Features

What a great idea to bring some of Australia's finest MCs together on the one collaborations album, Duets Volume 1. Who's the brainiac that came up with the idea and how did you make it fly?

The idea came about from an assignment I was doing during a Community Cultural Development course I was in. Basically the idea was to get some of our finest artists to mentor and co-write with emerging young artists in Western Sydney. I hoped that the songs written would reflect the issues and challenges faced by these young people which in turn could inspire and help their peers who may be faced with similar issues. I contacted the artists, explained the project, spoke to a few young people I was working with and it all flowed from there. 

Was it a kind of mentor-mentee situation? 

It was. I envisaged that the young people have this one-to-one time with established artists, so that they could hear first-hand what the industry is like and about the journey of their mentor. These experiences are priceless; you can’t really learn about that in music courses. When I was coming up I was very fortunate, I had a lot of Oz, UK and US artists mentor and assist me with my journey. Through Information and Cultural Exchange's (ICE) Urban Music project, I am able to continue that process and pass on to the next generation.  

I imagine there would've been no shortage of up-and-coming urban artists who wanted to get on this project, how and who made the selection?

I made the selection. I've been working with young people at ICE since 2001. The ones that showed talent, commitment and the hunger to succeed were chosen. I also work with two other organisations, Blacktown Youth Services Association and South West Youth Peer Education who also nominated young people for the project. 

There's a strong female presence on this album, with the likes of yourself, Maya Jupiter, and MC Nay- which is fantastic, and rare! Was this a conscious choice, or some kind of cosmic coincidence?

These women are hella talented and very giving of their time. There were other male and female artists that were approached but the ones that were on the album made time for the project. I'm also glad it was 3 male and 3 female mentors; we need more talented ladies in the game!

What is it about giving a leg-up to people just starting out that keeps you doing it?

I understand the challenges that young people face in life and through music, overcoming these challenges can be made easier. Making it in this industry is not easy, so being able to assist them with that process is very fulfilling for me. Sometimes it can be frustrating when they don’t rise to the challenges before them but that’s life and I enjoy seeing them grow and being part of that process. Over the years I have seen a lot of young people at a crossroad in their life and while doing music courses, they can be encouraged to make positive life choices. There are a few that I’ve visited in jail, but I'd say at least 90% have moved on to greener pastures. How can I not enjoy the work I do?

A lot of the MCs involved are Sydney locals; will there be a tour to bring some Duets Volume 1 love to other parts of the country?

It may happen in 2010, I will keep you posted :)

Is this the first of many Duets compilations? What's your vision for where this project might go?

It is the first of many, we plan to do another one soon.

I've heard whisper that there's a new MC Trey album on the boil. Any truth to this?

Yes, I’ve been working on one for a while. It’s just been hectic juggling work and being a mama to my lil girl, Lyric, but I’ve been writing with UK producer Spider Johnson and NZ producer DJ One5. So, 2010 will birth a new solo Trey album. I can’t wait!

Duets Volume 1, hosted my MC Trey is out now via Grindin Records.