
3. “Side to Side” – Ariana Grande feat. Nicki Minaj
4. “The Greatest” – Sia feat. Kendrick Lamar
5. “Starving” – Hailee Steinfeld
6. “Heathens” – Twenty One Pilots
7. “Let Me Love You” – DJ Snake feat. Justin Bieber
8. “Cold Water” – Major Lazer feat. Justin Bieber and MO
9. “Sucker for Pain” – Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa & Imagine Dragons, X Ambassadors, Ty Dolla $ign, Logic
10. “Papercuts” – Illy feat. Vera Blue