So it’s festival season and we are gearing up for the one and only HIP HOP Festival to smash you in the teeth — Sprung is almost here, and we sit down to ask Illy the questions… that we could get answered without the torture techniques. This man has been the voice behind tracks like It Can Wait (ft. Owl Eyes) and the album The Chase — a smash hit with kids of today!
So Mate… the cliché question out first — what inspired you to get into Hip-Hop?
I think it was just being a 12-13 year old and having that 12-13 year old mindstate. I made a connection with the attitude in hip-hop and never really went back. Plus I saw Nelly on TV and thought if this fucking idiot can be on TV, so can I.
Sprung is just around the corner — in one sentence, how would you pitch people to come?
I’d ask them if they like hip-hop. If they say yes, I’d ask if they can read. If they say yes, I’d show them the line-up. I just assume from that point they’d buy a ticket. The line-up is that dope it pretty much sells itself.
Describe your music in one word.
Best.
What can Queenslanders expect from your set at Sprung?
A really live, energetic show. I’m sharing a stage with people I respect and who I know can rock a crowd, so me, Phazes and Cam will all be bringing our A-game.
The Hip-Hop industry is growing at a massive speed here in Australia — what do you think is next?
I think in the next few years people will start making more moves overseas. It’s not needed, but it will be a beautiful thing if we can spread our music worldwide.
We all know the saying — what happens on tour stays on tour — but what’s been the weirdest, craziest or scariest moment on tour?
Can’t say. Will get sued and probably arrested.
The Chase had an amazing response right across Australia — did you expect that kind of reaction back in 2010-11?
Nah, I don’t think anyone could have expected it. It’s been an amazing year and one that I’m incredibly proud of, and blessed to have had. I’m looking forward to what’s coming next, as I feel we’ve set up a solid foundation to build on.
The Chase led to a massive tour — what are the must-have things on the road for you?
I got this stuff in Canberra from a naturopath — liquorice and marshmallow extract. It’s for my voice and the stuff is like a wonder drug; no matter how big the night before was, it saves me! Other than that, my headphones, laptop and clean socks.
What does your ideal day off look like — to wind down and escape?
I love travelling, so ideally being on a beach somewhere where people don’t speak English. But when I’m at home, just lounging around with some comfort food and my PS3!
What’s next for you down the road?
I’ve begun working on my new album and hope to have it done by April/May next year, man! I cannot wait — it’s shaping up so well for such early stages.
New album in the works — when can we expect it, and what can we expect?
Expect some big-name MCs, and a couple of singers you never saw coming. It’s gonna be great!
When sitting down to put it all together, how would you describe your creative process?
Frenetic and chaotic. But ultimately, effective and successful.
How would you describe this year in one sentence?
BEST!
And in closing…
Check me out at www.illyal.com, www.facebook.com/illyal and www.twitter.com/illyal. And keep an ear out for a new single dropping over summer!
Thanks Illy for taking the time to sit down and have a chat with us — we look forward to being front and centre at Sprung in Brisbane. For details on this event, click the image below.
