GAMMON with J-MILLA
Photo Credit: SBird.
2023 has been a milestone year for the young Adelaide-based, Darwin performer J-MILLA, who has earned national attention through his spirited tracks ‘NICEST’ and the hugely successful ‘On My Soul’, with the latter propelling J-MILLA further onto national and international radars, attracting Australian industry-wide praise via triple j, Triple J Unearthed and Acclaim, as well as a co-sign from U.S. hip hop DJ and radio personality Ebro Darden, via his Apple Music 1 show, The Ebro Show. Now the Australian hip-hop and R&B artist has released his new track ‘Gammon’ and we caught up with him to ask about the new track, his experience at Big Sound and what is next for this rising star.
J-MILLA, you have just released your new track 'GAMMON'. Where did the inspiration for writing this track come from?
To be honest, it started as a freestyle, having fun on the microphone, then words started coming to me as I let the instrumental play out. The start of the instrumental has a very serious sense to it, and I wanted to open the song with more of a lyrical start. Then when the drums kicked in I simply went on some “Rap” vibe that didn’t really mean anything, it was more of a fun track that sounds deadly blasting in your speakers.
Do you have a favourite line or part on ‘GAMMON'?
YES SEE BELOW FAVOURITE “LINES”
1. “SELL SHOWS BUT CAN NEVER SELL SOULS”
2. “I GOT EYES LOOKING OUT FOR MY BACK, SNAKES ALL AROUND SO I’M CUTTING UP THE GRASS”
3. “I LET EM’ TALK, COS THAT TALK IS CHEAP, DIFFERENCE IS WE GET MONEY EVERY TIME WE SPEAK”
4. “ONE THING I KNOW FOR SURE, THEY ALL GAMMON” “YEAH THEY ALL GAMMON”
Will you be showcasing 'GAMMON' live with a tour over the summer?
100% GAMMON will be part of my setlist when performing over the summer!
“BIGSOUND had such a fun vibe to it, full of people who love all sorts of music!”
Recently you got to showcase your music at the national industry event, BIGSOUND. What was that experience like as someone relatively new to the industry?
I felt like BIGSOUND was a good opportunity for me to perform in front of people who are heavily involved in the music industry. Being new to the scene I felt like I was ready to showcase my music and my live show. BIGSOUND had such a fun vibe to it, full of people who love all sorts of music! My experience was extremely good and would love to be involved again.
Is attending an event like BIGSOUND something you would recommend for artists still trying to break into the music scene?
Yes, I highly recommend artists to attend BIGSOUND as I feel like it gives artists a chance to showcase their music to the “Music Industry” such as Record Labels, managers, live agents, producers etc. It was such an important festival to connect with different artists and people who may help you and your career.
Did you connect with anybody while at BIGSOUND that surprised you or gave you a "pinch yourself" moment?
I connected with many people at BIGSOUND that brought great opportunities. But there wasn’t anyone who surprised me.
“Field Day is going to be HUGE!. I will be coming out with nothing but ENERGY!”
It has been announced that you are playing Field Day in Sydney on NYD, what can fans expect from your upcoming set?
Field Day is going to be HUGE!. I will be coming out with nothing but ENERGY! Songs will be uplifting and BANGERS to start the new year off right! A range of music from hip-hop rap to Dance. Can’t wait!
Will you be playing more festivals in the future?
I hope to play at any festival that gives me the opportunity! I have never turned one down and still wouldn’t!. Festivals like Splendour in the Grass, Groovin The Moo would be great to headline one day!
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout-out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
Poppy my fiancé deserves a SHOUTOUT! She holds me together and lifts me up at the same time! Always making sure everything is travelling okay in lead up to shows or anything that I have on. Also my manager Chryss Carr! For managing me as an artist and changing my career for the better.
“I want to release an Album full of songs that make me who I am!”
What's next for J-MILLA? What is in the pipeline for 2024?
ALBUM! I want to release an Album full of songs that make me who I am! Definitely more shows and hopefully a full-on tour!
Interview by Michelle Symes
November 2023