1.Growing Up
My key childhood memory of music was definitely coming home from primary school at three in the afternoon to shows like Rage on the ABC playing fresh R&B, hip hop and new jack swing out of the States. I remember TV shows like The Fresh Prince and Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper aired so freely on Australian TV. It definitely helped shape my outlook towards the music I make today. My folks raised me on classic soul and R&B like The Stylistics, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Temptations, Kool and The Gang, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and quite a bit of Simply Red as well. My family has always been very passionate about soul music and very musically inclined.
2.Inspirations
I’m heavily into R&B, neo-soul music and old-school hip hop and funk. Artists like Maxwell, Dwele, Little Brother, Anderson .Paak, Anthony Hamilton and Tuxedo I feel complement my live style. I’m not biased to the new school, though – when I need to turn up (like on a Social Sunday) you’ll definitely catch me knowing all the words to some Drizzy or Kendrick-type hip hop. I’m just really inspired by artists that set the trend rather than follow it.
3.Your Crew
I rock the live tip with my band Mike Champion and The Cool feat one of the illest producers to come out of Oz, Sergio Selim. You can also find me regularly party rockin’ the mic alongside Sydney’s most sought-after DJs, Moto, Def Rok, Helena Ellis, Lavida, Cadell, Yoji, Sefu, Recess, Fingaz, K-Note and the list goes on. Music and me have a love connection so she is my full-time gig.
4.The Music You Make And Play
R&B, hip hop, old-school, neo-soul, funk. I currently have an album out on iTunes entitled Young Boy Old Soul with a new LP Experience scheduled for release this year. The first single ‘PSSY & Wine’ will be released in the coming week.
5.Music, Right Here, Right Now
I think the cover music scene is vibrant and thriving. We definitely have to overcome the transition into getting the same attention playing original music. For me it definitely comes down to how we as musicians deliver it to the people. Our local scene is definitely filled with underground international musicians, DJs and entertainers who deliver music with passion. It’s great to be able to be inspired by the talent we have locally. It shows a clear reason as to why they love us so much overseas. Shouts to all the fellow musicians, DJs and promoters keeping the scene in check and coming correct!
Mike Champion plays Sunday Social atThe Argyle,Sunday February 5, with Helena Ellis, Lavida and friends.
