Category: News

Acclaimed Yuin MC Nooky returns today with his new single “Numb”, out via Bad Apples Music. The track arrives with a visual partner bringing to life the strikingly transparent lyricism Nooky is consistently praised for.

BUY/STREAM HERE
WATCH HERE

The power of Nooky’s music is not confined to his own introspection and self-therapeutic benefits, rather it acts as both a tool soothing his own anger as well as reaching others to make a social and political point. Premiered on Triple J’s Good Nights, “Numb” broadens Nooky’s unapologetic attitude while taking a step back from his signature fiery lyrics and drawing focus to his honest words, a dip in trap production and warped beats courtesy of collaborator Solo. Speaking to its name, the track explores the facets of addiction, unpacking moments at the brink of emotion when substances are turned to for numbing pain. Filmed at Sydney’s The Lord Gladstone and premiered by FilterZine, the accompanying video morphs these sentiments into a hazy night out, with dizzying scenes mimicking the effect of alcohol and resulting disjointed feelings of numbness.

Nooky says of the single: “Numb is a side of me that I don’t usually show, it’s something that I have hidden for quite some time, it’s about turning to substance abuse to numb the pain when you are finding it hard to face your problems. Music was my healing, it was my release, but sometimes I needed to escape my escape and just be numb to my emotions and thoughts but the next day shit’s still the same and if anything it put a hindrance on my healing.”

Nooky burst onto the scene in 2010, after moving from southern coastal town Nowra to Sydney and gaining attention for his unmatched rhymes and technical rap style. After making a name for himself in his new hometown, the multidisciplinary artist first received international recognition on a chance meeting with Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas, next flying to LA to collaborate on a track. In 2016, he took home the Australia Council’s Dreaming Prize for young Indigenous artists, before going on to release his debut solo single “Black Future” in 2018. Nooky has appeared on tracks with B Wise, P Smurf, Birdz, Sonboy, Manu Crooks and more, plus featured his second solo track “Blackfellas” on 2019’s Deadly Hearts 2 compilation album, shining a light on Indigenous music, culture and identity alongside Dan Sultan, Electric Fields, Busby Marou, Tia Gostelow and more. Not slowing down there, Nooky is also an esteemed producer, having curated the behind the scenes on tracks from Birdz, Caiti Baker and Tasman Keith.

Source: BadApplesMusic.com

We are excited to today announce we will be hosting Canadian Indigenous hip hop duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids across a weekend of FREE shows from 6-8 September, supported by some of our own talented local artists including Nooky, Kobie Dee and Alice Skye as well as special guest acts Lady Lash and Ridzy.

In the country for BIGSOUND, Snotty Nose Rez Kids are the combined talents of Yung Trybez and Young D, hailing from the Haisla Nation of British Columbia. Their trap beats and woven lyricism pay homage to their upbringing, while also touching upon larger themes related to Indigenous identity, politics and resistance.

Source: BadApplesMusic.com

ALICE SKYE SIGNS TO BAD APPLES MUSIC

AHEAD OF PERFORMING AT MELBOURNE MUSEUM’S NOCTURNAL SERIES WITH BRIGGS ON JULY 5

Wergaia woman and one of Australia’s brightest songwriters, Alice Skye today joins the nation’s leading label for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, Bad Apples Music. To celebrate the news, Alice Skye will perform alongside Bad Apples label founder Briggs, at Melbourne Museum’s upcoming Nocturnal event on July 5 for NAIDOC Week.

Born in Western Victoria and now based in Narrm (Melbourne), Alice has been working hard over the past couple of years, touring her 2018 debut album Friends with Feelings with childhood friends and bandmates, Sam and Kane King. A combination of hopeful and haunting, Alice’s sound combines dreamy vocals and stripped back piano melodies, elevating the gentle moodiness of her songwriting, transforming her once bedroom scribblings into well-crafted and articulated lyrics on love, loss and life. Alice Skye on signing to Bad Apples Music:

“I usually overthink things until I can’t make a decision but taking the steps to sign to Bad Apples Music just made sense to me. They have been so supportive and generous to me since we first met. It does feel ironic to be among such staunch and strong rappers when that is quite opposite of what I am, but I love the idea that there can be staunchness in shyness and that Bad Apples believe in that too.

I have such admiration for Briggs’ and the way he navigates this industry – and I love the space he and the team at Bad Apples have created for first nations artists in this country. The music industry is a wild and sometimes overwhelming place, so having people that prioritse community and operate like family back me and believe in me is a real dream. I’m so happy to be working with people who are as excited about me releasing new stuff as I am.”

Joining the news of today’s signing, Alice announces she will perform at Melbourne Museum’s monthly returning Nocturnal event series on July 5, headlined by Briggs. Returning for NAIDOC Week this July, the adults only after-dark event will take over the museum’s forest gallery to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

An enduring commitment to nurturing artists and providing platforms for excellence in the music sector, Bad Apples Music continues to grow as Australia’s most prolific Aboriginal record label. Founded by Briggs, the label maintains a foundational objective in using music as a platform for social change and educating and fostering the talent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Briggs on the signing:

“I’m proud that Alice Skye has found a home with Bad Apples Music. Wergaia woman Alice brings an immense talent, honesty and unique perspective with her that I believe will only take her to further success. I’ve watched Alice grow as an artist over the last 2 years and it’s been Strength to strength. Alice’s songwriting & performance is top tier and it won’t take long before she is recognised as one of our countries best.

Bad Apples Music strives to create pathways represent our vast communities and talents as best as possible in the most genuine way. Supporting artists outside of the Hip-Hop is a first step for us but it is a considered and informed one.”

Don’t miss attending Nocturnal on July 5 to witness Bad Apples Music’s newest signing, Alice Skye.

ALICE SKYE
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

UPCOMING SHOWS

Friday July 5 – Nocturnal, Melbourne Museum (TIX HERE)

Source: BadApplesMusic.com

A week ago today, a collection of the world’s best First Nations creatives, songwriters, producers and MC’s gathered at the prestigious Abbey Road Studios in Melbourne to commence the 1st First Nations Song Hubs – an APRA AMCOS program proudly supported by Creative Victoria.

The camp consisted of four days of songwriting collaboration with Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Māori, and Pasifika songwriters and musicians with international guests. Each artist was placed in a studio each day, with a different forumla of Singwriter, Topliner and Producer to “Create Bangers” (Briggs’ orders!)

The week was filled with collaboration, friendship and creating some great music. Some of which will be released at the determination of each artist.

Curated by rapper, APRA Music Award-winning songwriter, and APRA AMCOS Ambassador Briggs, the camp  was attended by the world’s best First Nations artists including:

SONGHUBS FIRST NATIONS PARTICIPANTS
Curator:
Briggs (Yorta Yorta)

International guest writers:
Renata Flores (Quechua, Peru)
Tufawon (Dakota/Boricua, Turtle Island)

APRA AMCOS guest writers: 
10A (Aotearoa)
Alice Skye (Wergaia/Wemba Wemba)
Birdz (Butchulla)
Naomi Wenitong (Kabi Kabi)

PARTICIPANTS
Ladi6
Frank Eliesa
Nooky
Madi Colville Walker
Ziggy Ramo
Rebecca Hatch
Savage
Benny Walker
Mitch Tambo
Keyhoo
The Merinda’s
Lady Lash
Ridzy Ray
Scott Darwlow
Rachael Lia
Maylene Slater-Burns
Robert K Champion
Desmond Mase
Francois

Check out all the photos here

A message from Minister Foley:

Source: BadApplesMusic.com

Rising hip-hop star, Birdz today shares his highly anticipated Place Of Dreams EP, out via Bad Apples Music. To coincide with the seven-track release, the NT-raised, Melbourne-based rapper shares the latest single and video “Black Child” feat. Mojo Juju, available to watch now and premiered on Acclaim.

The visual accompaniment for “Black Child” features cameo appearances from well-loved artists Alice Skye, Kaiit and guest artist Mojo Juju, set within an elaborate, colourful and vast manor. The thought inducing lyrics pull you inwards with every verse, while the visuals redefine Euro-centric, Renaissance vignettes with bold, empowered First Nations People. The clip has recreated these images by highlighting the power and beauty of community – a new art that speaks to a hopeful future for the First Nations experience.

Bad Apples Music are at the forefront of championing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island musicians around Australia, with Birdz’ latest body of work no exception. Never one to sugar coat his lyrics nor creating stories for listening comfort, Birdz speaks truthfully and proudly to his past and present experiences, his lyrical talent and endless enthusiasm evident across his fusion of rap and singing.

Birdz wowed crowds earlier this year at headline shows in Sydney and Melbourne, as the EP’s previous singles “Place Of Dreams” and “On The Run” led to Complex naming him “one of the most exciting rappers in the Australian scene right now”. Since releasing his 2017 debut album Train of Thought, Birdz has captured support from community radio, triple j and triple j unearthed for his unwavering passion and commitment to his craft. Awarded Best Independent Hip-Hop Album at the 2018 AIR Awards, Birdz has consistently found himself in the company of greatness, having performing across renowned Australian festivals such as Woodford, Sprung Festival, The Hills Are Alive, St Kilda Festival, Groovin the Moo and 2018’s Bad Apples showcase at Melbourne’s CHANGES Music Industry Summit, and appearing on stage with the likes of J.I.D., Briggs, Sampa The Great, Loyle Carner, The Funkoars, and Thundamentals.

Birdz today surpasses all expectations easily, finally sharing his awaited Place Of Dreams EP. A seven-track release of heart-felt, hard-hitting themes on matters Birdz cares most for as an advocate and masterful lyricist for positive change, don’t delay in listening today.

PLACE OF DREAMS IS OUT TODAY VIA BAD APPLES MUSIC
BUY/STREAM HERE

“BLACK CHILD” FEAT. MOJO JUJU OUT NOW
WATCH HERE

BIRDZ
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | SOUNDCLOUD

BAD APPLES MUSIC
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

Source: BadApplesMusic.com

You can catch Briggs performing across the country in May and June which includes a one-off show as part of Vivid Festival with his ‘Bad Apples Music House Party’ at the Sydney Opera House on Thursday May 30. The event will see Briggs take Australia’s most prestigious stage with some of the best Indigenous talent including electro-soul (and Eurovision contenders) duo Electric Fields, rising star The Kid Laroi, Melbourne based Birdz, Brisbane rapper Jesswar, and many more.

Full dates and venues below:

Sunday 26^th May – Canberra Theatre, Canberra – tickets Here

Thursday 30^th May – Sydney Opera House, Sydney – tickets Here

Saturday 1^st June – Kulin Dreaming, Wyndham Vale – Free Entry

Thursday 13^th June – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne – tickets Here

Sunday 16^th June – Darwin Supercars, Darwin – tickets Here

’Life Is Incredible’ is out now through Island Records – available Here

Check out the film clip here:

Rapper, actor and comedy writer BRIGGS will release an all-star Indigenous video for his brand-new single ‘LIFE IS INCREDIBLE’.

The single ‘LIFE IS INCREDIBLE’ has already been compared to Jordan Peele’s hit horror film Get Out, in that it starts pleasantly then throws a curveball that doubles as a social critique. The video continues this formula as Briggs satirically takes on the issue of Indigenous life expectancy.

“Indigenous life expectancy is a heavy and complicated issue, so I wanted to bring attention to it in a new, interesting way that is just 3mins. I’ve always been a fan of the horror genre and it lends perfectly for this.”

We follow Briggs as he checks into the affluent retirement home known as ‘Whitehaven’. Considering the short life expectancy of Indigenous Australians, Briggs feels at 32 years of age it is time to enjoy his twilight years. At first it appears to be the type of retirement home any working professional would be comfortable leaving their parent to spend their final years; however, we soon see a string of untimely deaths.

Briggs called upon his dearest friends to be systematically killed off throughout the video including footy greats Adam Goodes, Michael O’Loughlin and George Rose, prolific playwright Nakkiah Lui and actor Shari Sebbens Sapphires. Briggs found it wasn’t hard to get them on board,

“The video’s message around Indigenous life expectancy really resonated with everyone I approached so they were on board no matter how I planned to kill them off.”

Filming occurred at an eclectic array of Sydney venues including the Marrickville and Clovelly Bowling Clubs and the School Of Practical Philosophy. Briggs’ vision was brought to life by rising Indigenous talent Dylan River, the son of director Warwick Thornton and cinematographer for the award-winning Sweet Country.

His first new solo material since the 2014 critically acclaimed ‘Sheplife’, ‘Life Is Incredible’ is lifted from forthcoming Album number four from Briggs due out late in 2019.  Stay tuned for more details.

Source: BadApplesMusic.com