Radical Son is a soul, hip hop, rapper and spoken word artist from NSW, who’s music is inspired and guided by his Indigenous heritage from the Kamilaroi nation of Australia and the south pacific nation of Tonga. Radical Son’s debut full length album ‘Cause ‘N Affect‘ will be released on October 10 through Wantok Musik and will feature the likes of Archie Roach, Emma Donovan, and Deline Briscoe. We caught up with him to chat about his upcoming LP and to see what advice he has for other aspiring hip hop and soul musicians.
How would you describe Radical Son in just 3 words?
Lost, found, searching.
Tell us a little about yourself, and how Radical Son first came?
Radical Son came about through sheer luck. At a time in my life when I was wanting to have a voice. I met producers who at that time in their lives were looking for someone like me. It was luck. Like being at the right place at the right time.
What inspires the stories you tell and the music you make?
“MuurruunYandahl”. Wiradjuri for “Life Now”. MuurruunYandahl is what I named my eldest son. I’d have to say that I don’t agree with the life we live. Our system our values and priorities and Our limited education. Our limited understanding of our land, each other and ourselves. I write not for life now and how it is. I write for a Life Now and how LIFE could be.
Are there any other artists that have inspired and shaped your sound?
There are many artists. The most would have to have been an old Rap group called NWA and a man by the name of Bob Marley. Although very different from each other and me. I think in there own ways they too were wanting a better life.
Tell us about your ‘Cause ‘N Affect’ debut LP and what we can expect from it?
I’m so lucky to have had the opportunity to have writen this. To have met the people who helped to make it possible. You can expect me to follow it’s release with a lot of performances to try share what it is I do with as many people as possible.
What is it like working with a 7 piece band?
It has been and still is a learning experience. It has helped me to grow in myself skills in Business in leadership, friendship and relationships.
You’ll be attending AWME in November this year – how will attending this conference open up your opportunities as a musician?
Opening doors and windows of opportunities is about chance and hard work. Being at the right place at the right time and having a go. We will have to wait and see who crosses our path.
How has community radio helped your music career over the years?
It is where I began. Within community. It was my introduction to the industry to the media to performing and to giving back. I am always grateful for the experiences community radio provided me.
You recently received a Presentation and Promotion grant from Australia Council for your band. How has this funding benefited you and the band?
If it were not for the grant it would have taken much longer to complete the album and we may not have had the opportunity to have made our album in the way in which we have.
What advice do you have to other aspiring soul and hip hop musicians trying to break into the Australian music industry?
Work at it. It is not just about making music its about forming relationships. Work on improving what you do, your craft.
What is your proudest moment so far as an artist?
There have been many proud moments. I’d have to say back when it all began at Green Dragon studios where I was recorded for the first time. Hearing that song. A song I wrote called Train. Hearing it for the first time really shook me up. I felt so proud. I couldn’t believe it.
What’s else is on the cards for you for the remainder of 2014?
Learning and giving. As always. Just learning and giving.
Radical Son is a recipient of the MusicNSW Quick Response Grant Round 1 2014. We funded his application to attend AWME 2014. If you would like to learn more about our grant program, head here.