Biography
Combining expert musicianship with incisive, thoughtful lyricism, this 6 piece Melbourne-based Hip-Hop outfit has certainly come a long way since their humble beginnings in 2004. After securing a reputation as one of the best live acts in the country, Illzilla have gone on to release their first full-length studio album Wasteland (2008) to widespread critical acclaim, Rolling Stone heralding it a “brilliant debut” in a glowing 4-star review. The singles Cut Feet, Live Enough and Break Loose all enjoyed high rotation on national radio network Triple J, and the group was nominated in the categories of “Best Album” and “Best Live Act” in the ozhiphop.com awards.
Comprising a 4-piece rhythm section and two razor-sharp MCs, Illzilla succeed where many bands in the genre have failed, producing cutting-edge, hard-hitting Hip-Hop music of a universal standard. This is not good Australian Hip-Hop. This is good Hip-Hop period.
Dynamic front men Mantra and 1/6 spit effortless, technically flawless flows and deliver an electrifying live show. Their energetic on-stage antics and charismatic crowd banter have become synonymous with the Illzilla live-experience. Lyrically, the boys are in no rush to regale you with tales of “chillin’ in the club”, or “getting their hustle on”, opting instead for deeper, more thought-provoking subject matter, addressing a wide range of social, political and personal issues. Storytellers, poets and party-rockers, Mantra and 1/6 have become known as two of Australia’s most talented lyricists.
Behind them, the Zillanova Rhythm Combination lays the foundation for the Illzilla sound. Tough, upbeat boom-bap one minute, stirring neo-soul the next, these four accomplished musicians set a vivid and diverse backdrop for the MCs. The line-up sees internationally acclaimed reggae artist Mista Savona (keys), joined by Tom Martin (guitar), Bobzilla (bass) and Julian Goyma, formerly of Blue King Brown (drums). Cutting their teeth on Melbourne’s thriving live music circuit has played a key role in making the ZRC the tight, slick unit that it is.
So what’s next? After the release of Wasteland, two successful national tours in 08 and an impressive festival calendar over summer, the boys are back in the studio working on new material. No rest for the wicked.
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