Ahead of his debut festival appearance, at Festival X, and fresh off a triple j Friday Mix Up set, we have a chat with Sydney electronic producer Badrapper.
You’ve been added to the Festival X line-up; you must be stoked with that?
Super stoked. It's my first run of festivals too, so it's exciting to be doing something out of the normal club stuff.
Any wild rider requests you plan to make?
Probably nothing crazy; I swear festival staff must think that's the most annoying thing ever, haha.
And which artists do you plan to stalk side of side/ backstage?
Murda Beatz. He's been behind most of the biggest hip hop records in 2019, so I'm tryna [sic] send him beats for sure.
You did a recent triple j Friday Mix Up; how was that? What were the nerves like?
The triple j mix was so much fun. I didn't hold back and played pretty heavy, which was received really well so I was happy. I wasn't nervous till the presenter told me I was playing live to about 500k people, haha.
Has that opened any industry doors you thought may never be opened for you?
A lot of overseas people in the scene have shown interest because it's rare for music that's so heavy to get such a big platform here – so I think people are taking notice.
To those new to the sounds/ beats of Badrapper, how would you describe your music?
I really back that darker sound, it's built around themes of anarchy and chaos and is really inspired by the crazy energy that people have at my shows.
When can we expect fresh Badrapper tunes to land?
I've got a bunch of music finished up, a lot of solo tunes and some collaborations with huge internationals. We're constantly working on release plans, but it has to be right.
How often do people confuse you for a hip hop artist? Any funny stories to share?
Haha, too many times to count. I probably get 10 DMs a day of dudes tryna [sic] send me beats thinking I rap.
Is music a 24/7 proposition for you? Or do you make time to enjoy other parts of your life?
I still currently work part-time. Only a couple of times a week, but I feel it's necessary for my headspace and also gives me time to get away from music. I was doing music full-time for a period of time, but found I wasn't as productive compared to when I had a job.
Away from stage/ studio; how do you like to relax?
Few beugas.
Best place in Sydney to escape the rat race?
Sushi Wow in Newtown for the best sushi in Sydney. Gordons Bay on a nice day.
Your Insta post re: the Friday Mix Up session featured you and three dogs; are you a doggies lover?
Big time. I had five doggies up until recently. We foster dogs too, so my house is generally a bit of a zoo.
What advice do you have for the average punter who wants to host their own, epic house party (without attracting the attention of the law)?
There's a lad called Corey Worthington – he wrote the book on this sh.t.
Something on your bucket list you hope to cross off inside the next 12 months?
Release a body of work with a dream label and start touring in the US.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Festival X is gonna be so hectic. I'm f...ing excited.
Badrapper 2019 Tour Dates
Fri 8 Nov - Villa (Perth)Sat 16 Nov - Winkxx (Coffs Harbour)
Sat 23 Nov - Club234 (Wollongong)
Fri 29 Nov - Festival X (Brisbane)
Sat 30 Nov - Festival X (Sydney)
Sun 1 Dec - Festival X (Melbourne)
