Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I am a Hip Hop artist from Perth, Australia – I am a beat maker and an MC. A lot of people tell me that my sound and style is really different to what is going on in Australian hip hop at the moment, and I take it as a great compliment. I grew up listening to hip hop in Primary School so it’s always been there, and as hip hop grew, I grew with it. I think the main thing for me was to take my influences and create something original and different.

What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
I am huge music fan. I am fan before I am an artist. So other music is probably my biggest inspiration. I want to make people feel the way the same way that a de la soul song made me feel. Other than that, life’s experiences are a big influence on me – love, girls, and philosophy. For me, Hip Hop is essentially soul music, so it’s the pains and joys in my life that inspires me to create.

What can punters expect from a Coin Banks live show?
RAPS! I am a rappers rapper, an mc’s mc. My main focus is to do my job and deliver the song as well as possible. That being said, I love crowd interaction, I love the old school house party vibe of partying with the crowd. If the crowd has a good time, then im gona have good time. My favourite shows are playing with a full band. I rarely get to play these because of budgetary constraints, but the songs really come to life when there is a 7 piece band behind me.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Over the years, Homeboy Sandman has become a bit of a big brother to me. If I overstep the boundary, he is quick to step in and set me right. I love the dude for the guidance he has given me. He isn’t only one of the best MC’s in the world; he is also one of the most intelligent and nicest dudes I know.

What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Chet Faker – No Diggity (Cover)

What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Ta-Ku – I miss you

You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Sable – Feels So Good

What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
It was a Bush Fire Fundraiser in Perth. Started with Natalie Mae and  Rae doing an acoustic set together, I love these guys and their performance is always something special. Then Marksman Lloyd played, and he killed it as per usual. I had to leave just after his set finished, but was a great night with great people.

Tell us about the bands or people in the WA music community that inspire you.
Marksman Lloyd – He is my favourite MC in WA, if not all of Australia. His work ethic and originally are really inspiring – I always tell him how jealous I am of his stuff. One of my closest homies!
Mathas – I don’t really need say much about this guy, I love everything about the music he makes – he inspires me and makes me step my game up.
Ta-Ku – I’ve worked with Ta-Ku for over the years, and am happy to call him one of my best friends. He has always supported me in music and personal life, and vice versa. Dude is an inspiration for everyone in Perth.
Empty – This guy can play every instrument, rap, sing and freestyle something incredible. I’m always watching what he is up to next, and I suggest the rest of Australia do the same.
Sable – Young, talented, humble and passionate. This guy has such a bright future ahead of him, and I am super excited to be working with him on a few songs.
Childs Play, Beckon, Cole, Strangelove – These guys are all new young up and comers in the Perth scene and are already making waves. They all have a great work ethic and I am looking forward to seeing them grow as artists in the scene. They keep me on my toes.

What are your plans for Coin Banks in 2014?
Having the HEADS EP released on March 7th was a relief, but it now means I need to move on to the next page. Im going to let HEADS do its thing for a little bit, and to follow it up I have the TAILS EP featuring two singles with video clips. The Tails EP has my most favourite song of all time on it, I love everything on the HEADS EP but one of the singles on the TAILS EP is really special, and I cant wait to release it. I am currently working on my Debut solo LP with two songs already completed – one produced by Ta-Ku and another by Nottz from Detroit. As well as my solo stuff,  UPNUP have been busy writing new material to take into the studio. I have also been working with Sable and Marksman on an EP. 2014 should be a great year.