Author Archives: Kevin Loo

Lyrical Breakdown: “I Can’t Breathe” // How a Man’s Last Words Became A Rallying Cry

“I can’t breathe” became a rallying cry not just in the streets, but also in politically oriented lyrics c. 2015. Five years later, these songs and lyrics are still relevant as ever.

KSI // From Internet Fame to Rap Star

Knowledge. Strength. Internet fame*. These are the three defining characteristics of gaming/vlogging/amateur boxing star Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji (aka KSI). After more than ten years in the digital entertainment business, and a string of hot singles, his debut album Dissimulation is due out next week, and it’s touted to be one of the biggest releases ofContinue reading “KSI // From Internet Fame to Rap Star”

“Would you be my little quarantine?” // How artists are reacting to COVID-19

Which artists are singing or rapping about coronavirus? Are artists expressing their loneliness and isolation in relatable ways? Is anyone singing about Tiger King?

Interview // Dobby & The Rise of Aboriginal Hip-Hop

Dobby, real name Rhyan Clapham, is an up-and-coming MC hailing from rural NSW. He has an infectious presence and represents a new wave of homegrown hip-hop carving out a unique voice and perspective for First Nations People in an increasingly globalised music sphere. His mission is to spread messages of positivity and empowerment not onlyContinue reading “Interview // Dobby & The Rise of Aboriginal Hip-Hop”

Interview // 4ESydney & Vyvienne Abla

In the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic, life as know it has grinded to a halt. While the economy tanks, businesses close and medical services fear overloading, the arts community has also been left by the wayside. This year was meant to be a milestone instalment for Western Sydney’s premier HipHop and culture eventContinue reading “Interview // 4ESydney & Vyvienne Abla”

F*ck It Mask On // A Visual History of the Face Mask

In today’s apocalyptic climate, one piece of fashion/protective equipment has shot to the forefront of public consciousness – the humble face mask. As a way of concealing identity or for personal protection, the face mask is an obvious solution. As a part of streetwear fashion however, there is a story to tell. From its originsContinue reading “F*ck It Mask On // A Visual History of the Face Mask”

4ESydney Festival: The Home of HipHop

Here at deadset, our mission is to dig deeper into the issues and ideas that underly seemingly disposable pop culture. Right now, rap/hip-hop is having a moment globally and locally and 4ESydney is a movement out of Western Sydney that embraces all these aspects. The festival focuses on multi-art disciplines, music and local culture throughContinue reading “4ESydney Festival: The Home of HipHop”

Hayley Williams VS The World

Former pop punk princess turned Debbie Harry for millennials Hayley Williams is in the process of a solo reinvention. After years of fronting Paramore through ups and downs, her own music was released mid-February as her Petals for Armor project. It is Part 1 of a full album to be released later in 2020, andContinue reading “Hayley Williams VS The World”

Balming Tiger: Making Kpop Weird

Balming Tiger are a South Korean arts and music collective with a penchant for the eclectic. Their sound is diverse, and hits like the Ritalin-deprived lovechild of Odd Future and meme-era Awkwafina. Their latest single “KOLO KOLO” released a few weeks ago is a zany, jungle-soul track that flips between English, and nonsensical gibberish lyrics.Continue reading “Balming Tiger: Making Kpop Weird”