Hip-Hop hit the Global Café, Reading with a showcase of international talent. Downtown Digital Records hosted the busy Friday night and showed off its impressive acts.
We caught up with French artist MC Amalgam after his set:
What’s coming up?
A split EP with Will Tun and The Wasters which features a ska version of Red is Not Dead, a Gyspy Road hip-hop remix by one of my producers- Patch Harmonix, a track called Raggamuffin MC and a remix of Community by my other producer, Kryzo-P.
The EP is to be recorded and mixed by Patch Harmonix and is to be released on Downtown Digitial Records.
In terms of live events I’m playing on a Ukrainian fishing boat on the Thames in October with Ed Cox and a lot of hip-hop artists. I also have a mini-tour with Will Tun and the Wasters.
How would you describe the EP?
All over the place! Ska, hip-hop, electro, punk, folk and reggae. A mix of The Wasters and Down Town Digital. Music for the love of music.
How did you find the gig?
It had a great atmosphere and vibe. The people were fantastic and stayed for all the sets. I saw a lot of people and artists meeting and organising and expect a lot of collaborations come from it.
What makes hip-hop, punk and reggae compatible?
They all come from the same feelings, are open minded and alive with energy.
How did you discover hip-hop?
I first encountered hip-hop consecutive to graffiti and began to MC in 2001. I played in musical projects ranging from hip-hop, drum n’ bass, dub and electro. For me, politics is really important, as is self-questioning, existentialism and social analysis.
The new split EP featuring Will Tun and The Wasters is due for release in October. Ivo from WTaTW says, “Unite and Charge is the working title, but it is likely to stick.”
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