US hip hop act Cormega is a man with a vision.
Working with the revered Large Professor, the New York native released his fifth studio album, the introspective 'Mega Philosophy', last year to massive acclaim. Cormega is heading out on his first tour to Australia and answers questions about the record and his own hip hop philosophy.
Your first tour to Australia is coming up fast; how are you feeling about your live debut Down Under?
I'm anxious and excited to perform Down Under, it's something I've wanted for quite some time.
What can fans expect when they come to your shows?
Pure hip hop; they never been to a park jam but they will feel the park jam essence.
How are you preparing mentally and physically for the tour?
Mental is easy, my mind state is NY State; physically, I will eat, exercise and rest.
Australia has some great hip hop talent; will you be trying to check out some local artists while you're here?
I will see what Australia has to offer.
You worked with a diverse pool of talent for your latest record 'Mega Philosophy'; how do you go about selecting collaborators?
I choose people who I respect and that would fit particular songs.
How was it working with Large Professor to produce the album?
Valleys and peaks, but it was something I wanted so I'm glad we did it.
What is the importance of being an independent artist?
Independence means creative control and that's imperative because it's your music, and your name and credibility on the line.
How did your New York upbringing mould the type of music you produce today?
Unexplainable, you had to be there to understand; it was a whole energy that was absorbed growing up, but also the greats inspired me.
You've previously said 'Mega Philosophy' will determine if you truly belong in hip hop; has it yet? If you don't belong in hip hop, what else would you do?
I belong and people like Chuck D have reminded me of such. I've also worked with some of greatest of all time solo artist and groups; if not rap, I would've pursued boxing.
Are you working on a follow-up to 'Mega Philosophy' yet?
I'm definitely contemplating a follow-up, but I have my solo to finish first.
What is your own philosophy towards hip hop?
Be true to the art [and] don't do anything that I'm not comfortable with.
What advice do you have for aspiring hip hop artists who want to make it independently?
See my last answer.
Cormega Tour Dates
Fri 25 Sept - Max Watt's (Melbourne)Sat 26 Sept - Grand Poobah (Hobart)
Thur 1 Oct - Wooly Mammoth (Brisbane)
Sat 3 Oct - Rosemount Hotel (Perth)
Sun 4 Oct - Jam Gallery (Sydney)
Mon 5 Oct - The Gov (Adelaide)
