Luke Dubs - Keys, production and other shit El Gusto - Turntables, production and other shit
Influences
DJ Krush The Herbaliser Ernest Ranglin Rjd2 Herbie Hancock James Brown Dj Shadow MF Doom Roots Manuva Portishead Company Flow Busta Rhymes Redman Digable Planets Ninja Tune The Skatalites Dennis Brown Roots Radics Sly and Robbie Booker T and the MG's Al Green.... and the list goes on....
Hermitude formed in 2001 with the musical partnering of Blue Mountains lads Luke Dubs (Luke Dubber) and Elgusto (Angus Stuart). They’d performed in jazz and funk bands together since 1994 (Dubs was 16 and Elgusto was just 11) as well as in the live hip hop of Explanetary (featuring a young Urthboy).
Explanetary released their debut EP with Sydney label Elefant Traks so it was natural that Hermitude continued that connection with the release of their first EP: the vinyl-only Imaginary Friends (5 stars - 3D World, 2002). It quickly sold out and was never repressed nor pressed to CD.
Hermitude followed this up with their debut album - the critically adored Alleys to Valleys (2003) – the esteemed radio figure Tim Ritchie called it “One of the best hip hop/breaks releases I’ve ever heard” and Urban Hits commented on its “world class hip hop production”. Off the back of this, Hermitude toured and received national airplay on triple j as well as a swag of admirers and fans.
National tours and various international support slots (Dizzee Rascal, RJD2 and DJ Krush) later, the second album Tales of the Drift (2005) was released and Hermitude exhibited the maturity and development of their musical vision. Their Cuban-influenced rhythms (Elgusto undertook percussion studies in Cuba as a teen) had blended elegantly with their formal jazz and classical background breathing new life into their instrumental hip hop sound. The first single Fallen Giants took triple j by storm and sat on high rotation for months. “This album leaves the listener satisfied, reinvigorated and refreshed.” -Canberra Times
By now Hermitude had established their reputation for brilliant studio productions with an engaging and innovative live show - incorporating a confident, almost effortless musicianship with a deft grasp of technology.
In 2006 Hermitude embarked overseas to pursue the real world, landing gigs in Europe, Asia and the USA. Not only invited to perform in Malaysia, Norway and Spain as well as DJ Kentaro’s Japanese launch, they were booked for Aceyalone and Abstract Rude’s West Coast USA tour.
Whilst on this world tour, Luke and Elgusto wrote the tunes that would make up their 2007 Rare Sightings EP release. Released in November 2007, this is their fourth release on Elefant Traks and to celebrate, Hermitude joined Urthboy and The Tongue on a soldout national tour throughout Australia.
Hermitude are set to release their third full length album in 2008.
oi oi hermits...you guys get your hands on that george byrd demo....hmmm? if not check it....serious smokey no jokey plus if your free this friday im playing down at arts factory 9-11....nuffin but o'donel levy gems. plus when the fuck is sevy back as he seems to be the catalyst for us linkin up. ez badmans
Hey boys... the three strikes tour was the best tour ive seen in a long time. A lot of fun! hope to see you guys playing up this way some time again. I lost my alleys to valleys cd a few months ago, i miss it so gonna have to buy another as im not up with down loading technology and besides i'd prefer to pay the money to the artist. shelly xx
i <3 the herms! nice work on the gourmet scavenger piece. of course i got my grubby mittens on the earliest of releases so's i could rub my ear-hairs in the yumness. mmmmmm....
any travels in the works this year? i'm scrimpin' the pennies to potentially bounce over to europe in a few weeks to take photos of peeps and stuff. how bout youse?
ps i just launched up my website all new, check it out: zariat. com.
Word up hermits!.. where this album at yo the clubs are filled with lil' jon, we need some flavour son!. But watch out for 'Hermidoods' i heard there releasing an album too and they gots sevdog on bass kid.
Greetings again jokesters and hooligan makers! The Phonies wish to invite you to a truly spectacular evening of sydney's dopest live hip hop bands this Saturday the 21st June at the Gaelic Club. We'll be there supporting our good chums Rumpunch as they Launch their debut CD, and getting rawkus with their funky, reggae, hip hop tunes. Led by sydney's finest and most handsome rapper Tuka aka Tuka the sucker, their sound is uniquely sexy and their live show is fuelled with a full horn section and backup singers.
However the Phonies will be sure to steal the show with a revitalised set featuring a new indie rock track, an electro banger, and some fresh super smooth hip hop grooves. The Phonies Wardrobe department has also been hard at work creating the Phonies Winter Collection which they will be unveiling on stage during the show. In case you can't wait we have attached some exclusive sneak peeks of the boys in their winter attire, with a special appearance by "Teach" AKA "Referee....
The night kicks off with Basslines & Fresh Jams DJs who will get the party started. Please come and be part of the next generation of sydney's live music scene as Rumpunch and The Phonies turn the Gaelic Club into a hot steamy love jam with the rest of the rhyme lovers, groove enthusiasts and melody munters.
Doors open at 8pm, The Phonies on stage around 10pm, and tickets are $15 on the door or available through moshtix.
