1. Growing Up
My key childhood music memories pretty much revolve around 101.7. Knowing the lyrics to every classic and every song WSFM would play, my friends thought I was a freak. My parents are non-musical, though are very supportive.
2. Inspirations
The Killers, The Chilis, Tupac, Eminem, Dr. Dre, Kanye West, Coldplay. I remember the first time I heard every album – life and personal emotions inspire me more than anything. I overcome my mental obstacles through music and lyrics.
3. Your Crew
I started playing bass when I was ten because my brother played guitar. That was my main entry into the music world. Now my crew consists of Daniel Antix from Lockup Studios and Reese Szabo from a band called Jolan who were both co-producers on the album [due out next year]. They are way more talented musicians than I am.
4. The Music You Make
My live set is a mythical fusion of everything I love. It’s hip hop with everything played live; we are a six-piece band of original magical rock/indie/hip hop lovemaking.
5. Music, Right Here, Right Now
I try not to focus on the music scene and what it is and what everyone else is doing. I just wake up every morning and try as hard as possible to be better than I was yesterday and keep doing it purely for love and passion because that’s what saved me in the first place. The politics of the Australian music industry make me want to bash my head against a wall.
Joel Rafidi plays Valve Bar at Agincourt Hotel on Saturday December 14 and Lansdowne Hotel on Saturday December 28.
