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There is no doubting that Hilltop Hoods (Hoodies) put Aussie hip-hop on the map. For more than a decade, this hip-hop royalty have been moving forward with commercial success, increasing their reach in what is largely a rock driven Australian music industry.
The group, who seem very fond of our nation’s capital, are coming back this month as headliners of Trackside Festival, and I catch up with Daniel Smith AKA MC Pressure for a chat.
The boys are currently taking 24 hours off in the midst of their second album tour ‘Still Standing’ and I find Pressure on the other end of the line at his local shopping centre.
“I’m following DJ Debris around with a shopping trolley. It has a massive dog kennel in it.”
Pressure’s in hysterics, announcing, “I’m pretty much his girlfriend for the day.”
The boys clearly don’t take themselves too seriously and the unlikely shopping scenario set the tone for a laid back interview.
Since 2003 the Hoodies have sky-rocketed with commercial success and a long string of prestigious industry awards including Arias, Apras, platinum albums etc etc.
They did this before any other Aussie hip-hop band was able to, and rapping in their native Aussie accent secured them international airplay, with other hip-hop bands following suit.
“We are Australian so we rap with an Australian accent. We’re not flying Australia flags or trying to over ocker-ize it; having bbqs and wearing thongs, it’s just us being ourselves.”
With more than 12 years in the industry, Pressure re-calls the feeling of having ‘made it.’
“After we released The Calling people actually started coming to our shows which was crazy! We did a launch in Adelaide and 2000 people came. 6 months before that we were getting like 200 people to our shows, so we were just like holy shit! That was our turning point.”
The Hoodies have caused a ‘cult reaction’ and those who have attended their live shows will testify to packed venues and entire crowds moving in sync, but what is the secret to the group’s broad appeal, taking them way beyond the fan base of just the hip-hop genre?
“I really don’t know. Our demographic used to be 18 – 25, then it was 15 – 30, and now people are telling me it’s like 10 – 60 so I don’t know what’s going on. It’s pretty awesome though! If you enjoy the music, you enjoy the music, it’s that simple.”
So what’s next for the Hoodies, a new album sometime soon?
“Don’t even talk to me about that yet!”
How about after the Still Standing tour?
“I actually might get to see my girlfriend and hope she remembers who I am!”
After Christmas, the Hoodies are straight back into it, with major appearances at Falls Festival, Sunset Sounds and a string of other festivals.
What‘s Pressure looking forward to the most?
“Sitting on my couch and eating a shit load of turkey and beer.”
With Canberra’s Trackside Festival fast approaching, I take Pressure on a trip down Canberra memory lane.
“Canberra’s cool. We have a soft spot for ANU Bar, it was one of the first gigs that we actually pulled a crowd.”
What’s in-store for their set at Trackside?
“I’m trying to teach DJ Debris how to breathe fire but he’s worried he might singe of his beloved beard, so I don’t think that’s going to happen. Maybe we can get midgets to do stunts? Don’t’ miss it.”
Want to WIN a double pass to Trackside? Simply answer the following question:
Which band are you the most excited about seeing live at Trackside?
Email your answer to [email protected] with Trackside in the subject field. Winners will be notified by email. Competition closed. Winner: Janja Peric.
