Kenzie FromWelly

Tell us about your music - how did you develop your sound?

My music is a reflection of my culture and perception. It's more questions than answers. I developed my sound through alot of listening. I think when learning something you first emulate the teacher, then once you've spent enough time doing the thing yourself you develop you own flavour. In my case, I firstly pretty much just copied american gangsta rap, but when I finally had something of my own to say, I guess it sounded like me.

What’s your live show like?

My live show is more intimate. I have to admit I haven't gigged in a minute but definitely will look to asap.

You’ve said your style is influenced by jazz, funk and 90s hip hop. What was your introduction to those styles of music and who are some key artists that inspire you?

My first introduction to music was through my parents. They owned a huge CD collection which housed artists from Elvis, Randy Crawford, Isaac Hayes, Bob Marley, Motown and Fleetwood Mac to Solo, TLC, Warren G and Toni Braxton. It slowly dwindled away as we started playing and misplacing them. I grew up around boys so the first hip hop track I remember playing as a kid was "Colours" by Ice T. I am inspired by people in general and the world. Musically I guess by artists like Queen Latifah, Blu, Mc Lyte, Frank Ocean, Outkast, Ab Soul and Skyzoo.

You’re originally from Wellington, NZ. Who are some current artists from across the pond that Australians should be keeping an ear out for?

There's a lot of good music in the works back home. Groups like Homebrew and @Peace are killing it right now. Iva Lamkum and Aaradhna are holding it down with silky smooth vocals for the ladies. Should also keep an ear out for up and coming artists like Spycc & INF, Jane Deezy, Lacoco, Raiza Biza, Rizvan, The Doqument, Midnight Trips and Xbozay (also based in Brizzy). I can also say I've had the pleasure of working with a few of these talented peeps.

What’s coming up for you in 2013?

I've recently released my debut mixtape "Dirty Demo Links", which you can catch here. I'm also working on two projects. The first is a joint project with Brisbane based producer (and my cousin) HeapRize. It's titled "Awakening Prologue". The second project is with a NZ producer, I may just keep this under wraps for now. :)

Australian music is…?

...very diverse.