General Update (November-December 2010)

These past couple of months have been slow due to ongoing commitments outside of music, however... we have some interesting activity happening right now in the Schematik camp. Congratulations to One5 for his contributions to the Halberg Awards, this is the 2nd year in a row his expertise has been called upon. He's also been able to obtain a music contract for the HRV Cup, check out the full clip in the box below. In case you don't know, JK-One The Supernova has recently put a project up on Bandcamp for free DL entitled "The Ant Farm Freebies: Vol.1". This collection of tough, street morsels comes from years of trial and error... check it out at http://www.jk1thesupernova.bandcamp.com/ My album, Crash Kawse is finished with the exception of a last minute replacement track, the song "Posterity Quakes" (produced by Chris Macro) had to be removed due to mastering issues. I sincerly apologize for the hold up, expect it under your christmas tree no doubt. The Schematik compilation is about to get underway, the joint will feature appearances from all the artists/producers on the roster, release has been scheduled for March-April... stay tuned for details and keep supporting independent hip-hop.

   

General Update (August-September 2010)

These last months have been more than a grind, sometimes you feel like it's going nowhere but that's the independent game. Keeping it brief, we've been trying to source live shows in Auckland City for promotional purposes... if anyone knows anything and you're looking for a solid act free of charge, leave your details in the comment box below and we'll get back asap. Shouts to King Kapisi for the lab sessions, we didn't achieve what we originally planned, however... it was an educational experience. Plans for a 6 song EP with fellow Schematik artist JK1 The Supernova has been confirmed, more information on that will be available in the coming months. Props to MC Silva & The Iron Hammers, i've been recently rehearsing with them for gigs in the near future. The debut show is scheduled for October 30th, other acts include Solomonix, Jah Red Lion, Jafa Mafia and much more. Many are now familiar with MC Silva around the country but to see her with a 6 piece rhythm section is something else, highly recommended! We also had our first photo shoot last month, check the previous posts for the update. After a year of creating sparks, Crash Kawse is due at the end of next month, hold tight on that. Before we get out on you... congratulations to One5, who recently recieved the music contract for the Four Nations rugby league tournament! Shouts to Johnny from Sky T.V., big respects.  

The Crash Kawse Update

Right... here's the update regarding Crash Kawse! The project is finished, just one song needs to be recorded again. Unfortunately, we lost the sessions when our CPU crashed... it truly does pay to back everything up before something like this occurs. Keeping it brief, we're very thankful it was only one song, that joint entitled "The Family Way" will be added asap. Due to problems with grants, funding etc. the mixing/mastering duties have put a spanner in the works, this is why the project is now overdue. Blessings to the brother One5, who has taken the mixing/mastering responsibilities upon himself... personally, i'm happy he has agreed to finish the album on top of an extremely busy schedule, not to mention the artwork and additional promotion. I've recently just realized an EP only consists of 6-8 songs so in saying that, Crash Kawse is most definitely an LP. We expect the joint to be finished, released and available for download no later than early November. I apologize to anyone who may have been waiting for it but you know what they say... good things take time. Stay safe ya'll, Peace.

Schematik Photo Shoot (Part 1)

Schematik artists Lyrical Bandit, One5 and myself just attended our first official photo shoot as a collective. Shouts to Unitec for supplying the equipment and resources, it's most appreciated as nothing in the music business (even photos) comes free of charge. Most of the shots were taken in front of a white screen, these images will be used for graphic design and promotional artwork. We also took a bunch of shots around the campus, it used to be a psychiatric hospital so there's alot of character in the building formations... some parts even resemble juvenile lock-up facilities. We found the back drop gave us a real gulley look, perfect for Hip-Hop culture. We'll be taking more photos around Auckland City in the future, stay tuned for part 2!

General Update (June-July 2010)

The last couple of months have been a real grinder. First, i'd like to thank MC Silva for letting me collaborate on a few of her live shows... the promotional opportunities are greatly appreciated, I look forward to doing it again sometime soon. Schematik Entertainment would officially like to welcome JK1 The Supernova to the team. This MC/Producer represents for New Port Richey (Florida) bringing a solid, street element to the roster... prepare for his coming LP "The Strangest Secret" due for release later this year, more information will be available in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, check out "Soul Span" now playing below. We've recently launched a marketing and promotion company called Ital Slice Event Management, which will be responsible for bringing back The Drop Zone. This time around, the show will include local Hip-Hop/Reggae DJs and artists ready to show and prove... stay tuned for details. Finally, i'd like to congratulate One5 on his recent release Final Notice now available at www.one5.bandcamp.com The LP features artists from all over the globe, it's easy to get via. FREE download but if you support independent music, the option is there to pay a contribution at the value of your choice. Keep lending your ear to hearty music, Peace.

Soul Span by jk1thesupernova

Get on Final Notice from One5 NOW!

After 6 months of hard work, One5 has now completed the Final Notice LP. This joint features a range of artists, from both at home and abroad including JK1 The Supernova, Smoova, Lyrical Bandit, myself and much more. The entire project has been produced by One5, bringing a well rounded, trademark sound exclusive to Schematik Entertainment. Below is a track I featured on called "Thin Line", be sure to get a copy at www.one5.bandcamp.com for FREE download or support the cause by dropping a preferential payment of your choice. Get behind the life force of independent music, salute.

Thin Line (Featuring JK1 The Supernova & 5th Chyld) by The 5th Chyld 

Show Review: Underground Sets at Rising Sun (April 16th)

The potential for this Gig was there and I thank all in attendance but unfortunately... nothing went according to plan. I'm not going to paint a false image, it's all real out here. The West AK Borough Kings, MC Silva with Iron Will and Schematik got to do there thing including a last minute addition from PHD. I would like to thank Che-Fu for opening and closing the show, it was good to have the pioneer on deck! Due to technical difficulties out of direct control forced the schedule to linger well into the early hours of the morning, which in turn had a big effect on the show overall but we got there eventually, despite that... it was the best it could have been, given the time we had to promote.

Promotional Single: Represent! (Produced by Kase Beats)

This is a promotional Demo for the lyrically driven with production credits going to Kase Beats from L.C.A. (Lunch Cutters Anonymous) We decided to knock this joint in order to keep busy, for the sake of it basically but I must warn you... it's dedicated to the true-blue Hip-Hop head. There's nothing pretty about this one... it's all about vocab, wit and lyrical formation! It's what we like to call "a head snappah".

Represent by The 5th Chyld

Show Review: What We Do at Khuja Lounge (18th March)

First of all... big props to Respective Circ for the invitation to perform, much appreciated boys! The gig went well, thanks to everyone who came out and supported the cause. It was good to give the Schematik Set a run, it went off and there were no technical problems regarding the performance. Respective Circ did their thing with additional apperances from The Rocks and 86', in whom it was a pleasure meeting for the first time. A big thanks to Ben Anderson for looking after us, we're probably going to become regulars in that joint and the team at Schematik Entertainment are humbled and thankful for May bookings, as it's NZ Music Month. If you missed the show, we'll see you next time and don't forget... keep supporting independent music worldwide!

Talib Kweli and Jean Grae LIVE in Auckland

Yes! Finally... I've been a fan of Talib Kweli and Jean Grae for over 10 years and it was good to see them LIVE in the flesh at The Powersation in Auckland City, NZ on the 8th of April 2010.
From my perspective... the show was everything I had imagined. Jean Grae opened with a good selection of her catalogue, both old and new tracks with Mela Machinko as her backing vocal. The energy and persistance on stage was enormous! A real treat for seasoned Hip-Hop fans in the know.
Talib Kweli came out to "Say Something", that was the perfect way to start the Set in my opinion and went on to smashing the crowd with certified classics such as "Get By" produced by Kanye West, "The Blast" produced by Hi-Tek and "Never Been In Love" produced by Just Blaze to name a few. When he broke out "Over The Counter", a joint from the album "Liberation"... I just about pissed my self in exitement lolz! That's most definitely a personal favorite! The turn out surprised me to say the least, I didn't realize exactly how many people knew who he was down here... it's not like you hear him everyday on the radio, it's good to see how many people have been following the man throughout the years.
It was a real experience for me, the best performance i've had the pleasure to see since GangStarr 7 years ago... looking forward to seeing them again if they ever come back.

Exclusive Preview: "Think About It" from CRASH KAWSE!

This is the 1st preview into the up & coming CRASH KAWSE LP due for release later this year. The track’s produced by One5 on behalf of Schematik Entertainment with an outro cut provided by DJ Furious. The idea for the song comes from the lack of thought applied in today’s art of rhyme, in which we are the role models responsible for re-shaping the REAL Hip-Hop mentality. It’s important to think about anything and everything before practicable steps are taken, that’s where the inspiration for this song came from.
Bang ya head immediately!

03 Think About it by The Chyld 5th

Crash Kawse coming soon!

I'm glad to say after 13 years of participating in music from one degree to another, the debut album entitled CRASH KAWSE will be hitting the shelf sometime this year.
The concept for the LP is centered around lessons, life experience and Hip-Hop culture, which I can say has been a influence on my character whilst growing up in general. This project is 16 tracks deep with a bold and realistic outlook on many issues including socio/political views, true spirituality... not religion and Hip-Hop culture in its entirety. Featured artists/producers range from Che-Fu and MC Silva to One5 and Imp-Data (Brooklyn, NYC) resulting in a well rounded musical piece for all Hip-Hop/Rap fans alike. It was due for release early this year but due to schedules, time and thee almighty dollar... the album has been pushed back in order to get things correct, I think most recording artist in New Zealand would understand that.
I'm going to start leaking tracks in order to get feedback, both positive and negative are most welcome... I believe any opinion helps progress in one way or another.
So... stay connected, i'll be throwing joints up randomly, we hope you dig the sound and enjoy the fruits of our labour. Hold tight!