Recently switching up his artist name from HMO to Coast Phonik, Josh Hamilton is a MC, musician and producer from Gerringong on the South Coast of NSW.
A career musician who has performed in a range of bands from an early age, Coast Phonik's music channels a range of genres from early funk and soul to reggae and blues – all within the framework of hip hop.Inspired by funk bands such as The Meters and James Brown, along with old-school hip hop artists like A Tribe Called Quest, Ice Cube, J Cole, Hilltop Hoods and The Herd, Coast Phonik's lyrics feature distinct social and political messages.
Coast Phonik's latest track, 'Days Are Long, Years Are Short', centres around the birth of his first child and the associated trials and tribulations first-time parents face.
"Many people fail to realise the realities of being a parent, juggling work life and the extreme pressures and expectations that women face in society and the sacrifices they make as mothers," Josh says.
"Having my daughter is the single most amazing thing that has ever happened, but without being too explicit it is not always easy. As I say, life is not always a f...ing Hallmark card."
Who is... Coast Phonik aka Josh Hamilton is a hip hop artist, musician and producer from Gerringong on the South Coast of NSW. He started as HMO but decided, due to the evolution of his sound, to change his artist name to Coast Phonik.
He has performed as a guitarist, keyboard player and bassist in many bands over the years, and in 2017 decided to release his first solo song. He has since gone on to release many singles and multiple EPs.
I sound like... Many people have likened the sound to the Hilltop Hoods or many other Australian hip hop artists. Although, having this conversation with my manager we think that I have a very different sound than most traditional Aussie hip hop artists.
Our first gig was... Surflife Music Festival in Gerringong in 2018.
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... I trolled through the dictionary and tried to find a name that suited me as a person.
The last name (HMO) was not representative of who I am. I grew up on the South Coast playing gigs and surfing, so something to do with the coast was important. Also, it had to be original.
In the studio I usually... Start with a chord progression and develop it from there. Harmony is fundamental to any song.
If I could tour with anyone... A.B. Original. I love the way that Briggs and Trials really make the Government and Australia in general, accountable for what is happening now and happened in the past. This land is and always will be Aboriginal land.
Social media is... Sh.t. A necessary evil. Needs to be done.
My favourite app at the moment is... Gmail ?. I am constantly checking emails.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... You don't want to know.
Life on the road can be... Pretty hectic if you party too much. Need to keep your head in the game and pace yourself.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that the rider contains... Jack Daniels.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... Surfing in remote South Australia. Lots of big fish and heavy waves.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be your spokesperson... Brian Epstein. If he was still alive.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? LA. I would love to live around Southern California. Great waves and a similar vibe to where I am from.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... That would have to be Ice Cube, David Lynch and Stevie Wonder.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Something in the slow cooker with polenta on the side.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? I love and miss my dog Louis Armstrong. He was my world.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Dom Perignon.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Yesterday. If I don't exercise all the time I blow up like a beach ball.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Putting together flat packs.
Do you have any phobias... Heights and confined spaces.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? F... no. No type ever.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? I am taking down Pucko for all the sh.t he pulled over the years. Maybe some head shaving or face art.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? The local sushi joint. It's not great but there ain't many options down south.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Wile E. Coyote. He never gives up despite the futility of his endeavours.
Last show you binge-watched? 'Rick And Morty'. The greatest social commentary ever.
