Aussie hip hop artist Unchained is building a new empire with his label Unchained Entertainment.
Writing and performing since the age of 16, Unchained has established himself as a promising solo artist and producer. Earlier this year, he collaborated with Ariyah on her track 'I'll See You Smiling', which was dedicated to the memory of Chester Bennington and addressed the topic of youth suicide.
His latest project has seen him work with New Zealand singer-rapper Adrenalina on the track 'Timeless', as he works to build the profile of Unchained Entertainment.
With a roster of underground artists ready to make their mark, Unchained tells us his plan for Unchained Entertainment as well as his own solo ambitions.
How did you first get started as a rapper/ hip hop artist?
From listening to music at an early age and coming from a musical family. I began listening to hip hop and rap at the age of ten and knew that’s what I wanted to do, and I've kept the passion alive.
Why call yourself Unchained?
Unchained represents many elements: to be free as a person and unchained from a system; to be unchained from a material lifestyle; to be unchained to be you and accept yourself and walk your own path and be happy, as at times we have all felt chained.
Is there something about you, your music or your style that sets you apart from other rappers and hip hop artists?
Yes, I have my own style and sound, the things that I can write about and talk about [are] all things that I have felt, all been through.
What have been some of the highlights of your career as Unchained so far?
Being able to record a song with 2Pac's Outlawz: Danny Boy and Chino XL. Plus meeting and working with LL Cool J. Also having my music played on V Music and Australian radio.
What have you been working on in 2018?
I have been working on great music and taking my time. I have just released a new single 'Timeless' featuring female singer and rapper DJ Adrenalina. I’m also working towards my new solo album, titled 'Out Of Darkness'.
Have your motivations for wanting to make music ever changed over the years?
Yes, due to personal matters, lifestyle change and at one point I was nearly a father. At times life is a struggle. A person can lose themselves, but I always find the light within.
What do you hope to achieve with your Unchained label?
I hope to unite multiculturalism and all styles of music within Australia, and to help the up-and-coming orders [sic] to give them a chance that I never had when I was younger.
What are your long-term plans for the label?
The long-term goals for Unchained Entertainment is to help the music industry in Australia and connect artists worldwide, as a lot of orders [sic] do not have the talent or material exposed [sic] as major record labels have their rosters overflowing.
Earlier in 2018 you featured on Ariyah's track 'I'll See You Smiling'; why was this song important to you?
It was a personal song as I had a family friend and family member pass away from suicide and depression. I felt that it was a real topic and a message to get out there for listeners.
How does working on something like 'I'll See You Smiling' compare to your latest release with Adrenalina?
'I’ll See You Smiling' is a very different track to 'Timeless'. 'I’ll See You Smiling' talks about topics such as mental health and depression, whereas 'Timeless' is a song about relationships, romance and true love.
Who are some artists who you'd like to work on a song or project in the future?
I'm currently working on a collaboration with local hip hop artist NJE, who is now located in Brisbane. Our song 'Pay Attention' will feature on the upcoming album 'Out Of Darkness'.
What's coming next for you and the label in 2019?
So far, I have a lot of talented artists interested in becoming a part of Unchained Entertainment to help push their music goals and careers. I have a lot of showcases coming up shortly around Australia, then eventually [I] would like to target New Zealand and South Africa, even the UK.
