Member Since: 07/12/2006
Band Website: http://www.wickedbeatsoundsystem.com/
Band Members: Damian Robinson : Instruments & production,
Co Collaborators
Linda Janssen : Vocals
Emma Donovan : Vocals
Cameron Undy : Bass
Gerard Masters : Keys
Past Collaborators
MC Kye
DJ Crucial D
Sounds Like:
HISTORY
Since the mic sessions jamming over B-sides as they were in 1991, WBSS have grown to encompass a varied palette of styles. The humble 'DJ + MC x FX' beginning has led to a production aesthetic quite unique in the Australian musical landscape. Originally preferring reggae & hip hop, WBSS expanded their sound to incorporate elements of soul, jazz, latin, funk & breaks. It's a truly 'global' musical mash-up. Hundreds and thousands of Australians have watched and heard the evolution of this countrys premier groove outfit on radio, through their recordings, on soundtracks, via their remixes and collaborations, at festivals and in concert, headlining both their own tours and nationally supporting the likes of Ben Harper and The Fugees. Having developed a truly unique production aesthetic, Wicked Beat Sound System stand alone as electronic soul pioneers in Australia.
The first album release, Music From The Core, didn't so much as scream out from the pack as tastefully step aside. The very first single release, Summer Sun, became an Andy Glitre anthem at Triple J, the follow up single, Local MP supplied the leg-up their music demanded to reach a broader audience. These tracks were also appreciated internationally via compilations from Canada & the USA and on the soundtrack to French film 'Clubbed To Death (Lola). Refusing to be a fad, they accepted the remixing gigs they chose to. They directed their tracks onto compilations and film scores they were personally into. And they approved the collaborative works they were genuinely interested in. Artists like Yothu Yindi, DIG, Deborah Conway, Iva Davies, Christine Anu and Renee Geyer.
After the release of album number two, Inna Styles, WBSS toured like crazy, earning themselves legions of fans around the country gob-smacked by the live Sound System experience. Three tracks off Inna Styles, I Don't Wanna know, Church of Al Green, and Stay With Me 'Til Dawn were added straight to national radio and TV (Alchemy), while two others off the album, Cookin' with Kazz and Genie of the Lab maintained their dancefloor presence. In 2000 they picked up two more award nominations: an ARIA nomination for Inna Styles and a Dance Music Award nomination (DMA) for Best Band. Their work ethic earned them a rock solid reputation and secured them festival gigs nationwide, from the Perth International Arts Festival to Vibes On A Summer's Day.
Following the release of New Soul Breaks in 2002 WBSS continued to push their message with Lindas radio hits "I Want to, "Brand New Day" along with MC Kyes dark excursions "Do The Tings" and "Ounce Of Swing". In 2002 WBSS were honoured with an Aria "Best Dance Release" nomination for New Soul Breaks. 2005 saw Wicked Beat Sound System return with a stunning new Long Player,"4ORMATION". Both WBSS devotees and first time listeners were captivated by Wicked Beat Sound Systems truly mesmerizing LP "4ORMATION".
2007 sees the release of WBSS's latest offering Hydromajestik. Recorded on a farm during Australia longest drought in living memory, its got drought breaker written all over it.
Turn on the taps. Pull out the plug.
Open the floodgates … Wicked Beat sound System are back
WBSS perform Local Mp Live in 2001
Record Label: WICKED BEAT RECORDS thru Inertia
Type of Label: Indie