Mind Over Matter are set to explode with their fittingly titled
sophomore album 'Just Like Fireworks'.
Entering as a wildcard in their local
Battle of the Bands comp in 2003, Mind Over Matter blitzed the predominately all
rock competition taking out 1st prize. From there, Mind Over Matter quickly built
up live momentum performing at skate parks and youth events all around Sydney.
Releasing
their first mixtape 'For Our Hip Hoppers' in 2006, they earned themselves an Ozhiphop.com
nomination for 'Mixtape Of The Year', and because of their highly charismatic
and energetic live presence, they were given the opportunity to perform alongside
Australian heavy weights; Bliss n Eso, Muph & Plutonic, Pegz, Drapht, Downsyde,
Pez, 360, DJ Flagrant and Def Wish Cast, as well as international acts; Method
Man, Redman, Masta Ace and Mystro. Mind Over Matter have also performed at multiple
festivals, both locally and interstate, and hit stages internationally performing
in Phuket, Thailand and Osaka, Japan.
Dropping their Triple J Mag nominated
'Album Of The Year' 'Keepin' It Breezy' in 2008, the album's first single 'Proud'
went on to receive national airplay on Triple J, while their single 'Clipped Wings'
featured as FBi Radio's 'Single of the Week'.
After their album debut, 2009
saw Mind Over Matter jump into the host's seat as they put together and featured
on the 'Who's Got Next' mixtape. Jam-packed with talent and mixed by DJ Flagrant,
the release also features; Illy, Phatchance, Pez, 360 and The Thundamentals, to
name just a few. That same year also saw the release of their second mixtape,
the aptly titled 'Free The Wolves'. The release represented a departure from the
happy-go-lucky sound of 'Keepin' It Breezy', and earned them another Ozhiphop.com
nomination for 'Mixtape Of The Year'. Whilst the lead single 'It's not a Secret'
took out the Triple J/NIDA music video competition and also saw them highlighted
as a 'Featured Artist' on Triple J Unearthed.
In 2010 Mind Over Matter were
invited to collaborate on Bliss N Eso's #1 ARIA Charting, Platinum Certified album
'Running on Air', which featured them on verses in 'Where The Wild Things Are'.
Subsequently, Mind Over Matter received the privilege of being the national support
on their sold out, 'Down By The River' tour.
March 18th, 2011 now marks
the release of Mind Over Matter's sophomore album 'Just Like Fireworks'. Kicking
things off in late 2010 with the debut single release 'Rappers In Wonderland',
which was added to playlist on Triple J and community radio tastemakers, FBi.
The new seventeen track long player is host to a melody of original and sample
based beats which features a list of talented guest vocalist including; Pigeon
John (US), Vida-Sunshyne, Saving Grace, Drakezilla, Jon Reichardt, Ernst Carter
Junior (aka Sam Mcniell) and Lillian Blue. Mind Over Matter also incorporated;
Matik (Pez/Seth Sentry), Poker Beats (Hilltop Hoods), Konfuzion, Allrounda (Germany)
(DE) DJ Ilz, Jon Reichardt (producer/multi-instrumentalist/vocalist) and Saving
Grace in the production of their new album.
Littered with punching percussion,
driving guitar rhythms, and backed up with an infectious, chant style chorus,
'This Wonderful Life' is a shanty inspired crowd anthem and marks the second single
from the album. At 142 Bpm and a 12:8 time signature, this is the fastest Mind
Over Matter has recorded themselves rapping to date.
'This Wonderful Life'
is direct reflection of how much fun the duo had while recording Just Like Fireworks.
Throughout the album Willow and Smiles regularly exchange clever banter and witty
wordplay, especially on upbeat numbers like 'Rappers In Wonderland' and 'Just
Like Fireworks'. Other standouts include 'Hollow Eyes ft. Jon Reichardt' (taking
a more serious approach by addressing the issue of the drug and sex slave industry
in Kings Cross and Thailand), and of course live favourites 'Famous ft. Ernst
Carter Jnr.' and 'Off The Chain'. Other collaborative efforts on the album include
the reggae styled tune 'Harder ft. Vida-Sunshyne' and 'I Been Told ft. Pigeon
John', (M.O.M. have looked up to and been influenced by Pigeon John's work for
over a decade, so they felt both excited and privileged to be working with him
on their record). The album also offers a deeper dimension with songs like 'Sunshine
In You' (explaining the hardships of two close friends in extended verses), and
'Broken Me' which sped up sample based chorus accompanied with an eight piece
male and female choir is deep enough to pull on the heart strings of even the
hardest individual.
With a reputation forged around a tireless touring schedule
and passionate fan base, Mind Over Matter are guaranteed not to disappoint on
their 'Just Like Fireworks' national album tour in April, check out www.mindovermattercrew.com
for all the info.
'Just Like Fireworks' is available now.
