Move The Crowd

CAVELL - "Love Song":

2012-02-13T17:33:00.001+13:00

Cavell & Twice As Nice team up on this reinterpretation of Adele's cover of The Cure classic.

Video dropping next week.

DERTY SESH - "I Am Here" feat Erakah:

2012-02-13T11:56:00.000+13:00

The final installment in Sesh's series of videos exposing various tracks from his new album.

Apology Accepted is available February 20th.

That's a week away!

Launching Today:

2012-02-13T03:36:00.000+13:00

NEESH - "NoName":

2012-02-12T01:52:00.001+13:00

Produced by Derty Sesh.

Download the track here

DERTY SESH - "Crowd Gang" feat. Ethical, Sir T & Sidney Diamond:

2012-02-06T09:45:00.001+13:00

It's that time again...

"Crowd Gang" is lifted off the 'Apology Accepted' Album which is available February 20th.

Produced by Derty Sesh

Directed & Edited by Derty Sesh

DERTY SESH - "Maybe" Feat. Sidney Diamond:

2012-01-30T13:53:00.002+13:00

Expect to see one of these every Monday leading up to the album launch on Feb 20th.

Produced/Directed & Edited by Derty Sesh

DERTY SESH - Apology Accepted Album Cover & Tracklisting:

2012-01-28T05:36:00.002+13:00

Released February 20

DERTY SESH - "Let Me Go":

2012-01-23T13:08:00.000+13:00

Track produced by Twice As Nice.

Video directed by Anthony Plant

Now available at

New album, Apology Accepted; in stores February 20th.

EAST MUZIK GROUP - "Do That" feat. YOUNG SID:

2012-01-16T01:22:00.001+13:00

Do That Ft Young Sid [ Prod By Smokey ] by eastmusikgroup

TYREE - "I Want It All" [Video]:

2012-01-11T02:53:00.001+13:00

Taken from Tyree's forthcoming album Motivation.

Director: Dei Hamo
D.O.P & Editor: Tatsuya Sasaki
Lighting: Mathew Harte

Available at now

MTC On Twitter:

2012-01-09T11:48:00.002+13:00

Be sure to follow the MTC fam on twitter!

YOUNG SID At The 2011 Pacific Music Awards:

2012-01-07T03:03:00.001+13:00

Derty Sesh - I Won't Change [Audio]:

2012-01-01T03:28:00.000+13:00

Sesh kicks in the new year with this album track.

Look for the video for his new single "Let Me Go" to drop in the next couple of weeks and his album, Apology Accepted; to follow soon after.

Derty Sesh - "I Won't Change" (not mastered) by KirkMTC

Cavell - "The Crowd" (Demo):

2012-01-01T03:08:00.004+13:00

Happy New Year folks! In order to kick off 2012 correctly for the new year, we thought it would be prudent to let you hear a couple of tracks from our acts.

The first of which is the first track from Cavell's track "The Crowd" which is taken from his forthcoming free E.P Last Summer.

Enjoy...

Cavell - The Crowd (demo version) by KirkMTC

The Year That Was:

2011-12-28T09:24:00.001+13:00

Only the guy who isn't rowing has time to rock the boat - Jean-Paul Sartre

2011 was another challenging year for us at MTC. We have collectively and (in some cases individually) faced several obstacles over the past 12 months.

The transition from MTC being a joint venture label to becoming a wholly owned (and distributed) entity was not an easy one. Funds were tight especially when we faced a downturn in the market and all of the things that come with music being available for free. The changes that were implemented at NZOA this year also made it harder for any small label, with album funding terminated and $2,000 deposits (as such) now being a requirement for video funding. I'm not saying that these decisions were right or wrong, but these are the realities that a small label now faces in 2012. Furthermore, while we make more per track or album sold under our distribution deal with Warners, it has become necessary that we create music that actually sells if only to recoup the amount of investment that has gone into the making of the album and all of the associated costs that come with that.

I personally had to really roll up my sleeves this year to create a new reality for myself in the industry. Universal Motown & Island Def Jam merged half way through the year leaving me without a position in the Universal building having spent 8 years there with SRC & Universal. While this was obviously a personal setback, it ultimately affected MTC because i had to then focus on getting my own affairs in order. Someone has to pay the rent and in this case, it was me. After much thought i decided to spent the remainder of the year setting myself up as opposed to hitting the job trail. A lot of positive things have transpired with my new ventures and i'm sure that you'll hear about that through the grapevine in good time. But i will say that with the benefit of hindsight, i am now in a better place than i have been for years. While my focus was elsewhere I had hoped that MTC could continue to move forward without my constant involvement, but at the end of the day; i now realize that we all have to focus on the same goals otherwise the end result gets muddied. I am back in the drivers seat now and i am excited about many of the acts on the roster.

On a positive note, i was very pleased to get the Kidz In Space album into the market this year and i'm always excited to see what Ash and co will bring to the table in the future. The one man machine that is Derty Sesh has certainly been unstoppable all year and look for his new Twice As Nice produced single to drop early in January and his second album to follow soon after. Cavell joined the team this year and i'm very excited to see what he cooks up in the coming months. Kayo & Young Sid are working on their highly-anticipated album projects and i am very much looking forward to seeing how their sound(s) develop. Our Twice As Nice fam made huge strides in the U.S this year and are already placing tracks with notable artists globally, the next 12 months will be very exciting for them.

Empire Records launched this year, and it's always great to see people come out from under an umbrella like MTC to develop their own home for artists. Let's not forget that it was Urban Pacifika that gave birth to Dawnraid back in the day. The Empire crew very quickly set about signing Jae'O, Abby Lee, Porina, Five A, Elly & Drew Neemia.

The next year will certainly be significant for all of us. As I forge ahead with my new endeavors, i certainly want to start including some of our acts in my U.S campaigns and i'm sure that this will bear positive fruits for our acts. Empire Records will continue to grow with Deach & Tyree at the helm and i couldn't be more excited about some of the music that i have been privvy to from Sesh, Sir T, Sid, Kayo & Cavell.

Happy New Year everyone!

Until next time....

NEESH - "Hasta Luago" feat. Illa Myke & Cassie De Barcenas [Audio]:

2011-12-28T06:38:00.000+13:00

Merry Christmas from MTC:

2011-12-26T01:59:00.002+13:00

DERTY SESH - "Let Me Go" BTS [Video]:

2011-12-23T16:13:00.003+13:00

Sesh takes us behind the scenes of his new Twice As Nice produced single.

TYREE - "I Want It All":

2011-12-21T04:54:00.000+13:00

Video coming soon:

DERTY SESH - Let Me Go" Single:

2011-12-21T04:25:00.001+13:00

New single & video coming soon...

TYREE - "I Want It All" Available Now:

2011-12-07T17:37:00.003+13:00

Hit up iTunes now...

SIR T - "Hands Up" feat. Tha Movement [Video]:

2011-12-07T01:21:00.003+13:00

Hands Up Featuring Tha Movement by T1zzle

KAYO - Video Medley:

2011-11-30T14:55:00.001+13:00

A dope fan made video just popped up... i dig this...

NEESH - "I'm It" feat. Tyson Tyler & DERTY SESH:

2011-11-30T14:46:00.000+13:00

SIR T - "Invincible" Feat. Pieter T:

2011-11-24T15:20:00.000+13:00

Available now:

DERTY SESH Vents...

2011-11-24T14:26:00.000+13:00

This ones for the haters...

SIR T - 'Invincible" feat. Pieter T Is Available Now:

2011-11-21T05:50:00.003+13:00

"Invincible" can be purchased at now

Crowd Gang - "High Hopes" [Video]:

2011-11-21T02:16:00.001+13:00

Edited & Directed By: Derty Sesh
Camera Work: James Allpress & Derty Sesh

Song Produced By: Derty Sesh
Song Written By: Sidney Diamond & Derty Sesh

Off the "Crowd Gang Bitch" album.
Download FREE Here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/17sp60
Derty Sesh. Sidney Diamond. CGB.

DERTY SESH - "Apology Accepted" [Video]:

2011-11-21T02:03:00.001+13:00

Music Written & Produced by Derty Sesh
The song is off the forthcoming second studio album "Apology Accepted"

Starring Sarah Hart & Derty Sesh

A REC Images Production

Produced by Paul Watkins, Thomas Watkins & Oliver Cross

Directed By Paul Watkins
Cinematographer: Oliver Cross

Make up Rebecca Boyce
www.rebecca-maree.com

Special Thanks to Broadcast New Zealand
www.broadcast.net.nz

ROYCE DA 5'9" Live In Auckland:

2011-11-15T03:04:00.001+13:00

Nickle Nine is heading to NZ and will share a stage with our dudes Eth, Neesh & Sir-Vere

CROWD GANG - Crowd Gang Bitch [Free Album]:

2011-11-09T02:05:00.005+13:00

DOWNLOAD: Crowd Gang Bitch

If you need further convincing to hit that download link, check out the tracks below:

CROWD GANG - "I'm Focused": by KirkMTC

SMV - "If We Ain't Cool' feat. DERTY SESH & Tyson Tyler [Audio]:

2011-11-07T13:41:00.001+13:00

SMV - If We Ain't Cool REMIX ft, Derty Sesh & Tyson Tyler by VILLAINS

DERTY SESH Live At Juice Bar:

2011-11-07T02:33:00.001+13:00

CROWD GANG - Crowd Gang Bitch [Mixtape Cover]:

2011-11-02T12:42:00.000+13:00

Coming soon Bitch!

SMASHPROOF x Homegrown:

2011-11-02T07:36:00.005+13:00

Full Line-up Announcement

Jim Beam Rock Stage
Shihad
Blacklist
The Feelers
Opshop
The Checks
Black River Drive
The Thomas Oliver Band
Shotgun Alley

Vodafone Dub & Roots Stage
Fat Freddy’s Drop
Kora
Six60
The Black Seeds
Sola Rosa
1814
Sunshine Soundsystem

Redbull Lab
The Adults
Tiki Taane (acoustic)
King Kapisi, Che Fu, Manuel Bundy
Concord Dawn Vs. P Money
Minuit featuring Gamelan
AHoriBuzz
Nick D

Vodafone Pop and RnB Stage
Kids of 88
Zowie
Smashproof
David Dallas
P Money
K.One
Kidz in Space
Homebrew
Computers Want Me Dead

Jim Beam Electronic Stage
Optimus Gryme
Bulletproof
State of Mind Live
Kids of 88 (DJ Set)
Karn Hall
Dick Johnson
MayaVanya

Read more: Final Line Up Announcement

SIR T - "Further Than You Thought" [Audio]:

2011-11-01T00:22:00.003+13:00

Produced by Ice

Further Than You Thought - produced by Ice by T1zzle

Crowd Gang - "Whiskey" [Video]:

2011-11-01T00:12:00.001+13:00

Edited & Directed By: Derty Sesh
Filmed Locations: Perth & Brisbane, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand.

Song Produced By: Derty Sesh

Taken from the "Crowd Gang Bitch" album.

CAIRO KNIFE FIGHT x Stuff:

2011-10-31T12:03:00.003+13:00

Under new management:

SOURCE: Stuff

When Aaron Tokona was a boy, he and his dad used to take their guitars and go busking when they needed a bit of cash. Last week, Tokona found himself on Hollywood Boulevard on the cusp of an American dream.

He and singing drummer Nick Gaffaney comprise rising Christchurch duo Cairo Knife Fight. At first glance, Tokona, also of psychedelic rock and soul outfit A Hori Buzz, and Gaffaney seem an unlikely musical pairing.

Headband-wearing Tokona's guitar-playing and loop pedal wizardry is free- flowing intense wildness.

In contrast, suit-wearing Gaffaney's falsetto vocals accompany a precise- drumming style, which has seen him perform in Goldenhorse, with Anika Moa and as a go-to man for many big names in the industry.

They are from vastly different musical worlds, but when they collide, these two aural warriors create expansive, explosive sounds like no-one else.

Last year, the pair got onto the bill of the prestigious United States music industry showcase, the CMJ Music Festival, by booking the venue ahead of festival organisers, who could hardly refuse to let them strut their stuff on stage.

This year, they received a legitimate invitation to perform as part of the New Zealand Music Commission's contingent.

The trip was not without its difficult moments. A few hours and one Mexican meal after arriving in Los Angeles, the pair sacked their managers after a dispute (no knives involved) and found themselves with nowhere to stay and no money.

"One minute we were on Hollywood Boulevard having an LA time, and the next we're on the plane for New York not knowing where we were going to stay," Tokona says.

Luckily, Gary Fortune, of the New Zealand Music Commission, came to their rescue and the pair stayed at his apartment, topping and tailing on a camp stretcher.

If Tokona sounds a bit upset by the drama, it's partly because he has been through it all before with his 90s group, Weta, which combusted after a messy overseas tour. Over a decade later, he simply didn't expect to find himself in a similar situation.

No manager, no money, nowhere to stay - it's not the ideal way to prepare for a special gig, Tokona admits.

"By the time we came to play our showcase gig, I was completely fried, it was all so heavy. And for those showcase gigs you've only got 20 minutes to get up there and blow your load."

Fried or not, the pair's performance was enough to capture the attention of Kirk Harding, an expatriate who left New Zealand in 1999 and rose through the ranks at Universal International before recently starting his own label.

"He wasn't there for any particular reason, just catching up with a mate, but he came up to us after the gig and said he'd loved it. He's broken Tool and Akon, I found out by googling him later. He took us out for dinner and said he'd been looking for a rock band for his arsenal for his new label and that we were it.

"We went from having no manager to leaving America with an American manager."

Reviews of their 20-minute set by bloggers and respected music publications alike are glowing.

"It's time for the long shadow of The White Stripes to step aside for two new kids on the block," wrote one, adding, "Cairo Knife Fight have chosen an appropriate name.

"Wielding the sharpest knife in the souk, they've carved themselves a musical niche only dreamed of by lesser mortals." They were also described as a "bastard child of the Stooges and Neu!" with a dash of Zeppelin, "back before they were bloated".

Their latest release, the band's second EP, Cairo Knife Fight II, follows on from an album in 2009 and last year's self-titled EP. Cairo Knife Fight II has earned the pair a nomination in the Best Rock Album category at Thursday's New Zealand Music Awards.

They are up against Wellington newcomers Beastwars and Wellington stalwarts Shihad, who Weta often supported back in the day. Shihad frontman Jon Toogood wrote the song Pacifier about Tokona and the lyric "precious star, you are the best at what you are" shows the level of respect that exists between these friends.

"I've had the awards date circled on my calendar. It's come up quickly. It's a bit like going full circle. I won the most promising male vocalist in 2000. I'm also playing in Tiki's band at the awards on Thursday, so it's a full-on buzz."

It's a musician's life, he says - nothing happens for ages and then it's "bang, bang, bang". "I got back to New Zealand and went straight into a Fly My Pretties rehearsal."

Fluttering around the country in its fourth incarnation, Fly My Pretties IV plays at the GeoDome in Hagley Park tomorrow and on Monday, and Tokona will play a special guitar, made from timber recovered from the ruins of buildings destroyed in the Christchurch earthquakes.

Like many Cantabrians, it has been a tumultuous year for Tokona, who aside from difficulties which have arisen from the earthquakes, has long suffered from bipolar disorder, a battle he is proud to be winning. He's now looking forward to what the future has to offer.

"We'll see how it goes in America. In the meantime, the Foo Fighters have asked us to support them again for their next stadium show here. That's not confirmed yet, but it's the next seat to ride."

Hollywood Boulevard may be paved with broken dreams, but hopefully Cairo Knife Fight is set to change all that.

DERTY SESH - Apology Accepted [Trailer]:

2011-10-31T05:44:00.002+13:00

Starring Sarah Hart & Derty Sesh
A REC Images Production
Produced by Paul Watkins, Thomas Watkins & Oliver Cross
Directed By Paul Watkins
Cinematographer: Oliver Cross
Make up Rebecca Boyce

DERTY SESH - "Number 1" [Video]:

2011-10-21T00:31:00.004+13:00

Derty Sesh unleashes the first single from his second album on MTC.

"Number 1" will be available to purchase on Monday, October 24th.

Track produced by 44.

Video directed by Anthony Plant.

Follow Derty Sesh:
http://twitter.com/#!/dertysesh
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Derty-Sesh/117838138794

New DERTY SESH single released Monday:

2011-10-20T06:52:00.003+13:00

"Number 1" drops on Monday.

Video launches tomorrow.

CAIRO KNIFE FIGHT - "The Violence Of Action" [Sundae Sessions]:

2011-10-20T05:33:00.002+13:00

I peeped these guys at CMJ's NZ event last night, very impressive to say the least!

ROC RAIDA - Forever:

2011-10-19T05:51:00.001+13:00

DERTY SESH Tour Poster:

2011-10-19T03:39:00.003+13:00

Buddy James, Young L & Gilbere Forte - "Weighting":

2011-10-13T00:11:00.003+13:00

New track out through [r]evolve... produced by Young L

Weighting (with Young L & Gilbere Forte') by Buddy James

JAE'O - "Will We Ever Be" [Video]:

2011-10-13T00:10:00.001+13:00

Empire is in the building...

KAYO - "All Black Everything" & "Nunaya":

2011-10-11T05:25:00.006+13:00

Kayo lets two tracks go, well... just because.

Kayo, like the whole nation is rocking "All Black Everything" (no Johnny Cash).

"Nunaya" is a new track that will live beyond the RWC on your iPod playlist.

Be sure to "Like' the man on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/planetkayo

All Black Everything by killkayo

Nunaya by killkayo

PSK [Video]:

2011-10-06T07:27:00.003+13:00

My [r]evolve crew headed down to Philly to capture this event for Serato over the summer. Diplo, Jazzy Jeff, J Rocc, DJ Spinna & ?uestlove all feature...

TYREE - "I Do It For My City" (Remix) feat. Sir T & Young Sid [Video]:

2011-10-06T06:53:00.002+13:00

Taken from Tyree's forthcoming album, Motivation.

Director: Roko Babich

Produced By Khaled

GILBERE FORTE - B.E.T Cipher & Free E.P:

2011-10-06T02:41:00.006+13:00

Exciting things are happening in Gilbere's world, check out the B.E.T Cipher appearance below and the link to cop his new E.P.

DOWNLOAD: Some Dreams Never Sleep E.P

DERTY SESH Single Coming Soon:

2011-10-05T06:48:00.002+13:00

First official single from Sesh's second album on MTC: Look for it to drop later this month.

TWICE AS NICE x Marky x Asher Roth - "Can We Chill" [Audio]:

2011-09-28T08:16:00.004+13:00

Marky writes...Produced by my brothers, Twice As Nice; out of Australia – the song came about while in the studio in NYC. These guys were playing me a couple tracks and when this came up, I looked at Nick & Lewis like, “it would be dope if I get Asher on it…” From that point, I told Asher I needed a verse from him. He’s a cool and humble cat so he was already down to do whatever. The song is based about a girl that you talk to whom you only hit up at them “after club hours” to go visit lol. She agree’s but always complain that you don’t ever want to talk – you only want to “hit” and “roll-out”. So, to her – we say, “naw, baby.. naw – it ain’t like that… but I’m on my way you gonna come out?” haha.

Download: TWICE AS NICE x Marky x Asher Roth - "Can We Chill"

KIDZ IN SPACE - "Best Foot Forward" [Video]:

2011-09-27T02:19:00.000+13:00

KIdz In Space's new single "Best Foot Forward" is now available at and elsewhere.

Taken from their debut album Ghost

Fighting Fear [Trailer]:

2011-09-24T01:29:00.000+12:00

In between single releases, constant touring and recording sessions Kid Mac has also kept himself busy in 2011 directing a new film.

Fighting Fear is a feature-length docu-drama told through the eyes of the two friends, Pro-surfer Mark Mathews and MMA fighter Richie Vaculik & filmed over three years. It provides a unique & candid insight into the tumultuous life of two world-class athletes facing against-all-odds personal challenges.

This is the second feature film by exciting new Australian talent, Macario 'Kid Mac' De Souza, co-director of BRA BOYS, the highest grossing Australian documentary (non-imax) of all time. Aged just 28, Mac not only wrote, directed, edited, shot & produced FIGHTING FEAR but as Kid Mac also wrote & performed 5 songs on the soundtrack.

With a rip-roaring soundtrack (including such acts as Bloc Party, The Naked & The Famous, Pendulum, Bliss N Eso, Hermitude, Sarah McLeod, Young Sid) and featuring entertaining & insightful interviews from some of the world’s most influential action sports athletes, including ten-time World Surfing Champion Kelly Slater, two- time World Surfing Champion Mick Fanning, Big Wave Surfer Bruce Irons, three-time Women’s World Surfing Champion Steph Gilmore & two-time UFC World Champion BJ Penn, FIGHTING FEAR is a jaw-dropping action-packed documentary that is surprisingly emotional, powerfully uplifting & utterly compelling.

FIGHTING FEAR is inspirational, heart-stopping entertainment.

KIDZ IN SPACE Launch New Single:

2011-09-24T01:08:00.002+12:00

Kidz In Space's new single "Best Foot Forward" is now available at and elsewhere.

Look for the video to drop shortly.

Taken from their debut album Ghost

Fighting Fear [Snippets]:

2011-09-15T00:36:00.001+12:00

Two early peeks at Fighting Fear, the new full length documentary directed by our man Kid Mac

SIR T - "It Is What It Is" [Audio]:

2011-09-14T07:14:00.002+12:00

A lil' somethin' that Tizzle knocked out in the studio the other night: It is what it is by T1zzle

MTC on this Weeks IMNZ Charts:

2011-09-07T00:02:00.003+12:00

KIS's "Lost" moves to #2 on the singles chart:

DAVID DALLAS - "Take A Picture" [Video]:

2011-09-02T00:07:00.001+12:00

Dope video from D. Dot

TYREE - "Saviour" [Video]

2011-08-25T23:51:00.001+12:00

Single released August 29.

Track produced by Twice As Nice.

Video directed by Roko Babich.

TYREE - "Saviour" Released August 29:

2011-08-25T02:15:00.006+12:00

Ty's first official single from his second solo album Motivation drops on August 29th.

The video was shot by Roko Babich.

The track is produced by Twice As Nice.

Look for the "Saviour" remix featuring Tyree's longtime sparring partner Mr Kardinal Offishall, which will be included as part of the deluxe single package on the same date.

KIDZ IN SPACE - "Lost" Available Now:

2011-08-20T01:21:00.006+12:00

KIDZ IN SPACE - "Lost" by KirkMTC

Grab the track at or free-text ‘LOST’ to 5483 from your Vodafone phone and get the new Kidz In Space track for only $1.50

THE BULLITTS - "Landspeeder" [Video]:

2011-08-19T04:41:00.001+12:00

BANKSY Presents The Antics Roadshow:

2011-08-19T03:28:00.002+12:00

1 hour long, but worth your time

CHANNEL 4 - Roadshow from Robin Gunningham on Vimeo.

DERTY SESH x Renegade House:

2011-08-17T00:34:00.004+12:00

Hit the link to read this interview - Renegade House x Sesh

DERTY SESH x Rip It Up:

2011-08-17T00:27:00.001+12:00

SOURCE: RIU

Derty Sesh – Fuck Derty Sesh EP
In this collection of self-produced tracks Derty Sesh shrugs disses, pines for a world outside of New Zealand and gives tips on how to get girls. He consistently alludes to his strong work ethic and seems to now be looking for recognition. There are hard-hitting beats and a mix of grating synths and softer tones, but all with a rhythmic, well-delivered flow.
I caught up with him to see how he feels about giving his music away for free, why he is so set on escaping New Zealand and just how hard he really does work…

What is your philosophy behind your music being free to download?
I was never a big fan of free download with my music in the beginning except for maybe mixtapes where all you did was rap over other people’s music. But when it was a tape you created yourself, my whole thought on it was that an artist who puts so much time and effort into a project should get money in return for all their hard work. But, then I started to look at it like, no one is going to buy something they have never heard before except for a couple singles here and there, so why not put all that work into a smaller project where people can download it for free and try build a bigger fan base off that, hence the reason behind this EP.

How does your label (Move The Crowd) feel about you giving away the EP as a free download? 
They were cool with it. There was no real big decision that needed to be made; it was just something I did on the side in about 2 weeks. I wasn't planning on releasing anything before the second album but I had so much music I needed to do something with it.

Several times you refer to leaving NZ for USA and Europe. What is it about Derty Sesh that you think would be successful overseas?
That's a good question, and I don't know how else to explain it other than, I can do everything. That's probably another one of the biggest things on my side in making it successful. I write all my songs, I'm self-taught in mixing and producing all my beats and have an input in all music I work on. I am now also teaching myself how to direct & edit my own music videos. There's no real big plan to achieve international success. There are a few concepts I have in the back of my mind, but one thing I do know is I have what it takes to make it. I will succeed.

The EP has a focus on a good work ethic. How important is it in the modern music industry to be consistently dedicated? Do you think living in NZ requires an even higher work ethic?
That's really important in my eyes. Living in NZ requires a higher work ethic definitely, we are such a small place and you’re never going to be heard if you aren't consistently working. You have to have it in you if you really want to succeed and make it internationally. If no one is willing to help you, there's no point in sitting around crying about it. Learn, study, and do it yourself! 

After the response to the ‘Forever’ video do you think you were misrepresented? Is this part of the reason you are so motivated to leave NZ?
I knew when we made 'Forever' we were making something special and something that was going to shock people, and I loved that. I think people didn't understand what we created and only saw what they wanted to see (girl, knife, blood). All we did was put a classic "horror movie theme" into a hip-hop music video. My opinion is that NZ is too small and worried what everyone else thinks. My motivation to leave NZ comes from seeing what artists in NZ have become. You can only go so far in this country if I'm being honest. I always tell people my passion towards getting out and the first thing they say is, "Australia must be the next step" but that's just not for me. Australia is a great step for some artists, but I just can't see what I do succeeding any different over there than it does over here. 

What is your song writing and song making process? 
My routine is usually starting off by making the beat first, and once I'm happy with it I usually just start writing the music and lyrics. If there's an idea to the song, I'll usually just start creating music based around that idea. It's that simple.

Is there a plan to tour on the back of the "Fuck Derty Sesh EP"?
Well since I don't know when the next album is out (which is finished), I have been thinking about it. I might have something out in September/October, hopefully. But a tour will be more promo for the 2nd album rather than this EP.

Tracklist
  1. Equal Rights [Intro] 
2. Message for You
 3. All Eyez On Me"
4. Press Fast Foward feat. Ethical
 5. Pick Up The Phone feat. Five A
 6. Young'N - Produced By. Lyrix
 7. Revenge Is A Sweet Thing feat. Young Sid
 8. Copy Cat feat. Five A
 9. I'm My Own King [Outro] 
10. Unforgivable

DERTY SESH - "Revenge Is a Sweet Thing" feat. Young Sid [Audio}

2011-08-17T00:18:00.000+12:00

A Call To Action:

2011-08-11T11:28:00.005+12:00

Among all the sorry carnage and sad tales left by London’s looting fraternity over the last three days, perhaps the most devastating for music lovers was the huge fire that destroyed a Sony warehouse primarily used by independent distribution company PIAS.

A three-story, 20,000 square meter storage home for music from a number of independent labels from the UK and the US including 4AD, Beggars Group,Dead Oceans, Domino, Jagjaguwar, Matador, Ninja Tune, Polyvinyl, Rough Trade, Secretly Canadian, Side One Dummy, Silva Screen, Sub Pop, Too Pure, True Panther, Warp, XL among others. Drownedinsound has a full list. The warehouse was a temporary home for releases from all manner of indie labels and offshoots, and the extent of its destruction is starting to become tragically apparent. While the full impact of last night’s events is still emerging, numerous indies have confirmed massive losses. Beggars Chairman Martin Mills called it a “horrible” setback for the indie sector.

What music fans can do to show their support for the indie label community, and help them survive this disaster is to buy a digital download of an album from any one of the digital retailers going to their local record store while stocks last.

This way, the labels will be able to remanufacture their CD’s and vinyl more quickly, to resupply the record shops who are also affected by the riots.

Alison Wenham, Chairman and CEO of AIM, the UK’s Trade Association for the Independent Music Industry commented: “This is a disaster for the music community, but with the fans’ help, labels and artists will survive. Please show your support for the music community by buying a digital album from an independent label today”.

East Muzik Group - "Big Deal" feat. ETHICAL [Audio]:

2011-08-10T13:00:00.002+12:00

Big Deal ft Ethical by eastmusikgroup

A-Trak interview:

2011-08-09T10:13:00.002+12:00

DERTY SESH - "A Message For You/All Eyez On Me" [Video]:

2011-08-08T16:42:00.002+12:00

Another visual from Sesh's FreE.P Fuck Derty Sesh which you can download here.

Video directed & produced by Derty Sesh.

KIDZ IN SPACE - "Lost" [Audio]:

2011-08-08T14:38:00.004+12:00

Head over to The Edge's website to peep a new KIS track written specifically for Lost In A Box.

DERTY SESH - Fuck Derty Sesh [FreE.P]:

2011-08-05T13:53:00.010+12:00

Sesh unleashes a new round of free music... download here

Tracklist

1. "Equal Rights" [Intro]
2. "Message for You"
3. "All Eyez On Me"
4. "Press Fast Foward" feat. Ethical
5. "Pick Up The Phone" feat. Five A
6. "Young'N" - Produced By. Lyrix
7. "Revenge Is A Sweet Thing" feat. Young Sid
8. "Copy Cat" feat. Five A
9. "I'm My Own King" [Outro]
10. "Unforgivable"

All production is 'Derty Sesh' except for where stated.

Videos produced and directed by Derty Sesh:

New video coming soon.

East Muzik Group - "I'm The Prince" feat. CAVELL [Audio]:

2011-08-04T02:05:00.002+12:00

Im the Prince Ft Cavell by eastmusikgroup

Tarms Etc – The Track Record: Road Of The Beast [Mixtape]:

2011-08-04T01:59:00.003+12:00

Eth & Neesh appear on Tarms' new mixtape, check it out...

Download here

DERTY SESH - "Press Fast Forward" feat. Ethical [Video]:

2011-08-02T01:27:00.006+12:00

Here goes another one from Sesh's freE.P which is dropping this Friday

SIR T - "I'm Wassup" feat. KAYO Out Now

2011-08-01T01:53:00.004+12:00

Sir T's new single is now available at and be sure to grab the remix too!

SIR T - I'm Wassup (Remix) feat. Young Sid & Ethical by KirkMTC

SIR T - "I'm Wassup" feat. KAYO [Video]:

2011-07-30T23:55:00.005+12:00

Taken from Sir T's forthcoming album Walk With Me, "I'm Wassup" is available to buy tomorrow.

Director: Vince McMillan
Animator: Jonathan Fontana
PM: James Watson

Track produced by ThEnd

DERTY SESH - Fuck Derty Sesh E.P [Cover & Tracklisting]:

2011-07-30T07:17:00.003+12:00

Tracklist

1. "Equal Rights" [Intro]
2. "Message for You"
3. "All Eyez On Me"
4. "Press Fast Foward" feat. Ethical
5. "Pick Up The Phone" feat. Five A
6. "Young'N" - Produced By. Lyrix
7. "Revenge Is A Sweet Thing" feat. Young Sid
8. "Copy Cat" feat. Five A
9. "I'm My Own King" [Outro]
10. "Unforgivable"

All production is 'Derty Sesh' except for where stated.

Fuck DERTY SESH!

2011-07-29T01:28:00.002+12:00

Fuck this guy!

TYREE - "I Do It For My City" [Remix] feat. Sir T & Young Sid [Audio]:

2011-07-28T02:48:00.005+12:00

Tyree enlists Sir T and Young Sid to jump on the remix of the first leak from his forthcoming second solo album 'Motivation'.

Hit the arrow on the player to download this one for free.

TYREE - I Do It For My City (Remix) feat. Sir T & Young Sid by KirkMTC

SIR T - "I'm Wassup" feat. KAYO [BTS Video]::

2011-07-28T00:38:00.002+12:00

A sneak peek at Sir T's new single with labelmate Kayo riding shotgun.

Produced by ThEnd.

"I'm Wassup" is available August 1st. Look for the remix featuring Young Sid & Ethical.

SIR T - "I'm Wassup" feat. KAYO Coming Soon:

2011-07-27T02:27:00.005+12:00

August 1st:

And look for the remix feat. Ethical & Young Sid.

Sneaker Madness:

2011-07-22T23:15:00.001+12:00

Whoa!

KID MAC - U.S Tour Dates:

2011-07-21T10:11:00.003+12:00

After 3 years of touring Australia & New Zealand with Mickey Avalon, the American artist has extended an invitation for Kid Mac to join him on his upcoming US tour. Kid Mac will embark on his debut tour of the States next week kicking off in San Antonio, Texas then onto Dallas, Houston and Austin with a final show in Santa Ana, California during the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach.

Kid Mac's main support slot for the tour further consolidates the ongoing relationship with the celebrated Hollywood musician. The pair have recently spent time in the studio during Mac's recent trip to LA working on several tracks together for Kid Mac's debut album due for release early 2012.

US Tour Dates:

Thurs July 28 - Backstage Live - San Antonio, Texas USA

Fri July 29 - Trees - Dallas, Texas USA

Sat July 30 - Scout Bar - Houstan, Texas USA

Sun July 31 - Emo's - Austin, Texas USA

Sun Aug 7 - Galaxy Theatre - Santa Ana, California USA

GILBERE FORTE - "Burn Me Down" feat. Tyga & Raak [Video]:

2011-07-20T07:33:00.001+12:00

THE BULLITTS - "Weirdos" [Video]:

2011-07-14T01:14:00.001+12:00

Jeymes does it again.... awesome!

CAVELL - The Last Prince From A Dying World [Mixtape]:

2011-07-08T23:56:00.004+12:00

Definitely worth downloading... MTC's new star is in the building.

{The Last Prince from a dying world} by Cavell

CAVELL - "Come Get It" [Audio]:

2011-07-02T14:29:00.007+12:00

CA liberates another track from his soon to be released mixtape.

This ones for the ladies...

Come get it by Cavell

R.I.P Jay Dee Springbett:

2011-07-01T10:32:00.008+12:00

Jay Dee was a strong supporter of MTC and was a huge Kayo fan. We will miss you bro.

Sony executive & former Australian Idol judge Jay Dee Springbett has been found dead in a Sydney hotel room.

The 36-year-old Sony music executive was found unconscious in a room at a Woolloomooloo hotel late yesterday.

He shot to greater public fame when he took over from Kyle Sandilands as judge on the talent show in 2009.

In his role as Senior Director of A&R for Sony Records, he has extensive experience developing emerging talent, first in the UK and in Australia since 2004.

Damon K Fox – NP Resident [Mixtape]:

2011-07-01T09:52:00.004+12:00

The Mainground Music mainstay launches his solo mixtape

Tyson Tyler -"Go Hard" (Remix) feat. YOUNG SID, K.One & J.Williams [Video]:

2011-06-27T11:02:00.001+12:00

DERTY SESH - "Unforgivable" [Video]:

2011-06-23T14:19:00.005+12:00

Our man is in full auteur mode...

Song produced by Derty Sesh.

Video directed by Derty Sesh.

Tired of waiting for another video grant, our man Sesh emptied out his piggybank and went out and bought himself a camera, and then taught himself how to operate it.

Call this is a test video of sorts, this song is a stand alone track that won't feature on his album or a mixtape.

Enjoy!

YOUNG SID x Sunday News:

2011-06-19T14:52:00.004+12:00

Sid finds diamond in a dark place
BY LEE UMBERS

"WHAT doesn't kill me" reads the message tattooed across the muscular chest of rapper Young Sid. The four words are the title of the South Auckland artist's award-winning album – and a personal statement of intent.

Sid, real name Sidney Diamond, should have been celebrating the success of his collaborative hip-hop group Smashproof. The band's single, Brother, would spend 11 weeks in a row on top of the New Zealand music charts. Instead, the rising star was shattered by the diagnosis of his mum Victoria Diamond with what would prove fatal lung cancer, plus the imprisonment of his gang-member older brother.

"I wrote the album when I was at my lowest, and I didn't feel any happiness or joy that the others in Smashproof felt when Brother broke the record, because I had so much family sh*t to deal with," Sid, 24, told Sunday News. "My mum was on her way out and my brother was in jail."

Another blow came with the imprisonment of a gang member who appeared in the video of his single Hood Like Me, which had Sid strolling through his Otara streets surrounded by supporters. Media coverage included reruns of the video, with Sid's face prominent. "The rest of New Zealand would have thought, this guy [Sid] is a gang member. `Let's not let him perform in front of our kids 'cause he's probably going to influence them to become gang members', which wasn't true."

In fact, he had made a conscious decision to move away from that lifestyle before even hitting his teens. "Dramas, gangs, drugs, violence... that's all I was seeing when I was growing up. My role models were those types of people. "And then I was like, I'm going to choose another path. [I wanted to] do something that could also inspire [people in] my area to live their dreams."

His change of direction was towards singing and songwriting. Forming the ironically named hip hop group The Murder Squad with three young mates, Sid recorded his first song aged just 11. By 18, he and fellow rappers Tyree and Deach had founded chart-topper Smashproof. Two years later, Sid was opening for American superstar Ice Cube's Manukau concert as well as releasing solo album The Truth – the 2008 Maori Urban Album of the Year.

His rapidly aquired celebrity and rugged good looks also attracted a female fan base interested in more than just his musical skills. Retaining a healthy cynicism over his new-found fame, Sid kept focused on his music. He dug deep into his soul for What Doesn't Kill Me. One of the singles, Here Then Gone, relates to his mother's cancer diagnosis and brave but unsuccessful battle against the disease. The raw emotion of the lyrics and pain in Sid's voice bring listeners to tears. "I don't listen to the song, it's too sad. Everyone [who has heard] it, said that they cried as well. That's cool... I tapped into their emotions."

Another single in the album, You, addresses child abuse, something he said he has witnessed too much of. Sid recalled a boy in his street "getting a hiding" from the child's parents for half an hour solid. Nearly two decades on, he can still hear the repeated swishes of the strap and the boy's repeated howls of agony as it landed.

He has been taking the messages from his songs more directly to his young fans, with regular visits to schools. Sid has even been the subject of college assignments. "I tell them [students] to educate their brains and stay fit and healthy. There's been [some] say... `You're like a role model for me to try and do something better'. [It makes me] proud knowing that my music's done that to them."

What Doesn't Kill Me repeated the success of The Truth, and was 2010 Maori Urban Album of the Year. It also made him a finalist in the Best Pacific Male Artist category in this year's Pacific Music Awards. Sid is honoured to have been recognised by both his cultures. His mother was Maori and his father, Vincent George, is of Cook Islands heritage.

Now a partner in his Move The Crowd Records label, he is working on an EP and a couple of new singles, plus preparing for an Australian tour. He is also hoping to return to New York before the end of the year, to finish off recording work there. He keeps in shape for his frantic schedule through an exercise regime that includes boxing, Muay Thai, basketball and the gym.

Sid's career has taken him to American supercities, European capitals, and exotic Thailand and Korea. "They were real eye-openers. And then you come back to your hood, Otara, [and] you're like, true. It puts it all in perspective. You've seen all these cool places, and you just want to keep travelling. [But] I'll always represent south Auckland."

Source - Sunday News

This weeks IMNZ Charts:

2011-06-18T03:02:00.003+12:00

Kidz In Space continue to do well on these charts...

CAVELL - "Higher" [Audio]:

2011-06-17T14:24:00.010+12:00

Newly signed to the Crowd Gang. Cavell brings his sophisticated R&B & Hip Hop stylings to the MTC roster.

"Higher" is taken from the mixtape, The Last Prince From A Dying World; which is scheduled to drop on July 8th.

We are very pleased to welcome CA and his wingman Richie to the team.

Nice one brothers.

Cavell - "Higher" by KirkMTC

Damon K Fox – "Long Haul" feat. SIR T [Audio]:

2011-06-17T01:27:00.002+12:00

Taken from Damon's soon to be released mixtape N.P Resident.

Long Haul (Ft Sir T) by Damon K Fox

KIDZ IN SPACE x Dominion Post:

2011-06-17T00:20:00.003+12:00

Making the most of downtime
TOM CARDY

Ask Kidz in Space's Ashley Hughes to describe his band's sound and he's blunt. "Man, that is the toughest question," he says on the phone from Gisborne, where Kidz in Space are preparing for the first gig on their nationwide tour.

"I've learned to just leave it with the listener and let them decide. What they feel it is and whatever they want to take from it. I think that's the best way to look at our music. I'm not going to sit here and say it's hip-hop. I wouldn't know where to put it - where would you put it yourself?"

And that's a tough question, too. The thing about makes Kidz in Space, one of the most exciting and rapidly popular young Kiwi bands of 2011, is the fact that they can't be pigeon- holed into one genre of music. This is well evident on their debut album Ghosts, released last month.

For those who first heard of the Auckland-based group through the hit single Downtime, they'd assume the album would also be a blend of hip- hop, R'n'B and synth pop. And while those genres dominate Ghost, there's also lashings of rock and indie pop and even touches of ambient and experimental. The end result isn't that far removed from some of the poppy but risk-taking work of Kanye West and will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas.

Hughes formed Kidz in Space two years ago with Matt Neshat and Josh Fountain. "When we first started out we were just trying to find our way. Just being able to play a lot of live shows, especially with a lot of people we've been billed with, we were learning off them. It really has reflected on our music," says Hughes, who prior to the band worked in hip- hop under the name Ethical.

There was no conscious effort from the band to create a distinct sound. "We operate on 'if it sounds good, let's do it'. The core members of the band are very completely different dudes from different cultures and different upbringings. We've got different influences, so we actually just throw it in a big melting pot.

"Matt is more the hip-hop side of things. He's really into his hip-hop and he'll seldom listen to anything else. But Josh is the other end of the spectrum. He's just total pop, radio pop, corny TV pop. That's him. I'd say my position is the glue between those two. I like it all. I'm a big fan of AC/ DC and stuff like that, but you wouldn't think I was fan of half the music I am a fan of."

Six months after forming, the band released the EP Episode 001: Chasing Hayley, which included Downtime.

But while there's an assumption that much more work went into their debut album Hughes says Ghost didn't take long.

"It actually came quite quickly. It was more just the other issues with our distribution and label that was the holdup on the whole thing.

"Josh will have the music right there and I'd come into the studio and I'd hear it and then rap and record on the spot, whereas Matt would like to take it home for a couple of days and mull it over. You'd hardly ever catch us in the studio at one time together - it's a really unique way of working, but it seems to be working for us."

Another reason it works is their strong connection, says Hughes. He and Neshat grew up together. "We've got a real rapport with each other and we can work off each other and feed off each other. We're almost like brothers. It's not even a bonus to be working with my little brother, but it really works for us on stage. You can really see that we've got a good relationship."

Hughes says the band loves to play live and describes the prospect of presenting Ghost to audiences as "the big relief". They've taken on a new drummer and he says the show is more energetic. "It just feels more comfortable as a band".

But it's not only the tour that's likely to expose Kidz in Space to a new audience and further broaden their appeal. Downtime also got chosen to appear on the Michael Jordan NBA 2K11 video game - one of the biggest-selling basketball games in the world. For those older than 40 who think "so what?", this is the kind of exposure for a New Zealand song that used to be reserved for a Hollywood movie soundtrack. And with be the gaming industry worth US$65 billion a year - more than Hollywood or the music industry - it's one of the most important means for bands to broaden their reach.

Hughes has played the game and liked the fact Downtime is played several times. It's given them exposure in unexpected ways. "Sometimes we get emails from overseas. To be honest, we're just some regular dudes. We take everything as it comes and it's quite humbling and quite awesome in the same vein. To think that people know us somewhere in France - we've got this one fan that hits me up on Facebook. She sent me this private message trying to get us over there for a festival, just on the back of Downtime. She got the CD sent over and she was ringing around promoters. We know that we really need to take advantage of those avenues."

Source: Dominion Post/Stuff

KIDZ IN SPACE x NZ Herald:

2011-06-17T00:17:00.001+12:00

Album Review: Kidz in Space, Ghost
By Jacqueline Smith

After a weightless galaxy-soaring opener, Auckland hip-hop dance three-piece Kidz in Space throw their debut album a few hard punches, and raise burning questions over how to define them - heavy pop, strobe-lit hip-hop, Kiwi-Brit rap?

Best Foot Forward is founded on light-footed electronica, but it has a lethargy to it that means it is best digested while seated. It's followed by the quick-step carnival-like title track featuring Dan Black.

Spooky and distant, in places Ghost doesn't sound like it hails from the mean streets of Auckland, but there's a laggard-enthusiasm - and accent - about every song on the album that means it couldn't have come from anywhere else.

The "space" theme creeps into several tracks (namely the heavy and well-thrashed single Downtime) via alien-monster-like vocorders, but there is a staunchness about this band that means they escape the label "cheesy".

Trashy-hip? Party-grit? Perhaps. In Downtime, and everywhere else on the album, a heavy fuzz hangs overhead like an industrial smog that stops tracks skidding off across a dance floor.

Flipping between a lazy love song in On the Road and rooting for fellow geeks in Number 1 ("I wanna know where the cool people go on a Saturday night") then dragging listeners by the ear lobes in the fresh and forlorn final song, Coming Home, it's a bit of a chaotic album, but it seems these boys thrive on a bit of mess.

Stars: 3/5
Verdict: These Kidz are a'ight

Source: NZ Herald

DJ SIR-VERE - A 48 Minute Set: A Jordan Journey:

2011-06-16T00:18:00.002+12:00

Props to Ayebro