Lismore emcee Nastaij (pronounced Na-stay-sh) has firmly cemented herself in the northern NSW hip hop community over the last 12 months.
After the release of her debut EP, 'The Warehouse Sessions', Nastaij gained recognition, taking out categories in both the 2014 and 2013 Right Out TV Awards, and winning the RAW Artists Byron Bay Musician Of The Year last year. Her second EP, ‘In Transit’, drops next month, with the first single, ‘Burn It Up’, available to download for free from Tiple J Unearthed.
What are your earliest memories of hip hop?
My earliest memories of hip hop are from when I was about five with my uncle; he always wanted me to feel confident enough to do whatever I wanted, so would play Digital Underground’s ‘Doowatchyalike’. I was also obsessed with Kriss Kross and their song ‘Jump Jump’, so much so that I used to wear my pants backwards and had crosses shaved in my eyebrows.
Did the isolation from the rest of the Australian hip hop community fed your passion to create your own music?
Isolation from the rest of the musical community in general has helped to fuel my passion. The small towns I grew up in had no gigs for under-age kids and I would always dream of playing in the big city. With not much to do, I started to write music and originally started in metal bands, but as I got older my musical styles evolved into hip hop, but I still love getting out to a metal gig whenever I get the chance.
Your next EP, ‘In Transit’, is due out in February... how does it present the next chapter in your career?
Making this EP has been such a journey in itself, and I think that’s really evident in my lyrics. I feel like I have grown more into my musical self and have a lot more confidence with my lyric writing. There is a big step-up in production since my first release and I am really proud of what I have made, alongside some amazing friends.
With a degree in audio engineering, how does that assist your own beat making?
Although a lot of my degree was focussed on live-music production, I think having a firm understanding of how audio components work has assisted greatly in my music making, and especially my beat making. I find it quite easy to pick up new programs and incorporate new plug-ins into my sessions, and I feel I owe it to my degree. I would love to study more and will hopefully do an electronic music course sometime in the near future.
‘You Don’t Represent’ showcases your political chops... you don’t shy away from making statements; is that an important aspect of your music?
Absolutely, it’s a very important aspect of my music. Although I had never been fuelled enough to write a political song, the most recent change of government inspired me to write such a tune. I hope people continue to enjoy the messages, the response so far has been amazing.
Is the stigma of female emcees still strong in Australia; or has that become part of the minority?
That’s a loaded question! Haha. I would really like to say that it has become the minority but the stigma is still quite present. I have seen many forum threads and social media comments that speak very unkindly about female emcees, but there are a few ladies coming into the spotlight that are paving the way and breaking down the gender stereotypes, notably Sarah Conner, Mistress Of Ceremony and Tkay Maidza.
You're playing Earth Frequency’s tenth anniversary show... quite an honour, right?
A great honour! I think this is the biggest show of my career to date. Not necessarily the biggest crowd, but to be on the line-up for my favourite festival’s tenth anniversary is massive accomplishment and I can’t wait to play to so many amazing friends and family. It’s definitely a personal highlight.
Planning anything special for the show?
Well… I have been chatting to a few friends of mine who just happen to be amazing artists in their own right, so if all goes to plan I will have some special guests join me on the day – can’t say who yet though. And if all goes to plan I will have physical copies of new EP ‘In Transit’.
What’s been the biggest surprise you have had with your music career?
Probably the biggest surprise has been winning the RAW Artists Byron Bay Musician Of The Year last year. I ended up winning some recording time at Old Dog Studios and it really helped me to get my new EP off the ground.
2015 for Nastaij... what’s the plan?
2015 is already going to be massive with the release of ‘In Transit’ and playing Earth Frequency Festival, but to add to it, I’m moving to Melbourne to pursue my music career and touring Europe drumming for gypsy bohemian singer Felicity Lawless. All this in the first six months! I’ll try to write some new songs too.
Nastaij plays Earth Frequency Festival, 13-16 February.
