Early Bird MC is an up and comer in the Perth hip hop scene and he’s ready to take things to a new level in 2020. This month he’s put out new single 21st Century Blues, and it’s set to be the first of a string of six monthly releases which will culminate in an album, Ultra-truism released mid-year. BRAYDEN EDWARDS caught up with Early Bird MC to find out how he got into the game, the artists and ideas that inspire his songwriting and what people can expect from his upcoming music and live shows.
Congrats on the release of your new single 21st Century Blues, what was it about this track that made you want to put it front and centre with its own release?
This track deserves its own release and feature as the main single from this album because of the energy that went into writing it. The message behind it is something that I feel deeply passionate about. In some ways, this sound encompasses myself as an artist and sets a bit of a tone for the rest of the album. Plus, the beat is huge thanks to beatmaker Dramatic XL over in the UK. And also, the fact that I really love this song. I hope it can reach some people out there and help them deal with their own day to day struggles.
So how did you get into the hip hop game? What do you think came first, a love of the music or the desire to share a message?
I got into the rap game over a long period of time. I have always loved rap but it wasn’t until later in life, like 25 years old that I decided I was really gonna be a rapper. The love for the music has been there long before I even knew what having a message was. Music, especially hip hop, naturally grew for me as a way that I could get my voice heard. Now I like to use my voice for good and try to encourage people to dream big and be the best version of themselves.
And are there any particular artists you feel you have modelled your music on, either deliberately or even in a way you might not have noticed at the time?
Definitely artists like the Beastie Boys, Cypress Hill and Limp Bizkit moulded my style in the beginning. There are so many. If I had to say, it would probably be flows like Snoop Dog, concepts like Eminem, styles and delivery like Jay-Z, metaphors and punch lines like Method Man, wordplays like Redman and grit like Nas, and a little bit of Big Poppa. UK hip hop has been a big influence for me as far as conscious rap goes, artists like Fliptrix and The Four Owls, Life Mc and Jack Jetson have all been influences on my current style.
If there was one song you wish you wrote, what would it be?
I reckon that would probably be The Real Slim Shady. Huge song, one of my favourites. A real benchmark rap song that set the bar for the rest of the world.
And looking forward, what artists either locally or internationally are doing things that are inspiring you right now that might shape your music in the future?
I am usually pretty old school when it comes to hip hop. Lately, I have been listening to artists like 2 Chainz and getting into a bit more trap music and turnt-up trap beats. I have already started working on some new trap music and that is definitely a direction I see myself exploring in the future.
I believe this release is set to just be the beginning of something a whole lot bigger? What plans do you have in the works for 2020?
That is correct. This single is the first cut of my forthcoming album titled Ultra-truism set for release in early June, followed by the album launch party in August. So yeah, big plans. Between now and then I will have a new release every month in the lead-up. Follow Early Bird MC on all socials to stay up to date with releases. The Early Bird MC website will be up and running very soon too, full of all this content and much more so stay tuned for that as well.
Is there a lyrical theme or narrative that ties this string of releases together?
Yes, there is. The overall album itself is a bit of a concept album. Starting off with me quitting my job in construction and chasing my dreams as an artist, and dealing with all the physical, mental and emotional obstacles that come up along the way. There is a diverse mix of styles throughout these releases and across the album.
The underlying theme that ties all these releases and the album together is personal development. Emotional and spiritual growth, turning inward to learn more deeply about our true nature, encouraging people to break free from the socially excepted norms, stepping into our authenticity and also speaking on more taboo subjects like corruption and political illusion. I am quite a philosophical person. On the one hand, my music is full of progressive ideas and thought-provoking concepts. And on the other hand, I love to use humour and lightheartedness to poke fun and have a laugh.
And do you have any more live shows coinciding with the release of this new music that you can tell us about?
After all the digital music releases scheduled for the next six months. In August I am planning to hold the album launch party. I will come back with more info about that a bit closer to the date.
And what’s different about performing live as opposed to recording and producing? What can we expect at an Early Bird MC live show?
That’s a great question. For me when it comes to live shows, it’s very similar to recording in the studio. Every time you step up to the mic, whether it be for one minute or one hour you have to give it your all. When I’m in the studio recording, I am visualising in my head my fans in the crowd singing along with me. When it comes time for me to perform these songs live, I’m right there speaking to each and every person in the crowd. Reaching out to touch them with my music and raising the energy as high as possible, so that when it comes time to leave my show everybody leaves feeling inspired, with a new perspective and ready to tackle any challenge that life might throw at them.
