For EVERYONE who’s been asking what The Rose Tint Deluxe edition is:

It’s a gift from me to all the people who’ve supported this project. At 50,000+ downloads it just felt like it was time we made something for everyone who asked for a physical product they could actually hold. Instead of just puttin out the same shit, we tried our best to make this as much of a collectors item as possible. 2 CD’s, mean packaging, 4 new songs, and an all Instrumental disc for the aspiring artists or anyone who just loved the beats. I feel like there isn’t any rules for this music shit anymore, and next week we’re gonna try and give people a better music buying experience than they’ve had before.

November 14th it begins. #TintSquadNZ >>

U.S.A – Available on iTunes and instore now.

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The official video for “Start Lookin Round”. Directed by Tom Gould & Alexander Richter. Song produced by Dan ‘Exile’ Mawby. No green screens or animated trickery, just a dude from Papatoetoe & the sights of New York City. I’ve been away from home for the majority of the World Cup but you know I had to pay homage to the All Blacks somewhere in the vid. NZ over everything.

The Rose Tint (Deluxe Edition) available November 8th U.S | November 14th NZ/Australia

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Take a fliiiiiick. The official vid for ‘Take A Picture’ directed by Special Problems + Friends.
7 different directors shot on 7 different formats, each with no knowledge of what the others were doing. Cats, raps and minor explosives.

Get the song on iTunes here: U.S.A | N.Z

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“Take A Picture” video online sooner than soon.

Single available on iTunes now. Get it HERE

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Friday 29th July @ Bacco Room in Auckland.

Encore show for everyone who couldn’t get tickets the first time round, don’t get caught slippin this time.

Tickets here: Under The Radar

p.s As of now half the tickets are already gone.

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“Sideline” feat Che Fu.

Shot by Stjohn on a sunny summer’s day in Auckland. No planning, no concepts, no storyboards, just some rapping and singing in our city.

Though I’m unsure why you’d even be reading this if you hadn’t already downloaded it, hit the link to get The Rose Tint if you’re lagging.

Download: The Rose Tint

More soon.

#TintSquad

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Download – Aint Coming Down feat. Buckshot

So here we have it. The Rose Tint – online May 11. I’m excited. Check the bonus track “Ain’t Coming Down” featuring Buckshot and the tracklist below.

Let the world know. NZ up, TintSquad. We’re not fucking around.

p.s Yes it is insane hearing a Buckshot verse on my song. Stoked.

01 Start Looking Round (prod. Dan “Exile” Mawby)
02 Say No More (prod. Fire & Ice)
03 Take a Picture (prod. Fire & Ice)
04 Caught in a Daze feat. Freddie Gibbs (prod. Fire & Ice)
05 Nothing to Do (With You) feat. Pieter T (prod. Fire & Ice)
06 Life Is… (Interlude) (prod. Fire & Ice)
07 Til Tomorrow (prod. Fire & Ice)
08 Ain’t Perfect f. Jordache (prod. Fire & Ice)
09 Sideline f. Che Fu (prod. by Fire & Ice)
10 Dream (prod. Nick “41” Maclaren)
11 Postcard (prod. Fire & Ice)
12 Make Up for It feat. PNC (prod. P-Money)
[Bonus] Ain’t Coming Down feat. Buckshot (prod. Fire & Ice)

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Life Is… (Interlude) by David Dallas

David Dallas x Fire & Ice x David Brent. A train of thought rant with no chorus. This is the “Life is..” (Interlude)

Taken from The Rose Tint, which is coming so soon.

Posting this on a pretty turbulent flight back to New York from L.A. Listening to the lyrics of this, i guess it’s kinda apt.

#TintSquad

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The wheels keep rolling.

Here’s the video for “Caught In A Daze” featuring Freddie Gibbs.

Directed by Askew1, shot in Papatoetoe, South Auckland and Los Angeles, California. Now that’s a juxtaposition.

Stonex to Fairfax… who woulda thought?

Shouts to my dairy for letting me and Jordache post up outside.

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This is probably the most in-depth interview I’ve ever done. Thanks to Renegade House for the questions and Tom Gould for the photos.

Read: The David Dallas Interview @ Renegade House

P.s Anyone who wants to test my theory on SF2 Hyper. Put your 40 cents up.

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Bet you didn’t see this one coming.

David Dallas x Freddie Gibbs x Fire & Ice – “Caught In A Daze”

The Rose Tint coming real soon.

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Have it in ya.

Video by Special Problems.

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Ok mates, I need your help. The Rose Tint is done and we want it to be FREE so as many of you as possible can have it. What we don’t want is to just throw it away online to like 4 people and have it disappear like 85% of hip hop mixtapes – that would be shit and Aaron from Fire & Ice would probably want to fight me for wasting his good beats.

So here’s the deal, we need you and all your mates to go to the band page - http://www.facebook.com/DavidDallasMusic and hit like. That’s all.

You’ll get it first when it drops, and as a reward for your mouse clicking prowess, as soon as we get it to 5000 likes we’re going to start releasing content from The Rose Tint.

Beginning with the “Til Tomorrow” video directed by Special Problems.

Let’s go.

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Check this new Buff 1 vid featuring myself, produced by P-Money and shot by Askew here in Auckland New Zealand. Vids poppin up all over the place (XXL, 2DopeBoyz etc), pretty wicked considering we wrote/recorded the song on the spot while Buff was here and shot a visual for it on a whim the next day.

Moral of the story, it’s good to just go with the flow sometimes.

Download: Buff 1 feat. David Dallas – “Eyes on Success” [Produced by P-Money]

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David Dallas – “Sideline” feat. Che Fu [Download]

This one’s for you N.Z

Thanks to everyone for the support and kind words around everything that’s been happening in the U.S. I know it’s been a long wait to hear some new stuff, hopefully we’ve made something worthy of addition to your summer BBQ soundtrack.

Produced by Fire & Ice, shouts to the living legend Che Fu, P-Money, Toma, 20man and Evan Short.

I’m bout to pack my suitcase and catch the flight home now. If you dig it, please feel free to share the song round, and holla at me on Facebook too.

Can’t wait to get home, see my girl, eat some decent food, and hopefully hear this song playin out the window of someones Corolla.

Shot bros

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Here’s the first video documenting what we’ve been up to here in New York. Empty ass apartment, fucked up stairwells, chicken and waffles, all that good stuff.

It’s a long way from home.

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… if yours does too, allow this chick to school you up using the lyrics of “Indulge Me”.

This is one of the most random/awesome finds ever. Props to Che for spotting it.

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Slow on the updates at the mo folks,  if you follow me on Facebook, Twitter or you’ve just been looking at the Flickr pics in the right hand column you might have noticed that I’m in New York at the moment – working hard so I’ll have something worth talking to you about on here, haha.

Here’s a video recap from the G-Shock ‘Shock The World’ event that went down just before I took off. Had a mean time with all my mates, Just Blaze tore shit down and for my money I’d say it was the party of the year… just quietly.

If you were in attendance you may just catch yourself in here:

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Tomorrow night.

Just Blaze, David Dallas, Computers Want Me Dead.

135 Halsey Street. Auckland.

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Answered a couple of questions for the NZ Herald Time Out section the other day.

Friday Night Drinks? Meet me at:
Malt, Grey Lynn.

Where I’ll be wearing my new:
I don’t get new clothes these days, that’s why I just go to Malt – it’s local.

And this weekend I’m planning on:
Playing Halo Reach and Super Street Fighter 4 on Xbox Live. Best way to unwind.

But first i need to refuel at my favourite cafe:
Dizengoff, Ponsonby Rd.

Saturday evening. If my dreams came true, there would be a gig by:
OutKast.

On my stereo/headphones right now is:
Deuces (Remix) by Chris Brown feat. Drake, Kanye West, T.I., Fabolous, Andre 3000 & Gucci Mane.

The book I can’t put down is:
The last book I read was Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. That was a year ago. It was good though.

The TV show I take the phone off the hook for is:
Darker Than Black.

A non-cooking Monday night means takeaways from:
Any takeaways I didn’t eat from the night before is all good.

Or a splash-out Wednesday night restaurant would be:
I don’t really know any flash restaurants. Nishiki suits me and the Mrs just fine.

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Been caught in a daze over the last couple, but it’s time to give thanks.

Something Awesome took home the honors for Best Urban/Hip Hop album at the 2010 New Zealand Music Awards last week. I don’t do this stuff for awards, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t super stoked to see my friends, family and the people who’ve supported me happy. That shit rules, I’m very grateful.

I was a bit lost when I gave my speech because I wasn’t expecting it and was trying not to think about it as I had to perform straight after, so I just wanna make sure I mention the key people who made this project what it is:

Che, Leilani, Fire & Ice, Forty One, Evan Short, P-Money, Special Problems, Toma, Niko, PNC, Young Sid, Mz J, Aaradhna, Callum August, Ingrid Round, NZ on Air, my family AND all my people who’ve been following this site and my solo career over the last few years. There were times when this was the only thing I had going on – period.  I appreciate your support to the utmost.

THANK YOU

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Live from the 2010 VNZMAs.

Update: Looks like MediaWorks put the clamps on YouTube. But you can check it HERE

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Can’t lie, this gave me a fright.

This party’s gonna be epic.

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First show of the mini tour 2moro night @ Soho in Gisborne.

Be there.

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First off my sincere thanks to all of you who purchased T-shirts – I figured the demand for them seemed good from all your comments on the first post but we actually ended up making about 4 times as many T-shirts as I was expecting. Fucken awesome, but it also means I have to sincerely apologise as they took a lot longer to get made. As seen in the picture above we finished off sending the last of the T-shirts this morning so as we speak ALL your T-shirts are en route to your various homes, businesses, countries. Hope you all enjoy.

Please send us some photos when you get your tees, I wanna see them getting rocked. If it’s funny/cool or you’re hot you might win a prize. Hit us up: daviddallasmerch@gmail.com

Shouts to Callum, Talia, Lani and Will for creating a monster. If you missed out, don’t fret – email us at daviddallasmerch@gmail.com so that we can contact you as soon as we’re taking orders again. New prints on the way and the return of an old fave.

ps: I put a collectors item in the packages for the first 10 people who ordered, if you ordered on the first day – that could be you.

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In between finishing up work on my new project, I’m doing a couple of special shows outside of Auckland. I never got to hit up the whole country after Something Awesome dropped so it’s good to be ticking some spots off the list. Expect to hear all that Something Awesome-ness, and some sneak peeks of this new stuff I’ve been working on. I figure you guys can help me test it out, see if it’s good or not.

Probably won’t be back for a minute so if you’re anywhere near these spots, come through. Let’s do it up.

• September 11 @ Soho, Gisborne
• September 17 @ Blue Pub, Methven
• September 18 @ Concrete Club, Christchurch

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Orders been coming in fast for the Ddot tees. Thanks to everyone who’s hit us up. Remember when paying for your order to include the reference number we sent you so that we know who the moneys coming from.

If you’re still after one, remember you’ve only got till 5pm tomorrow(19/08) to get your order in. Do it up!

• Send an email to daviddallasmerch@gmail.com with the colour you want, your size and your address. We’ll email you back the bank a/c number and a reference to use for your deposit.
• Orders have to be in by 5pm next Thursday (19/08) i.e a week from now.
• As long as you’ve deposited your money by Friday(20/08) your T-shirt will be sent out the following Wednesday. Too easy.

Mens and Womens Tees available. Men sizes S – 2XL. Women size S – L

All T-shirts are $45, postage INCLUDED (within NZ). Shipping to Australia T-shirts will be $50, postage INCLUDED.

All T-shirts are black. All officially tagged as seen in the photo above.

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Once again it’s on

The stakes have officially been raised for this edition of Mean As. Straight out of Ann Arbor, Michigan we bring you outlandishly good MC: Buff 1

Picked as one of URB magazine’s next 100, Buff has worked with everyone from Black Milk and Elzhi(Slum Village) to Mr Porter. Hailing from the same crew that gave the world renaissance man Mayer Hawthorne, Buff’s pedigree would make DMX bark and send Michael Vick back to jail.

Also on the bill are local legend P-Money(in full hip hop mode), Trueschool’s CheKamikaze,and reknowned producer duo turned DJ duo Fire & Ice.

Hosted by David Dallas who will also perform alongside Buff, this is a night NOT to be missed.

Everything’s history in the making, only some of it’s worth showing up for.

Meanage.

RSVP here

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Ok peeps. You guys asked for them in the last post so here’s your chance to score some tees. We’ll be making these T-shirts to order so if you want in here’s what you gotta do:

• Send an email to daviddallasmerch@gmail.com with the colour you want, your size and your address. We’ll email you back the bank a/c number and a reference to use for your deposit.
• Orders have to be in by 5pm next Thursday (19/08) i.e a week from now.
• As long as you’ve deposited your money by Friday(20/08) your T-shirt will be sent out the following Wednesday. Too easy.

Mens and Womens Tees available. Men sizes S – 2XL. Women size S – L

All T-shirts are $45, postage INCLUDED (within NZ). Shipping to Australia T-shirts will be $50, postage INCLUDED.

All T-shirts are black. All officially tagged as seen in the photo above.

There’s NO other stock, so the T-shirts that people order will be the only ones that exist until we can afford to do another run. Ha.

Ddot White

Ddot Yellow

Ddot Blue

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Gonna be available when I get back,  you want one? Let me know peeps.

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Shouts to all the peeps who came through to Mean As on Friday, twas Mean As indeed. Yup, I know I been quiet on here – but it’s all with good reason. Songs are being wrote, demos are being made. Shouts to Jordache, Toma, Twentyman and the suburb of Avondale. Thought I’d quickly check in, as I’m off to Japan in the morning. Taking a little break with the Mrs, before it gets relentless around here. On another note, if you haven’t already – pick yourself up a copy of the latest issue of Pilot. Your boy is featured in the friends section amongst your mates Samantha Hayes and Collin off Top Model.

Also if you’ve picked up an issue of Real Groove in the last 6 months, you mighta seen me talking shit about various video games as their resident reviewer. I figured I needed something that wasn’t music related to occupy my time – dangerous ground tho, as it sometimes occupies too much. As of right now if you’re looking for some entertainment advice, I’d recommend Mario Galaxy 2 on the Wii, download Limbo if you’re up on Xbox Live Arcade, and Modnation Racers if you’re a PS3 dude.

But yeah, better get back to packing. Tokyo awaits.

Much thanks to all you peeps who stay up on the site and what I’m up to, appreciate it to the utmost!

Big news soon.

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This looks to be the goods bro. Check it out, and try not to jab any of those annoying Dilla saved my life t-shirt wearing types who decided they like rap yesterday.

Timeless: The Composer/Arranger Series is the name of a concert series that was created in homage to the composer/arrangers who have influenced hip-hop in the most literal and profound ways. Timeless was conceived by production house Mochilla in Los Angeles during February and March 2009 and included the performances of over 150 musicians in front of ecstatic sold out crowds. These three historic events were recorded and filmed in exacting detail with Mochilla’s unmistakable style.

The screening will be a 2hr long mix of scenes of all three films in the TIMELESS DVD concert series:

•SUITE FOR MA DUKES – a full orchestra tribute to the late great J Dilla w/ all benefits going to his mother, Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey. the concert was conducted by legendary LA radio DJ, Carlos Nino, and led by string maestro, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson – it also features appearances from Dwele, Bilal, Karriem Riggins, and Common among others.

•ARTHUR VEROCAI – legendary Brazilian songwriter/producer/performer. His 1972 self-titled debut was a forgotten treasure turned crate digger’s dream. It has since been sampled by the likes of 9TH WONDER, MF DOOM, JNEIRO JAREL & countless others. It was re-released in 2003 on Ubiquity Records to critical acclaim.

•MULATU ASTATKE – influential Ethiopian jazz musician/arranger. His 1972 LP, Mulatu Of Ethiopia, has been a longtime favorite among record collectors & jazz connoisseurs alike. He has a newfound current audience after his music was prominently featured in Jim Jarmusch’s 2005 film, BROKEN FLOWERS, starring Bill Murray – and has also been sampled by some of hip-hop’s finest, the most well-known of which being NAS & DAMIAN MARLEY’s “As We Enter.” He’s also recently collaborated with Now-Again Records recording artists, THE HELIOCENTRICS, and released an album together on Strut Records’ Inspiration Information series.

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Mean As 2 coming thru!

The crew returns for a back to the essence celebration of urban music that isn’t wack.

New songs from the NEW David Dallas project, Che Kamikaze and Fire & Ice on the wheels of steel(AKLiens) and a special DJ set from PNC. If you’ve been round his house when the drinks are flowing you’d know – the bro knows how to choose a song or two.

It’s gonna be epic, it’s gonna be true, it’s gonna be real.

“Tat tat tat what the fuck?!?”

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The good folk at Couch Sessions hooked me up for an interview. I spoke on some stuff I don’t think I’ve really touched on before too. You can check it out here

Shouts to Yvette and Whitnass.

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About a week or so back, we had the good fortune of having Neil Amstrong grace our fine shores for the Adidas Originals Block Party. I’d got to hang with Neil when we played a party together in Sydney late last year so it was good to chill with him again as he’s one of the most down to earth, nice guys you’ll come across – alongside the fact he’s authored a couple of my fave mixtapes ever. If you haven’t already heard the party was next level – thanks in no small part to the good people at Adidas, Vice, Qubic and Showroom 22. Here’s a wicked video recap of his whirlwind trip here brought to you by the Qubic crew and Sean Wallace. Your boy pops in for a cameo too.

Shouts once again to Adidas for putting it on and looking after a bro.

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Here’s the new Dkonz vid featuring ya boy. Produced by Twice as Nice, vid by Askew.

Ooosh.

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Following on from the last post about “Til Tomorrow” topping the Hype Machine’s twitter chart, a couple days later it went top 5 on their Popular chart. Which is even more rad as it’s based on the public voting(hearts) for the song, with everyones votes being equal as opposed to the Twitter chart which can be swayed by people tweeting who have a big “twitter influence” i.e lots of followers.

In more news according to We Are Hunted, Til Tommorow is one of the 99 most popular emerging songs in the world, and your boy is one of the 99 most popular emerging artists in the world. Not too shabby I reckon. For those unfamiliar with We Are Hunted:

We Are Hunted is the Online Music Chart.

We listen to what people are saying about artists and their music on blogs, social networks like Facebook and MySpace, message boards and forums, Twitter and P2P networks to chart the top songs online everyday.

A new Top of the Pops

In the physical world, charts are built on shipped albums. Online charts have been a simple count of digital downloads. We Are Hunted is different. We discover new music from around the web and detect sentiment, expression and advocacy to understand what people like and dislike.

Rose Tint.

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The “Big Time” video has been nominated in the best Hip Hop/Urban category at this years JuiceTV awards. I would tell you all to go and vote for it, but it appears voting has already closed – LOL.

Ahhh well, good lesson to be learnt here – don’t procrastinate. And also, creating art is it’s own reward.

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As of now, “Til Tomorrow” is the #1 song on The Hype Machine’s Twitter charts. Pretty crazy! Shouts to everyone who’s tweeted about it/blogged about it and to The Smoking Section for featuring the song.

For those unfamiliar with the Hype Machine:

To put it simply, the Hype Machine keeps track of what music bloggers write about. We handpick a set of kickass music blogs and then present what they discuss for easy analysis, consumption and discovery. This way, your odds of stumbling into awesome music or awesome blogs are high.

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Spent last Tuesday out in Rewa with the Deceptikonz filming a vid for their upcoming album “Evolution”. Was hardcase as, and being that the boys had been shooting vids for the 3 days prior(?!) they’re bout to unleash an extravaganza. If you’re an O.G Dkonz fan you’re gonna really like the direction they’ve taken with this album.

Check the intro vid below:

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Life is a funny beast. Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down. The worst day ever can be salvaged by a tidbit of good news, alternatively everything can be going swell then come crashing down in an instant.

Regardless, we all look to tomorrow with some hope that it might be better than the day before it.

Jordache from Fire & Ice had been looping up this Ratatat song(“Loud Pipes”) when I was over his house to pick up some beats. I wasn’t familiar with the song prior, but I dug it straight away. I don’t really know why but it reminded me of Dead Prez “Hip Hop”. After picking out some actual beats I still had some space on a CD, so I told him to chuck that ‘Ratatat loop’ on the disc and rolled out. Couple months later when I should have been working on an actual project, ‘Ratatat loop’ popped up on my iTunes and in trademark fashion I procrastinated on doing what I was supposed to and wrote this.

Til Tommorow.

Motivational speaking by David Brent.

Til Tomorrow by DdotDallas

Download: David Dallas – “Til Tomorrow”

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David Dallas – Front2Back (Goonie Hodges Remix) by Haz’Beats is GoonieHodges

Damn – the site has borderline been turning into just a gig guide with the lack of updates ay? Time to get back to the music for sure. The bro Haz’Beats a.k.a Goonie Hodges hooked up this dope remix of Front To Back a wee while back. Mean.

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Mean As

For many in Auckland, being a fan of “urban” music ain’t easy. Sometimes you don’t want to go to a club and hear guys who sound like robots harping on about Patron and shawtys ALL night. Alternatively,  it can be hard to actually have a good time and stay awake through a whole night of obscure conscious raps over some jazz loops. All things in moderation they say – so for the people that can appreciate Slum Village AND Snoop Dogg, people who like D’Angelo who don’t hate every song that’s on the Radio or TV, or people who wanna hear the new shit they just downloaded off Nah Right in a club – once every month, we’re gonna try and do something Mean.

Shucks… we might even play a 2Pac song that ISN’T “How Do You Want It” or “California Love”.

Featuring Live Performances from:

David Dallas
Vince Harder(Acoustic Set… you don’t wanna miss this)
Spycc

DJ’s:

Fire & Ice
Dj PayDirt
Dj Mouli

& special guest
P-Money

To top it off we’ll be having a Street Fighter Hyper Comp with the winner scoring themself a copy of the brand new Super Street Fighter 4 which drops the end of this month.

Too mean.

Mean As
May 7th @ Khuja
Doors open 10 pm

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I think I’ve played in Wellington once in the last 2 years. As is often the case when you leave things to fate, not much happens at all.

Instead of waiting to get my next invite to rap in the capital I figured we’d come down and put our own show on. I invited Home Brew along for the ride, to make the people who hate Auckland even madder. My bro Percieve will also be rockin it, he’s got dreads, is from Otaki and still manages to be rad. We don’t discriminate.

No brainer.

April 10th at Watusi
6 Edward Street
Te Aro

Doors at 10pm.
Tickets $15 at the door.

Note, the place is small so don’t miss out.

… yes that Nintendo is in Welli colours.

Poster design by: http://www.marxdesign.co.nz/

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If you weren’t already familiar with The Kid Daytona, I recommend you become so. I first came across him around this time last year via his song “Lately”, and upon hearing it was instantly sold. To me he’s reminscent of a Reasonable Doubt era Jay-Z, check “Lately” and his single “Air Born” featuring Bun B and if you’re feelin those I suggest you get your hands on his free album “Come Fly With Me”. Mean.

Whilst in Austin we had a chance to chill with Daytona as shown in the vid above. Real cool dude, he killed us when he said they think of the Bush Whackers when someone mentions New Zealand. Vince Mcmahon and the WWF scarred us for life with that – LOL.

Shouts to Daytona and Owen

p.s Got up on Nah Right even.. ooosh.

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Quick update from me, as I’m just snatchin a couple minutes on Che’s laptop. If you weren’t aware, I’ve been in the U.S for the last week. Spent the last 5 days at SXSW havin the mean time, performed on Friday night and spent the rest of the time checkin out shows from pretty much every emerging rapper of note. I bought only my phone out with me for internet purposes, so I’ve been keepin in touch with the world via Twitter and Facebook updates. Add me on those if you wanna be kept more in the loop with what I’m up to… or to hear me randomly talk shit.

Above is a vid of myself and Michigan’s finest Buff 1 performing the “Front to Back” remix at SXSW, below is a vid of “Big Time”. Both brought to you courtesy of The Smoking Section and official stand up dude – Gotty. Salute. I’m in New York for the next couple of days then I’ll be heading home where I can give you’s the full run down.

Shot

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Girls T-shirts will also be available next week from Closet.

Shouts to Jay Brown once again.

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I like clothes to be functional, clean and simple – so I tried to make something that I’d actually wear and that you could easily fit into an outfit, as opposed to some big gimmicky print. The lettering was taken from the blackboard montage in the Something Awesome artwork, and was drawn by my niece Tiana Miller. Proud uncle here.

Guys T-shirts will be available from Closet next week.

Shouts to Jay Brown for the shots.

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He’s back.

Here’s the new P-Money video featuring myself and the talented Aaradhna – directed by Brett Nichols. All in all this was a pretty cruisey shoot for me, shouts to the whole crew and P who had to do the actual work to make it happen. Too much.

Shouts to ABC, Adidas Skate and Qubic on the threads.

Song is at radio now so if you dig it make sure to call and txt your radio station to request it up. Shot mates!

Single will be available March 22nd. Ooosh.

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Soon!

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If you follow me on Twitter you’re probably aware I was shooting a video earlier this week. I’m not gonna speak too much on it till it’s nearer completion, but I will say it was fun. Following that, I was in the booth yesterday at Dawnraid’s new recording spot. You should be seeing the fruits of that labour soon too so keep an ear out. The new Dkonz album is sounding hard btw … pause.

What else? I’ve written a bunch of new stuff in the last fortnight and I also picked up some new gadgets recently so some in studio uStream action shall be taking place very soon – I actually thought we were gonna do some stuff today but our engineer’s computer has contracted some infections. Fuck viruses.

Keep your eyes on my Twitter over the next while and I’ll let you’s know when a live stream is goin down. Shotty

p.s T-shirts have been made

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Something Awesome has been announced as one of the 5 finalists for the inaugural Taite Music Prize. More info about the prize:

The concept for the Taite music prize has taken inspiration from successful international music prize formats such as the Mercury Prize in the U.K., the AMP in Australia, The Prix Constantin in France and the Polaris Music Prize in Canada.

The prize purpose is to recognize outstanding creativity for an entire collection of music contained on one album.

In our inaugural year a New Zealand artist or group will be awarded The Taite Music Prize, receiving a cash prize in acknowledgment of the best full length New Zealand album released in 2009, regardless of genre, sales or record label.

Finalists:

• David Dallas – Something Awesome
• The Checks – Alice by the Moon
• Keretta – Vilayer
• Lawrence Arabia – Chant Darling
• Shapeshifter – The System is a Vampire

Flattering stuff, shouts to the other finalists. Oh yeah, if you catch Nightline tonight you might see a quick interview with your boy.

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Mean!

First Place: Cat Wedding by Michael Ramirez

Why: I just love the idea of this. Animals behaving like humans will always be hilarious to me.

Second Place: Hayse Kopa-Tamihana.

Why: I’m not even usually into this sort of stuff, but this just looks dope to me. The colours and style – fresh.

Third Place: Marshall Cullen

Why: The alien with his hands up firing his gun. Awesome.

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Shouts to Vodafone for making life a little easier.

All you Vodafone peeps can now simply text David to 5483 to pick up “I Get The Feelin” and a bunch of my other tracks. How mean is that?? Mean as I recks. This is particularly great for people like my Mum, who’s only just grasped the concept of having an address book in her phone.

“No mum, you don’t have to remember everyones number and dial it in everytime…”

Apologies also for not announcing the winners of the drawing comp yet, I had some deadlines creep up on me – my bad. However,  all will be revealed Tuesday 2nd Feb. Lock it in!

“I Get The Feelin” available on Vodafone now: txt David to 5483

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Mean.

“I Get The Feelin” is now up to #3 on the iTunes hip hop chart, and in turn “Something Awesome” is sitting at #1 on their hip hop albums chart. Thank you to everyone who’s been supporting the tune! Owe you’s a beer for sure.

In other news, we’ll be announcing the winners for the drawing contest at the start of next week. Rest assured it’s hard work trying to pick them, there’s so much stuff that I dig. Stay tuned..

“I Get The Feelin” available NOW: iTunes | Vodafone | Amplifier

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Ha, this should be comedy. Roll through Ponsonby if you’re in the area to catch some free tunes and some free food. Sounds like a mean way to spend a Thursday evening to me, especially for those hitting the clubs after.

Shotty

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The bro P-Money just emancipated this over on his blog. Switch ups on the beat from P, all new verses from me. Best of all – it’s free. Solid!

P-Money featuring Vince Harder & David Dallas – Love Alone Remix

[See post to listen to audio]

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Mint – “I Get The Feelin” is starting to make a mark thanks to you’s.

Much props to anyone who’s gone out and picked it up or requested/voted for it on radio. As of now it’s sittin at #8  #7 on the iTunes hip hop chart. It also just had the best week at radio for any of my singles to date, which is rad news. If your favourite station is still sleeping though, requests that shit up!

On and up for the 2010.

“I Get The Feelin” available NOW: iTunes | Vodafone | Amplifier

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First things first, I’d like to wish all you folk a Merry Xmas/Happy New Year and also a safe holiday season. Have fun, don’t do dumb shit and we’ll all be fine. Secondly whether you just discovered my music/the site recently or you’ve been holdin it down here since we started – much thanks. I appreciate your support and the fact that we’re making a little community here. It’s awesome hearing from you guys and as I’ve said before it’s encouraged me knowing that there’s people actually interested in what I’m doing. That’s mint – props to ya’s.

Reflectin on my 09, it was a pretty dece year – much better than my 08 was that’s for sure,  fingers crossed the upward trend continues next year. Personal highlight was puttin out an album I was totally happy with, from the music itself, to the singles we released, to the vids/artwork etc…  it’s the most satisfied I’ve been with any project I’ve worked on. Much thanks go to my team for helping me do that, shot guys.  Doin my first shows in the U.S, and finally crackin into those U.S sites I read everyday was also massive for me(of course the Kanye thing). Still guts about the cloud of death that seemed to hang over the last 12 months though… but what can ya do. Just remember to enjoy your time with your loved ones, 09 was the biggest reminder to not take that shit for granted so I’m mad grateful that I get to spend another xmas with my old man. R.I.P to all those we’ve lost.

Looking forward, I had a realisation this week that I’m gonna have to get fucken BUSY through January if I’m gonna be able to do the things I’ve got planned for next year. I’m sure I’ll get some semblance of a Summer break in, but writing and recording is gonna be the main agenda for the start of 010.  Let me know what you guys wanna see/know about behind the scenes and I’ll see if I can hook up some footage/photos whatever.. shit maybe we’ll even get on our uStream shit and  broadcast a session or somethin ?? Whatevs!  T-Shirts are coming too, I hope you guys are down to buy them/rock them cause if you weren’t .. that would be pretty shit. Ha.

Gigs wise you catch me in Gisborne on the 1st @ those rawkus as BW Campgrounds, and @ Matakana Island on the 16th. I’ll also probably pop into the BDO to catch my bro PNC’s set, and to see The Temper Trap play “Sweet Disposition” – I love that shit. I wanna put on our own party like we did with the “Off 2 The States” gig sometime soon too, but more details on that once it’s finalised. Should be a mean summer!

And finally,  “I Get The Feelin” is startin to pick up at Radio and TV now so you guys need to get out there and request/vote for it so we can “Push it to the limit” as Ricky Ross would say. I hear it’s just garnered a daytime add on The Edge, which would make it the first song of mine that’s done that – wicked. Go show your favourite stations love and  put the word in, lets do this so we don’t have to keep hearin bad JR Rotem productions and that rude as Fireflies song. Haha

Merry Xmas!

Vote/Request for “I Get The Feelin” here:

• The Edge
• Mai Fm
• Flava

Single available NOW: iTunes | Vodafone | Amplifier

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Much thanks to everyone who entered the Something Awesome drawing contest. We got HEAPS of entries, and to think I was a bit worried about whether the contest would get a response. I’m so amped on all the stuff we got too – so much cool shit. We’ll be busy trying to pick a winner over the holiday period so stay tuned.

p.s Man we should exhibit all the entries at a gig or somethin ….

Click the link to see a few more drawings:

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Yusssss.

The “I Get The Feelin” single bundle is now available on iTunes, Vodafone, and Amplifier. The bundle includes:

1. I Get The Feelin feat. Niko
2. I Get The Feelin (Instrumental)
3. I Get The Feelin (Acapella)
4. Front To Back Remix feat. Buff 1

I think it’d make for a good xmas present for your loved ones, plus you pickin it up means I can get xmas presents for mine. That’s a win win right there… and yes, Front To Back Remix has all new raps. Choice.

“I Get The Feelin” single available NOW: iTunes | Vodafone | Amplifier

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Ha

The response thus far to the Something Awesome Drawing Contest has been “awesome” for lack of a better word. Been checkin in on the entries and there’s all sorts of stuff. Some imaginative, some artistic, some straight up funny – exactly what we were hoping for. The deadline is midnight this Sunday so keep them coming, and check back over the next few days as we’ll be showing a few more of the entries – could be yours.

Much thanks to everyone who’s submitted something – too much!

Click the link below to check out a couple more of the entries:

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This is where you needa be if you’re in Sydney.

I’ll be playing at the Beach Rd Hotel in Bondi around 11, and at Melt in Kings Cross around 1. Let’s do it.

• Dec11: Sydney, NSW – Beach Road Hotel
  
• Dec 11: Sydney, NSW – Melt
  

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Here we have it!

Directed by Special Problems. Many thanks to Joel, Cam, Crichton and Che for all their work. Massive props also go out to Niko and Ngahuia for being superstars. Solid.

Song is available now from:

iTunes | Vodafone | Amplifier | Telecom

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“World premiiiiiiiiere, world premiiiiiiiiiiere..” © Swizz Beats

Yup yup, tune in to c4 Select Live from 4pm today to catch the premiere of the “I Get The Feelin” video.

It’s on.

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Yes, that’s the artwork.

“I Get The Feelin” has been serviced to radio this week,  so it’d be solid if you could all go out and request it on your preferred radio station. I feel like it’s a nice tune for the airwaves this summer don’t you?

In other news, the single is now available via Amplifier, and will be up on all digital retailers(iTunes, Vodafone etc) by end of next week at the latest. Why would you get the single if you’ve got the album I hear you ask? Because the single pack includes the instrumental, acapella, and also the brand new Front To Back Remix featuring U.S artist Buff 1. New verses from me and Buff – I rate it.

And finally… the “I Get The Feelin” video will be premiering THIS FRIDAY on C4′s Select. I’ll be up in the studio to have a chat about the vid and the drawing contest so make sure you tune in from 4 pm.

Meanage.

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Man.. I’m hyped on this!

Hitting Sydney next week for a couple gigs.  On Friday night I’ll be playing at the event pictured above. Stoked that I’m gonna get to see Neil Armstrong -  I’ve been a big fan of his since Che schooled me up on him via some mixtape hand me downs(funnily enough everyone I showed those mixtapes to went on to become big fans also). If you aren’t familiar with any of his mix efforts and know of him only as Jay-Z’s tour DJ, familiarise yourself here courtesy of TSS.

I’ll also be performing in Bondi on Friday night before-hand, so if you’re in Sydney there ain’t no excuse to not catch me! Be good to see some of you’s there, spread the word.

*I’ll update with the performance times soon as I get the word …

Friday Dec 11: Sydney – Melt
Friday Dec 11: Sydney – Bondi Beach Road Hotel

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Draw Something Awesome win Something Awesome

This is a themed drawing contest, the theme being “something awesome”. To enter the competition simply submit a drawing of something which YOU think is awesome. This is entirely up to your perception and your idea of “awesome”, there is no right or wrong. The possibilities are endless, examples could include a time travelling car, Soulja Boy, a brick, a cat wearing roller-skates, your mum – just to name a few.

Stoked

I’ve been messing with the idea of doing a contest on the site for ages, but I wanted the entrants to do something creative as opposed to just an “email the answer to this question” type deal. The idea of having a music based contest for the producers/rappers crossed my mind, but being that a good majority of the people that frequent the site aren’t musicians I felt it excluded too many of the readers.. and I wanted this to be as inclusive as possible. Enter the “Something Awesome” drawing contest.

“I can’t draw!” I hear you say. That’s all good, neither can I. In the same way that someone who’s technically a great rapper doesn’t always make the good songs, we won’t be looking for the person who can draw the best. It’s all about your idea of what “awesome” is and conveying it. If it’s funny enough, clever enough, or artistic enough to catch our interest more than the others – you will win.

What you waiting for? Contest details and full list of prizes here: www.daviddallas.co.nz/contest

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Wow

“Big Time” video got posted up on Kanye’s blog. Crazy huh? Our boys Special Problems are on a roll.

In more “Big Time” news hop on over to the Aye-Bro site and check out all the cool remixes dudes are submitting for their competition. If you’re keen to enter just follow the instructions here, entries close on the 29th. After which I shall be picking a winner. Props to all the dudes that have entered already and to Harris for puttin the comp on, that shit is cool.

We’ll actually be having a contest of a different sort starting right here next week, more on that tommorow though. I gotta finish up this song I’m working on then have a beer.

Shotty

p.s “I Get The Feelin” at Radio and TV next week!

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Che actually shot a lot of behind the scenes video using one of those “Flip” cams (they’re bad boy btw) but we didn’t actually take any stills. So I just did a couple screen grabs from some of the footage to give you guys a sneak peek of what went on. I think it’s safe to say this was possibly the most fun I’ve had on a video shoot, primarily because most of the downtime was spent versing Joel in games of Skate. In other news, if the 2 plaid wearing gentleman in the shots look familiar perhaps you saw them on the 6pm news last Friday.

It appears the rest of the world is realising our buds Special Problems are pretty awesome at this video/design shit. Kanye took to his blog to say how “fucken amazing” their most recent vid is, they just did the first single for Wolfmother’s new album, and this Midnight Juggernauts vid they did is also incredible. Here’s hoping I can still get a vid out of them once Kanye comes a knocking, lol.

Salute.

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Got an interview over at Format Magazine’s site,  they feature a lot of great stuff so I’m definitely in good company. 

Interview covers stuff a lot of you guys will know but there’s still some interesting questions(p.s I meant Prodigy from Mobb Deep, as opposed to The Prodigy of “Firestarter” fame. Ha).

Check it here

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For now, I gotta get back to movin couches. I’ll try get some snaps from the shoot up later in the week so check back soon.

Shotty.

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Just to let you know it wasn’t all just partying and celeb spotting over in the States, below is a review of my showcase taken from the CMJ website. You can check the full write up over there.

Meanwhile, the act that followed was a bit of a stronger one. David Dallas, another Auckland, New Zealander (damn, they are edgy over there), boasted fantastic energy and stage presence, and had the crowd grooving in waves. If you came to the Red Bull Space for a full-fledged club vibe, David Dallas assured you that you were in the right place. His rhymes had a direct and impactful energy and assurance, with a sunnier, classic hip-hop energy. In terms of soulful delivery, this guy has got it. There is definitely a touch of early Kanye influence in there (pre-egomania and award swiping), so let’s hope Dallas keeps it that way. His was an impressive set.

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I ain’t even gonna get into the obligatory “sorry, I’ve been away” blog post cause you all know my reasons – rest assured, I’ve been workin.

I just got back from the U.S. this weekend, admittedly I did have internet access over there but I didn’t feel like writing some half-ass ramblings in the apartment when I coulda been out doin shit in Manhattan. Time was limited, and there was experiences to be had.

All in all it was a mental trip, which I could go on and on about but I’m just gonna go ahead and mention some of the random highlights.

• Whilst walking back from getting a slice of pizza at 4 a.m(hangover prevention measure) we bumped into Adrien Grenier (a.k.a Vincent Chase from Entourage) about a block up from our apartment. Admittedly he was trying to bounce out quick when he noticed fans approachin, but once he heard our accents he and his friends were intrigued as to what the fuck we were doin there. Jordache was yellin out “Aquaman” and Che was as excited as I’ve ever seen him. He proceeded to state how much he loves Entourage, hand him a copy of my album and tell him how it was the shit. Adrien then got his friend to film us talkin shit for some upcoming doco he’s doing – comedy.

• After my showcase in Williamsburg, we found out Just Blaze was spinnin at a club walking distance from our apartment. This shit was a no brainer so we rolled over with our friend Aroha. As you’d expect we got there and the place was rammed, bouncer wasn’t lettin noone in – let alone a party consisting of 4 dudes and a chick. Aroha wasn’t having it though, so she rolled up and had a word to him – once again the accent caused him to be a bit more lenient than he would have been. She followed this up by mentioning she worked for Serato and it was a done deal .. NZ in the building! Walking inside a club in N.Y to “Shook Ones” was one thing, but when we hit the bar and “Give Up The Goods” dropped I damn near lost my mind. To top this off, I swear the club looked like the “Quiet Storm” vid… red lights and all that. Fucken solid. Oh yeah, if you ever get the chance to see Just Blaze live, I’d suggest you attend.

• The night before we were leaving New York, I made a call and found out that our accom in L.A had fallen through. Me and my cousin had mixed the dates up and he would be in Vegas for the majority of our stay there. Could’ve been crisis time but Callum was in effect on Expedia and within 15 minutes we’d booked a hotel by L.A.X and a rental car. Flew out from N.Y the next morning, landed in L.A picked up one of them Chrysler P.T Cruisers(which Che would manage to crash later, LOL) from the rentals place and stopped off at the hotel. It was suprisingly rather plush. After a quick freshen up we were off to the infamous Do-Over party in Hollywood.  The Do-Over is a long running weekly party held over the Summer in L.A. It’s held on Sundays from 2 till 10 p.m(?!),  outdoor, AND it serves food. The guests are kept a mystery every week, and everyone from Peanut Butter Wolf to A-trak has spun at it. Just to give you an idea of how buzzy America is, we arrived and the first person we saw step out of the party was Fat Lip from the Pharcyde.  The party was rammed and it had such a good vibe to it. We ate vegetable lasagne, drunk beer and mimed M.O.P. – you can’t fuck with that. Shouts to Maya Jupiter, Aloe Blacc, Mibbs from Pac Div  and Jamie for looking after us. Legendary Detroit House DJ Theo Parrish had been spinnin earlier, and being that he was staying at the same hotel, he decided to catch a ride home with us. The 45 minute ride home was straight up entertainment. Theo is funny as fuck, stand up comedian status even. I only wish we could have recorded his views on L.A’s strippers and homeless people, shit was killin me. Oh yeah, even he was suprised when we told him  “Put Ya Hands Up For Detroit” gets mainstream radio play out here – haha.

Anyways, there are many more tales but I will digress for now. I’m sure I’ll recount some of my experiences in depth in the days to come. For now all I want to say is shouts to Che, Callum, Jordache, NZ On Air, NZMIC and everyone else who helped me get there or shared the experience with me. That was tight.

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Swiped from my Facebook event description:

I’ll be leaving for the U.S. on the 18th to play a few shows. My compatriots DJ Mouli, Jordache and Callum shall be joining me on this hell-ride/suicide mission.

We figured being that there’s f**k all reasons to celebrate these days(apart from Tua’s fists connecting with Shane Camerons skull)-we might as well throw a party fitting our own tastes…. a party to end all parties. Hear what I said? a party to end all parties!

Mean sounds/good vibes, cause we all deal with enuff wack shit every other day.

Solid.

So yeah, if you’re gonna be in Aucks – you do NOT wanna miss this party. We had to make it a big one so we can get off on the right foot for this U.S. trip.

On another note, THIS saturday(October 10th) I’ll be performing at 4.20 for their Tsunami Benefit Show. It needn’t be stressed that this an extremely worthwhile cause, and I’m happy that I’m getting a chance to do something for the people in Samoa. The line-up is dope, so if you’re in town please come down to offer your support to those affected by this tragedy. Make sure you head along to the bro’s event also, I fly out the day before so unfortunately I can’t make it. My Mrs has been reporting from Samoa since last Wednesday, be assured that they need ALL the help they can get. Make it happen peoples.

Oh and for those that asked, my family is safe and well – our village is just outside Apia. Sincerest condolences to everyone who has lost loved ones.

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I shall be heading off to New York next month primarily because I was invited to showcase at this years CMJ Music Marathon. It’s awesome to be able to get back to the U.S twice in the same year, but what makes it more significant to me personally is the fact that around this time last year (August 21st to be precise) I sent my boy Che an email entitled “The Goal”. All I wrote in the email was “Let’s try and get on these next year” and there was a link to the SXSW website and a link to the CMJ website. Just over a year later.. here we are.

I’ll elaborate more on the festival itself in the days ahead but I thought I’d just put this personal anecdote out there. As with most things, when I first decided I wanted to do this I was greeted with skepticism. Some of it justified, some of it not..  “those events aren’t for rappers”, “it costs too much and it’s too far”, “you don’t know anyone/have any connections over there”, “americans won’t understand you, you won’t get invited”, “it’ll be a waste of time” etc etc.  Hearing this sort of thing can of course weigh on your mind, and I’d be lying if I said doubt and subsequent feelings of apathy didn’t have the tendency to creep into my thoughts. However I had done my research prior and was dead sure that these were things I wanted to do so we persisted. Looking back on that email from 13 months ago now … I’m rather glad we did.

Much thanks to my team for hearing me out and helping me do the things I want to do, I appreciate it.

Catch me on these dates:

• Oct 20: New York – Red Bull Space
• Oct 21: New York – The Rose

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I love this shit!

P-Money told me he’d hooked up this blend for a guest mix on MistaJams show in the U.K. When he mentioned he’d taken the “Indulge Me” acapella and hooked it up with a Duck Sauce song I was intrigued as I’ve had “aNYway” on repeat over the last 2 months… but damn, this shit right here?!? killer. A lot of the time blends don’t really float my boat, cause often dudes will just match tempos without considerin the vibe or the key of the song. This one really works for me though, props to Mr Money.

For the uninformed, Duck Sauce is a collaboration between A-Trak and Armand Van Helden. The tunes they’ve put out thus far(like the aforementioned “aNYway” ) have been pretty fucken choice so I suggest you hunt them down. Great way to amp up your house party sets on the ipod.

Shotty!

or

David Dallas x Duck Sauce “Indulge Me/The Motion” (P-Money’s Ddot Sauce blend) [Sharebee]

And oh yeah, because I’m so amped off this here’s a link to the “Indulge Me” acapella for anyone else that wants to try their hand at a good remix/blend. Link it up in the comments or contact us if you guys do something dece!

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Continuing on from where we left off:

D.Dallas says:
people always talk about PNC’s got a cool flow, so when you write raps – what comes first? Do you think of the lines/ words that rhyme, or do you mumble some gibberish and try to suss out how you gonna flow on the beat

slickVANxl says:
yeah i do the gibberish, and usually from that I get the kinda flow and certain words that are gonna sound cool. A lot of the time people say they like your flow, its more the structure of the rap

D.Dallas says:
elaborate

slickVANxl says:
haha

D.Dallas says:
like who’s got a good flow, as opposed to someone who structures raps good? I’d say Snoop in his prime had a nice ‘flow’, Em in his prime structured his raps awesome. Would you agree?

slickVANxl says:
yeah Snoop in his prime, and Slick Rick

D.Dallas says:
yeah, flow-ers

slickVANxl says:
yeah, its kinda effortless

D.Dallas says:
… kinda like me really ay

slickVANxl says:
haha.

then yeah someone like Eminem or Treach, they came with crazy structures

D.Dallas says:
haha Treach, the under-appreciated

slickVANxl says:
yeah hard, like “Feel Me Flow”

D.Dallas says:
yeah, that’s actually nuts ay. “You bout to feel the da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da……”

slickVANxl says:
busta and luda are flow-ers too aye

D.Dallas says:
yeah yeah for sure.

What’s more important delivery or lyrics?

slickVANxl says:
delivery, cause you could be saying the most important poetic shit ever, but if it sounds wack no one wants to hear it

D.Dallas says:
raps or beats?

slickVANxl says:
i guess beats, cause theres plenty of great albums with nice production and average raps but not vice versa

D.Dallas says:
zactly

slickVANxl says:
ha, production has made wack rappers successful and great rappers poor

D.Dallas says:
LOL, that would be the mean tag line if this was a magazine interview.

Do you think someone deserves to be considered great if they can’t pick good production tho? is that not a talent in itself ?

slickVANxl says:
yeah for sure, but I think you can still be a great MC technically, even if you never really picked good beats, like Royce The 5’9″ or something, but yeah in the grand scheme of things your not gonna make any GOAT lists at the end of the day if you havent made something with classic production

D.Dallas says:
tru that. Both your albums you’ve looked outside and brought some new dudes through on the production. are you out there lookin for some new dudes now for the next project?

slickVANxl says:
Im definitely keen to work with new producers. The main thing wit using new unheard of dudes, is they are still hungry, so they’re sending you shit constantly. So its really, I just look for producers who are going hard, and seem inspired

D.Dallas says:
one of the things with new dudes is bein able to recognise somethin that’s good when it’s mixed like shit, and sonically it might sound really lo fi

slickVANxl says:
yeah hard, i probably didnt use beats back in the day, cause they didnt sound good off the bat.

D.Dallas says:
i thought you recognised stuff like that well on your album tho. Cause there were demo beats that were used on Bazooka Kid that i was like ‘this sounds like shit’, which now sound mean as

slickVANxl says:
Once you start sitting in for mixes and shit, you can see how those beats can turn into something mean

D.Dallas says:
that’s PNC the producer coming out

slickVANxl says:
haha

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This Saturday if you’re in the A.K. – that’s a line up very much in tune with my personal tastes. Perhaps yours too ?

Come on down.

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This is the first part of a discussion I had with Sam Hansen a.k.a PNC via MSN. I figured I’d break the convo up and give you guys the 2nd half tomorow, I’m all about reducing the need to scroll down. Featured on Something Awesome’s “In The Mood”, PNC should need no introduction. I’ve collaborated more frequently with him than any other artist in my career, we’ve rocked many tours/stages together, and apart from being a top notch rapper I also consider him a good friend. We had a good yarn and these were the results

D.Dallas says:
when did you write your verse for the song? was it last year?

slickVANxl says:
yeah

D.Dallas says:
i gave you the song with my 2 verses and the hook ay

slickVANxl says:
yeah i think so

D.Dallas says:
did you spend many hours labouring over it trying to defeat me on my own song?

slickVANxl says:
yes

D.Dallas says:
why would you do such a thing? i thought we were mates

slickVANxl says:
im a fake friend ©Jaz-O

D.Dallas says:
Haha. For collabos do you prefer gettin songs like that and jus havin to slot in your verse, or do you like gettin the beat and comin up with the whole thing from scratch

slickVANxl says:
ummm, it depends. its easier to just slot it in, cause all of the work is done for you far as a subject matter and the other dudes flow or whatever, but making the song together i think you probably come up with a more cohesive package

D.Dallas says:
yeah, but our songs cohesive ay… we’re just on that wavelength ay

slickVANxl says:
yeah cuzzy

D.Dallas says:
lol

D.Dallas says:
how far through writing your album(Bazooka Kid) were you when we did this song ?

slickVANxl says:
i think it was about half way, i think i’d done the first three singles, and had about 5 or 6 others half done

D.Dallas says:
we hadn’t done “V.S.O.P” tho ay?

slickVANxl says:
nah, we did that at the very end of my album recording. I gave you the demo, and then about 2 months later we recorded it

D.Dallas says:
heaps of people been mentionin how it’s “buzzy hearin PNC on this sorta beat again” when commentin on “In The Mood”. What you reckon your next stuff is gonna be like, you gonna rap on “those sorta beats” again

slickVANxl says:
I dont really know. The thing is, I never set out to rap over a certain type of beat, its just the moment when I first hear it that determines  whether or not I get the inspiration to do something to it. I think, being a third album, I’ll have more focus on what works and what doesnt though

D.Dallas says:
what you mean what works and what doesnt, as in what works with your voice or?

slickVANxl says:
I mean more overall a combination of what I think is gonna make the strongest records with my abilities and also what is gonna make sense to people and work, which is just sensibilities you learn the more music you do

Alot of artists I look up to have that same progression. Hov, Outkast etc

D.Dallas says:
hard, were you happy with how the song turned out?

slickVANxl says:
yeah its mean

D.Dallas says:
don’t you reckon Jay had it sussed on the first go, then experimented for a bit. Then at Blueprint had come full circle?

slickVANxl says:
It depends how you look at it. I think for the artist Jay-Z wanted to be, he sussed it on Hard Knock Life

D.Dallas says:
yeah i agree. cause he wanted that appeal

slickVANxl says:
yeah, he wasnt happy with just making the respected classic

D.Dallas says:
do you feel like Rookie Card is your Reasonable Doubt in that sense. Or were you already Hard Knock Life-ing it at that point?

slickVANxl says:
haha nah. Cause I dont think Rookie Card is like some next level shit I was one that I never could repeat ya know, I’d compare Rookie Card more to something like Southernplayalistic

Just a young cunt having fun, learning to make music, with some flashes of brilliance! haha like What You Expect bro

D.Dallas says:
Haha

- part 2 tomorow-

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Nice little 9/10 review for Something Awesome on the TVNZ website. Check it out here.

If you haven’t picked it up yet, you probably should. I hear people in far off places are diggin it, and oh yeah THANK YOU to everyone that’s already picked it up. It debuted at #20 on the NZ album chart. Shot fullas!

Something Awesome: Available now

iTunes NZ | iTunes Oz | Vodafone | Amplifier | Digirama | Telecom

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The following is a discussion I had via MSN with Jordan a.k.a Jordache, one half of West Auckland production super-duo Fire & Ice. F&I produced 6 of the 12 songs on Something Awesome, aided in the completion of 2 other songs, and Jordan guested alongside Young Sid and Niko on the song “First Time”. Needless to say, he played a substantial role in the creation of this album. Never short on humour, here’s what he had to say for himself.

D.Dallas says:
is there anything you want to get across to the people in particular about fire and ice? That’s my bad interviewer question.

Jordan says:
she said she likes me… she said she needs me…. she wants to see me.. coz i’m the shit… probably just that aye

D.Dallas says:
hahaha

Jordan says:
haha nah i dunno ay

D.Dallas says:
when did you start sending me beats for this album again?

Jordan says:
many moons ago

D.Dallas says:
woulda been like 07 ay

Jordan says:
2 years? yea

D.Dallas says:
Did you have in mind what you thought would fit me or were you just doin what i told you? i.e tryna give me what i was askin for

Jordan says:
yea. i think i just gave you what we had, haha. But tried to give you stuff that sounded different from your Frontline stuff.

D.Dallas says:
do you reckon it’s important for a dude who makes beats to go with his gut as far as what he gives to the artist? Like if i’d said, oi i want beats that sound like Pitbull. Would you be like “nah you don’t suit that”. Or would you jus try and give me something like that?

Jordan says:
yea the way i look at it now is like the producer is as much an artist as the artist, if you know what i mean… like its important for us to make music that represents us and what we like.. so if you had asked for pitbull type shit i probably wouldn’t have told you not to do that, if that is really what you wanted to do, i wouldve just said we dont make that.

And then i wouldve laughed at you when you dropped your pitbull single. Oye Loca!

D.Dallas says:
haha. Ok, so you feel like fire and ice has a sound then?

Jordan says:
yea i guess.. you could say we have a ‘soulful’ vibe.. kinda hate that term ay.. but yea we tried to give you our sound.. like the Frontline sound was quite moody and dark.. so i thought it was important for you to come out on our stuff with a more lighter side, otherwise there wouldn’t be much difference between David Dallas the solo artist and Frontline the group, ya know

D.Dallas says:
hard, shucks you guys are soulful

Jordan says:
hahah

D.Dallas says:
i feel like we got a good vibe going on this album, like the stuff you were sendin me after i’d done the indulge me demo was all on point.. in the right direction for where i was goin.  Why do you reckon that is?

Was it cause in your head you had an idea of how you wanted the album to sound or what?

Jordan says:
yea i guess so, it continues from being different from the FL stuff, like when you were in Frontline i always thought it’d be mean if you did  ‘lighter’ songs.. and when i got the indulge me demo back it was mean, so i tried to send you more stuff on that buzz

coz i dont think we actually discussed what direction the album should head in.. i think we were just on the same page

D.Dallas says:
are you happy with how the album turned out?

Jordan says:
yea definitely. its my favourite hiphop album from here. its just cool. Evan killed it on the mix too, made us sound mean, with our budget time-stretching and such haha

D.Dallas says:
haha

Jordan says:
what happened to that other song you did over ours? it had 16th hats on it too.. i think it was called phillip? i never got a demo of that

D.Dallas says:
fuck, i wrote one verse and had a hook in my head. Never got it demo’d up tho cause shit was in disarray at that time

Jordan says:
haha

D.Dallas says:
i might needa pull that out

Jordan says:
yea. i need to clean that up. drums suck. mud clap

D.Dallas says:
you had a big hand in this album outside of the beats you made. i.e hookin up your friends like Niko and Toma for vocals and arrangement/instrumentation duty. What made you decide to be so helpful/hands on?

Jordan says:
i guess i just wanted to put on people who i thought had talent.. had to put on for the West ya know haha.. but yea i liked where the whole thing was going so i tried to get involved as much as i could

Toma’s a close friend of ours and i met Niko through him, they’ve been working on stuff for a while, then we started working with them as well.. so when you told me you were looking for vocals it was only natural for me to try and get them involved

D.Dallas says:
what made you decide to get your rap on? who gassed you bro? LOL

Jordan says:
drugs, haha. i was drunk and smoking a joint at my mates when i decided.. was thinking bout the demo and thought i could rap about that lol.. first rap ever on a song with dave and sid.. fuck it lol.

Sorry i had to murk you on your own shit ay lol

D.Dallas says:
it’s all good.

sorry i have to not pay you for those 6 beats ay. LOL

Jordan says:
hahaha. shucks whats august doing? i emailed him yesterday

D.Dallas says:
shoosh man

Jordan says:
lol

D.Dallas says:
lets just pretend we’re rich over here

Jordan says:
once i told Toma i was gonna record it at his there was no backing out

D.Dallas says:
is that your first rap ever? did you write any bullshit verses when you were a kid?

Jordan says:
yeah thats my first rap ever.. i never wrote any as a kid.. i didnt even write that verse though.. yeah im Hov.. ‘cept i rapped the last line first and the first line last..

Toma can attest to my amateur recording.. we punched the whole thing, as I came up with ideas haha. Halfway through I thought i was in over my head… then when he played back my voice it was like.. ‘arrgh i sound gay’

D.Dallas says:
i was suprised when you sent it thru to me. Cause you actually text me one time, i think you were drunk – “bro.. i’m gonna do a verse for first time”

I thought it’d be crack up, but i didn’t think you’d do it

Jordan says:
lol that was probably the same night i decided.. Toma tatted me the next day when i was still drunk and i told him.. couldnt go back after that haha

D.Dallas says:
it’s crack up cause soon as you said you’d done a demo, I’d already decided it was goin on the song. Hadn’t even heard you rap.

I just liked the idea of it, it reminded me of readin about 2pac and how he’d put the Outlawz on songs.. jus whoever had their verse ready first was on the song. If you didn’t have the verse, catch you up.

Jordan says:
haha. yeah wasnt scribble supposed to be on it?.. so you weren’t sweating me coming on and being “magazines call me a rockstar…”?

D.Dallas says:
ha i reached out to scribble… he didn’t reach back. that was early on tho, think i just sent him the beat.

Don’t think he could see the vision, LOL.

Do you think your verse measures up to Kanye’s on “The Bounce”?

Jordan says:
being that the actual GingerBread man himself said he was a Monster, i’m inclined to say no.

D.Dallas says:
haha

D.Dallas says:
do you have a gripe with music these days? Is there certain stuff you’d like to hear on the radio/tv more?

Jordan says:
i dont listen to the radio… ever. so i could care less what theyre playing. i dont watch that much tv either so same goes… internet is good like that.

D.Dallas says:
how’d you get the name Jordache?

Jordan says:
you gave it to me haha.. and it stuck.. thought i’d run with it, coz i couldn’t think of a cool rap name… slash rap names are gay… slash i have my own clothing line

D.Dallas says:
is the name catching on? have any females addressed you by that name yet?

Jordan says:
yea, amongst the usual hunk, dreamboat, hearthrob comments, occasionally the opposite sex will refer to me as Jordache

D.Dallas says:
nuff said. “Every daaaay a star is boooorn – clap for him” © Jay Z

Jordan says:
ha, the names all good actually, people seem to like it… that and the fact that i referenced Glendene haha

D.Dallas says:
oh tru, are you gettin the local support? i.e “thanx 4 puttin us on the map g”

Jordan says:
haha.. its all about Glen Eden to be honest.. but thats doesnt really rhyme with green… maybe Weedin’ ?… Weedin’ in Glen Eden… sounds more like im doing community service or gardening with Nana.

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Though the album bears my name, you’d be wrong in assuming I single handedly made it happen.

Being that a lot of you are interested in what goes on behind the scenes i.e in the studio, the recording process etc – I figured I’d interview some of the people that contributed to the creation of Something Awesome, just to shine a light on some of these talented folk and to give you guys a further insight as to what went on whilst making this album.

Up first: Jordan from Fire & Ice.

Check back 2moro

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Salutations to the patient iTunes users in Australia. Something Awesome is now available for your consumption. Shouts to Grindin.

Feel free to pick it up here

In other Something Awesome news, big thank you to EVERYONE who has copped it. In addition to it hittin #1 on iTunes last week(now sittin at #13), it’s #2 on Amplifier’s releases chart, and is the Top NZ album and Top Hip Hop album on Digirama, alongside the Something Now EP funnily enough.

That’s tight – once again, thank you.

Something Awesome – get it now

iTunes NZ | iTunes Oz | Vodafone | Amplifier | Digirama | Telecom

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5 individuals, 5 originals, 5 designs. Five regional personalities and adidas nuts in various creative fields were selected by adidas Originals to participate in the “Originals By Qubic” program, where they were able to customise and produce their very own adidas Originals sneaker.

Unfortunately I was in the South Island last weekend so I wasn’t able to attend the unveiling of these badboys. I’m backing the 3 stripes though, as any of you who’ve come in contact with me over the last 18 months would probably have noticed.

These vids are well put together, and give you an insight into the 5 fellows who were deemed worthy of the task of customising their own Adidas Original. It’s interesting hearing their background stories and the reasoning behind their shoe selections. I’m Keen as to get a look at these shoes in the flesh. Check these vids out – with music by your boy of course, it’s only right.

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Dave recently sat down with Sam Wicks from National Radio to have an intellectual discussion about his new album, Something Awesome. The resulting piece was broadcast last week and I have managed to get my hands on the audio to share with you. This is great stuff for you fans who want to get a more in-depth insight into David Dallas and his new album.

or

David Dallas discusses Something Awesome with Sam Wicks [Sharebee]

Something Awesome – out now:

iTunes | Vodafone | Amplifier | Digirama | Telecom

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Just got word that this is a go.

Myself, PNC, P-Money, and Scribe will be playing @ Flow bar in Hamilton this Friday night. If you’re in the vicinity come through, it’ll be my first gig since the album’s dropped so I’m looking forward to celebrating with the bro’s and any of you who decide to come through. Let’s do it – spread the word.

Sep 4: Hamilton – Flow Bar

In other news,  as of right now Something Awesome is still the #1 album on iTunes. Massive thank you to everyone who’s been picking it up! If you haven’t got it yet… shucks bro – betta get on it.

Something Awesome – out now:

iTunes | Vodafone | Amplifier | Digirama | Telecom

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Wow.

Something Awesome has spent its release day as the number one album on iTunes.

Thank YOU for making this happen.

Stoked as.

Something Awesome – Pick it up here!

iTunes | Vodafone | Amplifier | Digirama | Telecom

.. oh yeah, stay tuned over the next couple days. I’m thinking we’ll run a little competition which could be well worth your while.

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I am extremely happy to announce that Something Awesome is now available.

You may now run down to your local store and pick up the cd like the young lass in the photo above, or hit up your preferred digital spot to do’z it up.

For right now I’d like to say a big thank you to all you guys for frequenting this site and supporting me over the last 2 years. It’s been a long time coming, and it’s been a great help knowing that there was actually people out there who were still keen to hear what I have to offer. I appreciate it to the utmost – hope you’s dig it.

Something Awesome – Get it here!

iTunes | Vodafone | Amplifier | Digirama | Telecom

p.s As of right now Something Awesome is #1 album on iTunes hip hop chart, and #4 overall. Thanks to everyone who’s already grabbed it!

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Heading back to the South Island today for some shows. We’ll be playing in Greymouth 2nite, and then Christchurch on Friday night. I’m looking forward to it, and you should too if you wanna hear what this new album sounds like. Come through, you’re all welcome.

• Aug 27: Greymouth – Regent Theatre (ALL AGES)
• Aug 27: Greymouth – Railway Hotel
• Aug 28: Christchurch – Bedford
  

.. and oh yeah, 4 days till THIS. Big thanks to everyone who’s pre-ordered it already, I appreciate it to the utmost. Rest assured as it’s been garnering praise from places you wouldn’t expect.

In other news “Big Time” has made a significant jump in the radio charts over the last 2 weeks. It moved something like 280 spots up so it’s now sittin in the top 100 all airplay chart at #93. Wicked considering it isn’t the most radio format-friendly song ever, so shouts to anyone who’s voted for or requested it. That’s what we need, keep do-zin it up!

“Big Time” – available NOW

iTunes | Vodafone | Amplifier | Digirama | Telecom

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Something Awesome drops in exactly 7 days.

If you needed some further proof you should pick this album up, Real Groove has come to the rescue with a nice write up and free download of the track “Slow Down”. It’ll only be up for the next week so get in there fast.

Some of you may remember me writing this piece about a year ago. The verse I spoke of there is the 2nd verse of this song.  Check it out.

Free Download:  “Slow Down” produced by Fire & Ice

also

Something Awesome is available for pre-order now on Amplifier (this is good for the dudes in Oz who don’t wanna wait a month or 2 to get their hands on the CD)

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For the uninitiated:

What is Whitelabel.net?

The Serato Whitelabel Delivery Network allows DJs to receive fresh releases at no charge and play them to crowds within moments of downloading them, bringing back the meaning “for promotional use only”.

For us non-DJ types: Back in the day labels would send DJ’s promo vinyl of new songs/albums so that DJ’s could “break” the records in clubs, on radio shows etc. Being that more and more DJ’s are using Serato’s Scratch Live and not carrying around big crates of records, Serato has introduced Whitelabel as a digital way of servicing DJ’s with the newest shit.

If I may avert your eyes to the left hand column, it appears that “Front To Back” has been pretty popular with the world wide network of DJ’s currently using Whitelabel, as it was second only to Jay-Z in downloads last week.

Pretty choice ay ? I reckon.

Something Awesome – August 31st

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I’ll be at this on Friday night.

I think it’s been over a year since I was last in Wellington, so I’m looking forward to it. If you reside in the big W make sure you come through, cause I’ll definitely be playing some stuff from Something Awesome that you guys wouldn’t have seen before. Good times.

See you’s there.

Superclub
Aug 21:  Wellington – Shooters

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1. Big Time (Produced by Forty One)
2. Front To Back (Produced by Fire & Ice)
3. Ain’t None Left (Produced by Fire & Ice)
4. Indulge Me ft. Devolo (Produced by Fire & Ice)
5. Turn It Round ft. Aaradhna (Produced by Forty One)
6. First Time ft. Young Sid, Jordache, Niko (Produced by P-Money & Forty One)
7. I Get The Feelin ft. Niko (Produced by Forty One)
8. In The Mood ft. PNC (Produced by Fire & Ice)
9. Runaway (Produced by Forty One)
10. Your Thing (Produced by Forty One)
11. Slow Down (Produced by Fire & Ice)
12. Never Met (Produced by Fire & Ice)

Something Awesome available 31st August.

I also forgot to mention previously, that “Big Time” is now available on Vodafone! Which means you can now pick up the song from wherever you like (© Clifford Harris).  To the people that were asking for the instrumental, it’s available at all these places too.

Awesome bro, awesome.

“Big Time” – go get it.

iTunes | Vodafone | Amplifier | Digirama | Telecom

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It’s official – like a referee with a whistle.

Even though I’ve stated the date before, nothing cements it in my mind like seeing it on  the poster image. Fucken choice.

If you do your thing on the internet and are keen to be helpful/awesome feel free to post that image or rock this banner around the place. I often encounter gracious people who are keen to help out just cause they’re feelin the music, and in truth I don’t really have much for anyone to do. When it comes to this music shit it’s a fairly solitary affair, I just write some stuff in my room and hopefully people like it.

The only thing I’ll ever ask is if you like what I do, tell someone about it. Whether it be you showing a song to someone who might like it, a request on a radio station, a comment on a forum – your word is everything.

Which leads me to my next point – if you’ve been keeping your ear to the e-streets you might’ve heard a new song from Something Awesome poppin up in some major spots. American sites featuring new material – how did we get here ?

… well it all started with this guy on myspace who decided to send the “Indulge Me” vid to a U.S hip hop site….

Like I said, your word is everything.

August 31st – Let em know.

and oh yeah, here’s something to talk about:

David Dallas – Front To Back

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Rejoice. The TV gods have now added the “Big Time” video into the line up on C4 Select Live. So all my NZ based people that dig it, it would be much appreciated if you could fire through some votes for it so that we can get it some spins for the masses. Remember, not everyone is as sharp with the net as you guys. Ha

Text s119 to 4440 from 4pm – 6pm weekdays.  Thanks you’s

“Big Time” – available now!

iTunes | Vodafone | Amplifier | Digirama | Telecom

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Mean.

The “Big Time” vid has been poppin up all over the place, and over the last week has been featured on some rather awesome U.S sites. Of particular significance to me was a write up on The Smoking Section – significant as it’s my favourite hip hop site, and it’s been my daily read for going on 3 years.

Equally significant was a write up by Damian Randle on FWMJ’s RappersIknow. RappersIknow is Houston based and part of the Okayplayer blog network, and Damian is one of the MC’s from reknowned hip hop group K-Otix. Me and my boy A-rza had their album Universal on heavy rotate round 02 so it was a fucken trip to find out the dude had actually seen my show at SXSW and enjoyed it.

MAD thanks to everyone who’s taken the time to link up the vid, tried to put someone else onto it, or just spread the word in general. We ain’t dealing with international budgets over here, so word of mouth is the only tool we’ve got. Good thing it’s also the most vital.

Shot fullas

“Big Time” – go get it now!

iTunes | Vodafone | Amplifier | Digirama | Telecom

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Mark it in your calender.

I’m extremely happy to announce that my album Something Awesome will be available from August 31st.  Yup, 4 weeks from now. We’ll unveil the tracklisting and guests etc over the coming days so keep an eye out.

Oh and yeah, that is the cover – cute ay.

Let’s do this.

“Big Time” available now:

iTunes | Vodafone | Amplifier | Digirama | Telecom

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