Writing My Name...

Lone

Tron

Solem

Shute

Wisky

Seth

MGO, Shute & Solem

Wisky, Tron, Lone & Seth

Canberra: Graffiti crews hold tight. My boys getting busy the best way they know how.

New Pics from the Herd Tour

"You won't like it when I'm angry!" Dan getting his Hulk on

Flashing (flashing) ... liiights (lights, lights)

What's up blog crew! Hope all are well.

I am in the process of putting up some new photos that were taken on the Herd tour. Yeah, I know, I know... a bit late. But hey, better late than never, right?

These particular ones were taken by the Herd's own lovely Jane Tyrrell. More can be seen at our Myspace page right HURRR .

Walk Against Warming

All area crew!

Fed up with all that chat about how global warming doesn't exsist? Bonkers right? The Pacific Islands are slowly disappearing under water due to the ice melting and these dudes still refuse to acknowledge global warming. C'mon maaaaaaate.

12 December is D-Day for the planet as world leaders meet in Copenhagen to do a global deal on climate change.
While they talk the talk, we're walking the walk all over the world, from New York to Tokyo, Mumbai to Paris and all over Australia. So get your walking shoes on and be part of the most important Walk Against Warming ever.
12 DECEMBER - Global day of action

If you can't do the walk, sign the petition or/ and maybe make a small donation.

Please visit HERE to see what is happening where in your neck of the woods.

Random Dojo Pic I

Think: Mobster with his violin case.

Pic of the Day

This is how you ride dirty

Driving home from the Wu-Tang show a few weeks ago, my boy and I spotted this car and number plate. You know how many Polo/ Nautica/ Nike Tailwind rocking fullas would love this on their whip? I wonder how many of them tried to trophy it.

KOOLISM not performing at That Festival in Cabarita Beach

It is with great disappointment that Koolism will not be performing at That Festival in Cabarita Beach this Saturday, due to issues beyond control of the festival management and Koolism.
However we wish everybody a great day, and don't forget to slip slop slap.

Breakdance 3: Electric Boogalee

You have heard the tune (well, I hope you have!), now watch the visuals. Just a little something I put together quickly at home. The idea came to me when I was half asleep. When most of my ideas come.

So yeah... watch me re-live my underage nightclub days by bringing back the funk. Owww!

October 30 - salute the big fella, JMJ!

JMJ til Infinity

You know when people say, "Here is a group that needs no introduction"? Well, that couldn't be more true when it comes to RUN-DMC & Jam Master Jay. Seriously, if you don't know who they are or what this trio has achieved - please do yourself a favour and Google that sh*t.

On October 30th 2002. RUN-DMC's superstar DJ, Jam Master Jay, was murdered in a recording studio in his beloved New York borough, Queens. It was a shock to the music industry, especially to the hip hop community.

In honour of Jam Master Jay and the anniversary of his death, we created this song in loving memory of him and his work.

DOWNLOAD HERE

This tune won't be on our upcoming album, 'The 'Umu'. It's an exclusive track for you and yours to enjoy right now. Spread the word and love.

Full Noise Festival Update!

Click image for closer inspection yo...

Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus. He is From Pluto

If you have been following the Tweets, you would have known that I (Hau) was in Melbourne last week to work on 'Detox'... oh, I mean, 'The 'Umu', with Daniel. It's getting there, folks, it's getting there. You know how the saying goes: "Good things come to those who wait" (Betcha Dre uses that same excuse...haha)

Daniel and I were working hard in the Dojo. Created a few new songs and finished off some others. I think people will be ready for this because people are looking for a change. something unique. I feel this album will offer that. ANYWAY...

Being we have a lot of friends, we try and get them involved. Whether it be just hanging out, having a few drinks or even just some good ol' heart to heart. One chap popped in to do some recording and add his little pizzazz to the Koolism sound. Our mate, Plutonic Lab, stopped by with his black-belt drumming skills to lay some rhythms in the Dojo. Boy, that dude is talented. 

Click right HERE for more pics from the day.

I can't wait for you guys to hear what he did on this album. Stay locked and keep the faith, my people.

All Praises Due to the Rhythm Gods

What can you do when you are lacking inspiration? Read a book? Take drugs (however, we do not condone that)? Call up you're lady friend? Yeah... guess you could do that. But your boys look to a higher source.

In this video footage taken in the infamous Dojo studios, you can see Daniel giving praises and homage to the gods of rhythm in order to push us through a creative barrier. Some may say it's some sort of black magic or voodoo. Call it what you want, though. This is how we get it going.

(click image to see the line-up and ticket details)

Afternoon, blog crew!

Here is another festival we will be playing at over the spring season. Looks like another top event. Be sure to grab your tickets, they're on sale now! I think it's the first one of this festival so it will be an honour to christian it. Haha. Blam!

Townsville Crew - I See You!

Townsville blog crew stand up!

It's been a while since your boys have hit far North Queensland. Looking forward to it, too. Especially playing long side Low Budget & KillaQueenz. Should be a good night.

I'm really interested in seeing Empire of the Sun perform. Their videos, music and style are something else. I mean, I probably wouldn't buy their music, but I do appreciate their vision. They're pretty much killing it at the moment. 

Lead singer, Luke Steele, is on Jay-Z's new album, The Blueprint 3. I mean, Jay-Z?!?! C'mooon man. You're pretty much set when you've been co-signed by one of the biggest names in not only hip hop, but music in general. How did Hov hear 'em in the first place? On an episode of 'Entourage', that's how. Bloody hell. Can it get much bigger???

But hold up! The merry-go-round doesn't stop there folks. Cos not only has Mr. S Dot co-signed 'em, but Martin Louie the King Jr, has also given them the royal thumbs up too. Uhuh... Kanye West has posted one of their videos up on his blog. Wow. That's some crazy endorsements right there.

So why the love? Dunno exactly. But I'm sure it has to do with the novelty factor. To Jay and Ye, I'm sure they are a fresh and exciting sound. And look. Yeah... definitely 'look'. Hehe. But it's a win / win for everyone here. We got two of the biggest names in music recognising some top local talent and we have some local talent reaching out to the world. 

Do I think Jay and Ye would work with an Australian hip hop artist? Hmmm... the likely answer would be 'no'. I reckon they could/ would work with an Australian hip hop producer though. I just think the accent clash would be too great. And you know, America have most of the best MCs there (I know some of you may disagree with that one) so it may be the case of 'trying to sell ice back to the Eskimos'. But then again, they did work with MIA and Jay did sign Lady Sovereign to Def Jam once (how did that go, Jay?). So... meh. I hope I get proved wrong.

Far out... I was meant to be blogging about the festival. Ahhh well. You can see the pic. Be there or be square. It's the ROC!

Stage Presence

For those who were fortunate to catch the tour we did with our boys (and girl) The Herd - we hoped you had a top time. I know we did. But for those who missed it (for some reason I wouldn't know where to begin), here is a taste of what you missed out on. Well, the Koolism part of it anyway.

This was the first show of the five city tour. It was shot at The Prince of Wales (I see you, my Melbourne crew!) by a good mate of mine, Alvin, and his boys, Johnny and Mika. Collectively they go by the name of Vile Vortices (check them out here: BOOM! And here: POW!). So a big thumbs up to Alvin and the boys for doing their damn thing. Bo!

So grab yourself a cup of tea, a couple of scones and watch your boys get busy on stage.

RIP MJ

The Smooth Operator

"I hate to brag... but DAMN I'm Good!"

When it came to looking fly when rhyming some of the most incredible lyrics heard in hip hop during the late 80's & early 90's, you couldn't go passed this man right here. The man that represented Brooklyn to the fullest and yes, gave Jay-Z his early shine. King Asiatic Nobody's Equal. That's right, you little whipper snappers. Big Daddy Kane. One of the golden era's most prominent MCs.

Now this 'Inspirations' entry is more mine than Daniel's (even though he, too, is a BDK fan). As a little tacker, I remember reading through the credits/ shouts in the old Public Enemy album jackets (ahhh...the good old days) and seeing names of artists I wasn't too familiar with. I was so intrigued. Like the little rap nerd I was. And to some degree, still am. Haha.

I saw names such as Biz Markie, Stetsasonic and Major Force (big up my Nippon crew!). I saw BDK listed in there. Then I started seeing photos of him and ads for his debut album, 'Long Live the Kane', when I first started buying/ racking 'Fresh' and 'Word Up' magazines ("Salt n Pepa and Heavy D up in the limousine").

Then one great afternoon, my sister brought home 'Long Live the Kane'. Now keep in mind, where I was living at that time, it was so not New York. Haha. Not even London or even Sydney. So to find this in my town was like coming across a wallet on the road that had money in it. Haha (not that I would take it, of course).

So anyway, this bloke, for me, was the epitome of an MC. He had the look (suits and all), the voice and the lyrics. Hell, he even had the mad DJ (Mister Cee), the mad dancers (Skoob & Scrap Lover), and the maaad posse (The Juice Crew - Marley Marl, MC Shan, Masta Ace, Craig G, Kool G Rap & Roaxanne Shante). The complete package. Bam!

So in honour of this great Brooklynite, we salute Big Daddy Kane and his legacy. But hold up - dude is still going hard so I don't want to seem like he has left us or anything. Haha.

Long Live the Kane, indeed.

No Business Like Snow Business

Just putting up a pic of my new backyard. Where to put the pool? Hmmm...


Click right HERE for the Camera Phone Diaries

Balls Deep in Falls Creek

What's up blog massive...

Back from Falls Creek, VIC. This was my (Hau) second time there. The first time as part of Katalyst's entourage in 2007, this time as Koolism. Falls Creek is a beautiful place but seriously, as a Polynesian... it's not in the blood to be in a place so cold! I guess that theory is flawed when you have a lot of Islanders that live in Salt Lake City, Utah. Oh well...

Anyway, the show. Hmmm. Uneventful. Big up the crew who did enjoy themselves though. But yeah, the sound was pretty bad (even though the sound guy was a top bloke) and the connection between us and the peoples wasn't really there. Haha. But hey, we're doing a show in the snow fields... can't complain about that. Like to send universal shouts to Motley and Shane who performed before us (and seemed to have experienced the same thing we did).

OK... snowboarding. If you have been follwing the tweets, you will know I have been banging on about it. Haha. I've said it before, but I'll say it again: I now know why my white brothers get so excited about the sport. It's maaad. Really enjoyed ourselves. And if I must say, we did alright for a couple of newbies. Think I'm going to be the first Tongan representative at the next winter games. On some ol' Cool Runnings sh!t. Haha...

Big up the whole Invada crew: Katalyst, Ingrid, Spacek, RuCL, Stu One and Stu Two, Mista Rex (thanks for the snowboard lessons too, bredda) and my slope partner, Ian. Also thumbs up to the snow massive in Falls Creek. Keep it frosty.

For more pics, click right HERE

Making Marks On Society

Here are some new pieces from our boys that were done over the weekend in Canberra. Seth (KOA) and Wiske (SLY) did what they do best and made one part of Canberra a brighter place to be.

Click the image to get a closer gander

Koolism & the Invada Crew Get On the Snow

Actual snow ... not the booger sugar.

What it look like, blog crew!

Hauie reaching out to all the snow massive who will be around Falls Creek, VIC during the big 'Style Wars' event. Koolism will be flexing (on stage - not the snow fields) on the 27th of August. How hot can snow get? We'll find out.

The night before, on the 26th, the Invada DJ contingent consisting of Katalyst, Rex & Danielsan will be spinnin' the goodness. Come the 28th, see Katalyst hit the stage with brethren Steve Spacek and RuCL to mash the snow crew silly.

Guaranteed to be a very nice week of tunes, accidents, snow bunnies and sun burn. Owww!

Will hopefully have some pics for you to check out if you aren't able to come.

Til then...

The Kings of Rock

This pic is just ill. Three of the baddest dudes to ever plug in two mics, two turntables and a mixer. Also, the baddest dudes to slip on a pair of three-striped sh!t kickers. Straight raw. From the dress code to the lyrics to the music. Salute the kings.

Another reason why I up'ed this pic up - it's a clue on what present you will be getting kinda soon. Hold tight, curious crew! Haha...

The Dojo Mojo

If you were a fly on the wall in the Dojo, this is what you would see. However, you would run the risk of my big Tongan hands trying to swat you too. But it's worth the risk, yeah? Haha...

A candid shot of Daniel punching the keys to prove that: Yes - we're hard at work on 'The 'Umu' and yes, Daniel's hair is still growing. The sessions went well. Three songs were done. All of different flavours. But you know us, styles upon styles upon styles is what we have (thanks Phife!). Hold tight though - you guys may get a little surprise verrrrrry soon. Bam!

Maitland Embracing Multi-Culturalism

Over the week-end, Daniel and I opened up our Maitland account. Yep - first show in that town (which is around 20 minutes outside of Newcastle). It's a quiet, historical place that reminded me of Queanbeyan, a bit. A smaller Queanbeyan.

Anyway, thanks goes out to the Maitland crew for making us feel welcome by the cheers, photo taking and high fives. Also universal pounds go out to DJ Skoob and my boy, Tunz One (plus Faith & crew). AND big, big daps to The Herd massiv for taking us out on the road. Twas great. Hope to do it again sometime. Bless up.

Here is a photo I took in the city centre of Maitland. They maybe a country-like town, but they know how to make the peoples of all backgrounds feel the love.

Natural Born Twitter

OK, OK... So I (Hau) have told many a crew that I draw the line at this whole Twitter craziness. I just didn't want to become a part of this 'fad' thing and blah, blah, blah...

BUT...

Low and behold, here we are. Daniel has had his Twitter account up and running for a while ( @harrydanielsono ) and seeing that this really is a cool way to keep in contact with our peoples, we gots one.

@Koolism

So follow... or rather join... the movement.

Dojo Business pt. I

An example of when the creative juices start to bubble like vintage Dom P. Daniel getting busy creating a tune called, 'Alone'.

Can many get down like Daniel can? Pffft... not likely. This is only a taste.

It's Gettin' Cold in Hurr!

This is me taking a little paddle around the Yarra River in Melbourne. Haha... not really, but cotdayum - it's cold here. What am I doing in such a culturally active but warmth challenged place? Getting down to business, that's what.

If you don't know by now, we're hitting the road with the mighty Herd crew for a little tour. The first show is Melbourne @ The Prince on Friday (24th July) then in Sydney on the Saturday (25th) @ The Manning Bar. Should be tops.

Then catch us in Brisbane on the 31st @ The Zoo. Big up the whole QLD crew. Wally Lewis included. From there, we play @ The Station Resort in Jindabyne (5th August) and @ The Hunter Valley Brewery in Maitland (7th Aug).

Be there or be square.

Other than that, Daniel and I have been cracking on the album. It's getting there, folks, it's getting there. Sounding good too, I might add. Better than most of the crap that's out there. Which, I guess, isn't too hard to do. But yeah, the album will be like brathing in the air in Christchurch, NZ after living in Hong Kong for 50 yrs (no offence to my HK crew - just trying to prove a colourful point).

Speaking of good sh!t, you get the Mos Def 'The Ecstatic' album yet? No? Our friendship has now ceased.

Bye.

AAA (Access All Areas - for those not in the know)

I'm a bit late with this particular upload, but I had to still share it with you guys.

My man, Alvin, did his thing with this and here is my version. The behind the scenes footage of the filming of the 'Jam Hot' video. Get your 15 minutes of fame here!

Much thanks to all the family who supported us on the day and the crew who made it possible.

Bless up!

The King of Pop - There is None Higher!

Wow. Crazy times indeed. The death of Michael Jackson has certainly had an impact on the world. Sure he was a nut at times, but hey...you can't front on the music.

The King of Pop has definitely left his mark on not only hip hop, R&B and soul, but the music industry as a whole. Big fella will be sorely missed.

MJ - thank you. You certainly made our childhood a lot cooler with your albums as the soundtrack.

For those wanting to vibe out to the tunes, check out my boy's tribute mix to the King of Pop, 'Man or the Music'.
Click on the smooth criminal. Shamon!

Funky Fresh Dressed to Impress

What it is crew?

Hoping all are well.

Yeah, been a little slack with my updates. A lot of things have been happening and you will be updated in time.
This post, though, will be about supporting a much loved Sydney radio station. FBi Radio. Their on-going support for not only local hip hop, but local music in general, Here's the scoop - they are facing financial hardships and, us, as a scene have the chance to help them out.

FBi Radio's 'Stolen Records' show (hosted by the one, Shantan) have organised a gala ball showcasing some of Sydney's finest hip hop acts. It's gonna be huuuuuuuge! Check the flyer for the line up (and details). Holy smokes. Guaranteed to be a good night.

So if you're up to having a good night while knowing you helped out an important cause, then sweet - see you there.
Oh, I will be holding it down for the Koolism crew on the solo tip. I'll be performing some solo tunes I have been working on. Eeeaaasy nooow...

Did He Just Say What I Thought He Said?

Ya cotdayum riiight.

Jumping in the DeLorian for a second. Punch in the year '2004' and you can re-live one of Koolism's brightest moments. Yeah, was quite a surreal evening. Hanging out with the father of hip hop, Kool Herc, then winning the inaugural 'Best Urban (cringe) Release' at the ARIAs. The look on peoples faces when we won. The look on our faces weren't too much different. Haha. Didn't think we'd win but hell, we'll take it anyway.

A lot of people took Daniel's speech the wrong way. Which was fine, too. If the shoe fits - wear it, sucker. Those with half a clue will understand where his head and heart was at with this one.

Big up the man like Tunks for putting up in cyber heaven.

And yeah, Fergie looks aiiight up close. Even if she does piss her pants on stage.

This accolade made my folks and town proud as punch.
"We did it, Queanbeyan!" *





* Biggie Smalls homage, if you didn't know.

The Making of...

...the 'Jam Hot' video through the eyes and camera of my man, Alvin.

Was to great to have my buddy up from Melbourne to hang out and even shoot some footage. A talented boy he is. Producer/ writer/ MC/ camera man/ editor... the list goes on. Now that's what I call a slasher.

Anyway, check this out and many other videos of Alvin's at his Vorticezine channel on You Tube HERE.
And you can check Alvin's musical stylings with his crew jacaJAH at his myspace riiight higgy HERE. Easy now...

Just a Cool Pic

It's been a while, folks.

Hoping everyone is well.

Just thought I'd drop in to say 'g'day' and leave you with this gem of a picture. It was taken during the video shoot of 'Jam Hot' in a nice suburb of Canberra.
Big shout out to Cole Bennets for the camera work. Nice one.

Oh, Koolism album dropping mid-year. It's been going well. Daniel is smashing it up in the studio. Wowzers!

The Official Video for 'Jam Hot'

Here it, my peoples. The Cameron Brown directed video for our first single, 'Jam Hot'.

Keeping it real as per usual, we took it back to Canberra to capture the essence of Koolism: Family, food and music.

Hope you guys dig it.

Stay tuned for all the behind-the-scenes footage. Bo!

For the Brisbane Crew!

Koolism will be cold rocking the Uber (West End, Brisbane) Friday 27th February.
Hope to see you crazy guys and girls there.

Bless up!

From Party House to Recording Studio.

What it is, folks...

I trust all is well with you all. Well, I'm hoping so.

OK - here is some more behind-the-scenes footage of what happened in the creation of our single, 'Jam Hot'.
I call it 'Koolism IV: The 'Jam Hot' Sessions. Ep. 2: The Boom Boom Room'.

Who needs a $1000 000 major label studio???



Damn... if the walls of this spot could talk. They'd tell you some sh*t.

Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes shenanigans!

How Do I Make a 'Jam Hot'???

Easy as pie. Grow your hair to crazy proportions and copy what this crazy fulla does.
If you CAN, that is!
Good luck.

Oh! Before we get into that - let's get into this...

This is the first post since the new year of 2009 reared it's beautiful/ ugly head. So Happy New Year to all our supporters and doubters. I hope you all kept safe and are ready to live your lives to the fullest.

'09, for my wife, myself and my family, unfortunately, started off with a heartbreak.
A close relative passed away NYE and we're still coming to grips with it. But we're keeping strong. Acknowledging the fact that that's how life is. Big shouts to Jason, Aliki and the rest of the family.
We'll miss you, Mele. Here's to you!

But just as one soul is taken away, another one arrives.
Big shouts, blessings and love to Cammui and the man like Tunks, who are expecting their second child to accompany little Asha. Word 'em up. And so the dynasty begins.


OK... Back to the behind-the-scenes footage.
DANIELSAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!!