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  Mantra Interview
interview 0534 added 28.09.07 words:
Fraksha
technical:
Spoon
I first saw Mantra smashing it up on a Monday evening at the Evelyn and he just stood out head and shoulder’s above everyone else that night. Mantra has a sick flow, but aint one of them rappers that sacrifices lyrics for multi-syllable nonsense and what I really like Mantra is there’s no pretence or front with him. He’s just a safe brer who makes really good honest music.
Please state your name and occupation
Mantra. Emcee.
So tell us a little about yourself and what you're involved in, ‘cos there's Mantra the solo artist, Illzilla, Equills and maybe more??
Yeah there's a bit going on. Illzilla is my main project which is a live band, then I've got a bunch of side projects. I do plenty of shows on my own or with a DJ, and I've also been working with my boys Custom and Wasabi with an aim towards the three of us doing some big shows both here and overseas. So most of my time is going towards writing and recording at the moment, Illzilla's working on an album, but I also do rap workshops and mentorship programs with young people, usually kids who are disadvantaged or at risk in some way.
You have a very engaging live show, is it something you actively work or is its something that just comes natural to you?
I think it’s probably a bit of both. I put a lot of energy and thought into my performances, both on and off stage, but at the same time a lot of what happens on stage just comes out on the night, depending on my mood and the vibe of the crowd.
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I'm not out to rap about my life like I got it tough compared to other people cos I don't
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What do you prefer, recording in the studio or playing live?
Up until recently it was all about playing live for me. Performing my music has always been very important to me. It’s just something I really enjoy, and it gives me a chance to share my ideas with hundreds of people at a time which is dope. That said I've really been feelin the studio thing lately. I've been in the booth a lot with Illzilla and also doing heaps of guest spots so I've really been enjoying the change of scenery from the stage to the studio.
I suppose you could say you're part of almost a third generation of ozhiphop if you were to say 1st gen would be people like AKA Brothers, second would be people like Strut, Pegz etc. Where do you think you fit into the 'scene' over here and how would you say things have changed (if they have) since you first started spitting?
The scene has grown immensely in the time I've been spitting. Its really diverse now, lots of different styles and sounds, which I'm happy about. I think early on the Australian Hip Hop scene was too focused on sounding "Australian", standing out, having its own identity. Whereas now there's a much stronger focus on making good music, music that's interesting and innovative and world class. If you have that, then the culture and identity will evolve in the music, not the other way round.
I've noticed you have a lot more substance to your rhymes than a lot of your peers. What’s important to you when you're writing?
Just that. Substance. I want to create crazy images and pictures that peeps can visualise when they listen to my songs. I also wanna use rap as a platform for social comment, and a way of expressing myself when shit gets hard. Emceeing has got me through a lot of stuff in my life, and got me out of trouble a few times. That said, I realise my problems aren't always unique, so I'm not out to rap about my life like I got it tough compared to other people cos I don't. But I do wanna push my limits as a writer and hopefully help further the art form.
Whats your preference, playing solo, playing with Illzilla or as part of Equills?
I like them all for different reasons. Obviously with Illzilla I get the satisfaction of collaborating with a bunch of very talented musicians, and I guess being able to appeal to a wider audience I wouldn't normally. I like playing solo cos I'm in charge. I can say what I want, how I want, on the beats I want. So it lets me get some of my weirder shit out there. And playin with crews like the Quills I get to jam out with cats I respect and admire, and create a bit of a different sound to the Zilla.
How do you find people's reactions to the live band. I've always thought that to play with a live band would open you up to a whole load of people who otherwise might dismiss what you're doing as 'rap crap' or something...would you say that’s what you've experienced or not really?
Yeah it definitely has. That said I think the live music scene is pretty accepting of Hip Hop nowadays. And because the scene is so communal and supportive, we get a big cross-section of heads coming to shows. Musicians, emcees, party people, Hip Hop heads, all rockin out together. It's great.
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because the scene is so communal and supportive, we get a big cross-section of heads coming to shows
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Who would you tell people to check for who aint heard any oz hip hop?
Onesixth. I've been singing his praises a while now, and he's been playin with the crew a bit lately. Other Aussies that I'm feelin' are Urthboy, Macromantics, Melodics and Astronomy Class. On the production tip check out DJ Wasabi, Custom, Chasm and M-Phazes.
So what’s next for Mantra? Have you got any plans for a solo album soon or any other releases?
Just gonna knuckle down on the Illzilla album. It’s been a long time coming and there's still a lot to do so until that's finished it’s my first priority. But that's not to say a solo album isn't on the cards for the near future.....
Why is Melbourne Australia's best city???
The art. Everywhere you go people are being creative. There's amazing art everywhere. But more specifically, Melbourne's music scene is the best in the country. You can see ridiculously fly music every night of the week regardless of genre. We're home to some of the best musicians and artists on offer.
Any shouts
All the Zilla Heads, anyone reptilian, and anybody holdin' it down for true Hip Hop worldwide. Peace...
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Fraksha
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