Dylan Joel

Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?

First love for hip hop started after an opportunity I had, introducing Bliss N Eso to the crowd before one of their shows. So my initial introduction to the scene was at a super high standard. That led to following a heap of other Australian rappers, and from there my taste of hip hop began to expand. After a 6 month general trip through LA, New York and mostly Toronto, I returned back home with new inspiration from all over North America. Recently I headed back to Toronto to work with a local producer 'Otis Grey', so my taste for hip hop has expanded massively, bringing multiple aspects of hip hop from so many different artists. To summarise it, seeing as I'm only 21, I still think my sound is developing - But I feel there's an art to making it work as you journey through that. So I'm sweet to just wait and see where I end up!

You’re the winner of our Pyramid Rock competition and will be opening the main stage on New Years Eve - what can Pyramid Rock punters expect from the Dylan Joel live show?

Yeah, such an insane opportunity. So stoked to be rocking Pyramid this year. Never expected to be playing a show like this so early on in my career. Was always one of those 'dream to play' kind of gigs. - So my plan is to get a little creative on this set. Not every day you get to play such a sweet show, so we're planning on having some fun with it. New tracks, old tracks, few covers. I have 3 homies that back me up for my live shows, rocking live bass, drums and vinyls - So hopefully we'll be bringing a mad festival vibe to our set! Definitely not afraid to have a boogie. So expect some real funky, bumpin' tracks!

Tell us about the bands, producers and people in the Melbourne music communities who inspire you?

Ah flip. So many. Definitely gotta throw some love to my man Mantra. Have had the priviledge to catch up with him on a fairly regular basis and take the opportunity of having him mentor me through some of the journey. Such a phenomenal rapper. But the part that really inspires me, is his passion for helping others. From volunteering with youth hip hop programs such as 'Dig Deep' to just being a really considerate dude. He's been an amazing inspiration for keeping grounded and understanding where your real life fits amidst your music life. Nate Flagrant has been a huge help too, he has been pretty committed to seeing us develop our recorded sound and our live show. Also some props to M-Phazes and Cam Bluff, as I see them as some of the most talented producers in the country. Along with the big man Illy, for not only being (what I think to be) one of the best song writers in the country, but also for his support and respect towards the new gen of rappers. Big advocate for seeing artists stay grounded and keep true to themselves. Props.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?

Tough question! Couldn't pick some specifically as the best, but one quote that sticks out: "Don't have everything you want, but want everything you have." - from the trusty words of a fridge magnet. Good as.

What are your New Years resolutions?

No idea ha. Get better at FIFA, write more raps, get even better at FIFA... Na in all seriousness, I'm real keen to write/release an album, which we've begun to tee up some amazing producers for. To be honest, I'm just happy with what I'm doing now. Selling out some bigger shows and playing some more festival's would be dope too, but I'm happy just kickin' it and seeing where the year takes me.

Australian music is…?

...underrated.