November 2009
K1
Sydney Hip Hop crew K1 (Konnected as 1) have been on the scene for a while, blazing a trail in the Australian Hip Hop world. With their official album
New Breed in the works, Thara caught up with two of the members, B-Wise and Egasm, to...
Cash Cow Mauled by Tiger?
Tiger mania hit Melbourne for the Masters Cup. The state paid the star 3 million bucks for his appearance - money well spent? Artan speaks with sports marketing guru Dr Con Stavros about good sports marketing and some of the sports that have gone...
Sister Fa
Sister Fa took her first steps into the world of Hip Hop in 2000 and has since gone on to become one of Senegal's leading female MC's...
With the release of her debut album
Sarabah: Tales from the Flip side of Paradise, Thara spoke with...
Mark Doyle
Founder and creator of Hed Kandi and Fierce Angel records, Mark Doyle takes time out with Quirksta to talk about the Fierce Angel Australian tour and the concept behind it.
Can You Stop The Pop?
Aggressive pop-up advertising is driving our online news sites, but is this just a sign of things to come?
As ads become more and more prevalent and intrusive, there is a risk that commercial interests will play an increasingly significant...
Rahzel and Dj JS1
Beatboxer Razhel AKA the Godfather of Noyze has worked with the likes of Slick Rick, The Roots, Ol Dirty Bustard, Bjork, Roni Size and Ben Harper. His tour DJ, JS-1 is an original member of the Rocksteady Crew and a pioneer of turntablism.
Both...
Dizz1
Kween G chats with one of Australia's best kept secrets Dizz1, the experimental beats producer who has worked with the likes of Ommas Keith from Sa Ra, DJ Dexter and Stereotyp to name a few. His latest EP,
3rd Time Lucky is about to launch,...
The magic of music and martial arts
Thara finds out how Capoeira is being used to heal young refugees here in Australia...
Undercover Prince Comes Out To Oz
Crown Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil of the Indian state of Rajpipla in Gujarat is the world’s only openly gay royal. During his visit to Australia to help improve HIV prevention work in the Asia Pacific region, Thara caught up with him to hear...
Hudson Mohawke
Quirksta chats to Scottish DJ / producer Hudson Mohawke about his unique style of beatmaking, learning to dj at such an early age, his upcoming tour of Australia and plenty more.
Chasm & Vida-Sunshine
Sydney based producer Chasm & Melbourne based vocalist Vida- Sunshyne join us to chat about the making of their album
Move, as well as the Australian reggae scene.
October 2009
Dirty South
Serbian born Dragan aka Dirty South has become one of the worlds top dj/ producers.
Quirksta chats to the superstar Dj about his career and Sensation NYE.
West Side Story
What is it like for a young person from an Arabic speaking background to grow up in western Sydney? The area is home to one of the largest concentrations of migrants and refugees in Australia.
The group, Information and Cultural Exchange,...
Skye is the limit
Skye Bortoli is 16 years old and is taking on the world with her fight against whaling. She has just published her first book
Eco Warrior and Thara caught up with Skye to hear all about it.
La Méthode
Straight out of Marseille, French hip-hop group
La Méthode
bring the humour to their rhymes and the future to their beats. Alchemy's DJ Jonah and resident bi-linguist DJ Quirksta sat down in the studio with the boys to chat about their...
Sibo Bangoura
Sibo Bangoura is one of Australia's leading West African percussionists. He's taken his music all over the world and 2009 sees the release of his debut album
Keyim Ba. Thara sat down with Sibo to hear all about it.
Hip-Hop Hopefuls...
For many, hip-hop has served not just as a form of self-expression, but also as a tool for social change. Three young people from Melbourne have embraced this, hoping to teach their local communities about standing up for social justice.
The Medics
Kween G talks to indie rock band The Medics from Cairns. The boys come fresh from the Groundswell Tour to tell us about their unique music styles and their latest EP 'This Boat We Call Love'.
Kaz James
One of the hottest young producers from Melbourne is taking the world by storm with his track featuring Macy Gray "Can't hold back".
Quirksta chats to Kaz James about his past, present and future in the music world.
Mr THING
Reformed Scratch Pervert turned party-rocker DJ Mr Thing chats to Kween G from the Tipping Point about life after Roc Raida, diggin crates and Sydney's Beaches.
Why Bother?
These days when it comes to media, it's all about the online presence. So, in a world where more and more zines are arriving at your mail boxes in PDF format - why would you bother putting something to print? Alex Mann has more.
AXWELL
The biggest name in house is about to hit our shores for the Australian Stereosonic Tour. DJ Quirksta had the pleasure of chatting to the member of the Swedish House Mafia - DJ Axwell. Find out what he would be up to 'if he wasn't a DJ'.
15th Deadly's
The 15th Deadly Awards were held in Sydney recently. The Awards focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Achievements in music, sport, broadcasting and community. We hit the red carpet to find out more.
Zoologist Tammie Matson talks elephants
Natalie Aoun caught up with Tammie Matson, a Sydney based zoologist and author who specialises in human-wildlife conflicts. Tammie works for the world wildlife fund and she has recently finished publishing a book detailing her journey and the...
September 2009
Red Bantoo Interview, Recipe & Travel Guide
Johnny M sits down with Red Bantoo, a live band drawing influences from hip-hop, funk, nu-jazz, and more. The band is making some big moves in their hometown of Byron Bay and have been spreading the good vibes all around the country.
X-ecutioners Interview 2008
Here's the full, unedited interview of the world famous turbntablist crew The X-ecutioners, from their 2008 Australian Tour. In memory of Grandmaster Roc Raida. RIP!!!
Roller Derby
Alex Mann heads out to the roller rinks in suburban Melbourne to look into the rebirth of Roller Derby in Australia. Lucky for him, he didn't bring his skates...
Finale
One of Detroit's illest MC's, Finale, sits down with Ran-Dee from The Tipping Point to chat about the pasing about Baatin from Slum Village, the Detroit Hip Hop scene and more...
From Reverse Grip To Reverse Anorexia
For a growing number of young men, body image is a big concern. For some, a little weights time at the gym can quickly turn into a daily and unhealthy obsession.
Muscle dysmorphia, or reverse anorexia, as it is commonly known, is on the rise...
John Dahlback
Stereosonic comes back to OZ in November and John Dahlback happens to be one of the headliners this year.
Quirksta chats to the Swedish Dj/ producer about starting his career at sucha young age.
Shonen Knife
Jamaica from the Asian Pop Show catches up with Naoko from Shonen Knife. They chat about the bands successful history, their meeting with Kurt Cobain & Nirvana, and their upcoming Australian Tour.
Poetry Slam
Most of us have heard of poetry and some may have heard of slam poetry, but what about Skype Slam?!
This is the evolution of the poetry slam format played out on Skype - testing your skills against the world's best.
In true Ashes tradition -...
Medical Tourism
The Australian health-care system, whilst well known for the quality of the service it delivers, is not renowned for its bargain-basement prices.
Alex Mann reveals that an increasing trend amongst those undertaking expensive surgical...
Ramadan Soccer
Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting. Muslims across the world refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and indulging in anything that's in excess; from dawn until sunset.
Fasting is meant to teach Muslim's patience, modesty and spirituality...
Chavez Golf Ban
The game of golf has come under fire from an unlikely source.
Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has declared war on the sport, proposing to ban the game, claiming it's reserved only for the elite and the lazy.
Golfers are reported to be...
Toaster's Boutique
Melbourne Based Toaster's Boutique sit down in the studio and on the phone lines with Kween G on represent Australia. They give us some more info on their crew and the music they make...
Nico Suave & Roger Rekless Freestyle Session
German MC's Nico Suave & Roger Rekless kick some crazy freestyles for us in the Alchemy studios...
August 2009
Intersex Athletics
Gender has been thrown into the spotlight with the controversy surrounding South African track athlete, Caster Semenya.
Artan Jama has more...
Stone Bros
Kween G talks to Aboriginal actors Leon Burchill & Luke Carroll about their starring role in the new film Stone Bros.
Directed & written by Richard J Frankland, Stone Bros is a comedy which takes you on a journey with two cousins who are on a...
Want Longer Lasting Sex?
We've all seen the large highway billboards, and heard the radio advertisements offering longer lasting sex, but as the number of these signs increases, so too have public oppositions.
The company that supplies the remedy, with simple "nasal...
Women's Recession
The Australia Institute has revealed with new research into the current economic downturn that women account for up to 80 percent of Australia's hidden unemployment. Thara has more
Ferry Corsten
Trance lovers from all over the world have heard of him. Starting off at the age of 11 and building a reputation in the scene like no other, Ferry Corsten hits Australia with a massive tour, The Twice in a blue moon - the experience tour....
Women's Boxing
For the first time in more than 100 years, women will join men to slug it out in boxing rings at the Olympic Games.
The International Olympic Committee has ended years of discrimination by allowing women boxers to represent their countries...
ISP Filter
Some see the internet as a liberating space where they can be who they want to be and meet like minded people.
But when should the law step in and control what we can and can't do online?
Artan Jama looks at the government's plan for a...
Forever Ever
Forever Ever is a youth based Hip Hop Theatre project based in Western Sydney. Ran-Dee from the Tipping Point met with the young cast members, and their director Candy Bower, to discuss the details of their performance, their love for Hip Hop, and...
Internet Politics
During the 2007 election, the ALP election campaign was distinctive for its use of what is often termed "new media".
However, the use of sites like twitter, myspace and facebook for distributing political messages is on the rise, and no...
Digital Radio
In Australia, first came digital tv, and now the nation has been introduced to digital radio. So what's it all about? Thara has more...
Safe Sex
For something that seems so simple, spreading the message of safe sex to young people is a challenge in itself. Now Australian health care professionals say they are having trouble promoting sexual health to younger people from culturally diverse...
Bringing Green Back
City centres around the world are hot beds of radiant heat with millions spent per year on keeping office buildings cool while the sun glares down outside.
Could bringing some greenery back into the CBD actually make it cooler?
Alex Mann...
Hany Lee
Jamaica speaks to Neighbors star Hany Lee (Sunny Lee), the multi talented 16yr old actor that also sings, plays guitar, piano, saxophone and drums, and is skilled in jazz, tap, hip-hop and break dancing. We hear about Hany’s recent trip to South...
Seeds Of Africa
Martin Ganda and Simba Marekera both grew up in abject poverty back home in Zimbabwe. But due to the help of well wishers and friends, Martin and Simba managed to complete their studies and were awarded university scholarships to study in America....
Ravi
Ravi is a new Persian group featuring Pedram Nikaeen and Ali Mireskandari. Nat from Alchemy's Middle Eastern Beats sat down and had a chat with Ali about his musical history and the Persian music scene.
Champion Sound
Kween G catches up with Chris Jay, Sunny Dread and Ebony Rose to find out more about Champion Sound and the projects they are involved with.
Fresh Food
The price and quality of fresh food available to those living in remote communities is an issue which the government recognises a need to improve upon.
A federal Parliamentary committee is working on a report to try help this problem. Thara...
Nick Galea
Nick Galea, an Australian DJ / Producer, has reached #1 on the Aria charts with his massive club remix of the world renowned Kaz James. Dj Quirksta from Alchemy’s Spin Sessions sits down with Nick to find out more.
July 2009
Cyber Bullying
Cyber bullying has again been thrown into the spotlight recently, after the tragic suicide of a 14 year-old Melbourne school girl. With the ever-widening social sphere now extending right into the family home, Alex Mann had a look into the...
Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels
Corporal John Briscoe was just a kid when he faced thousands of well equipped Japanese on the infamous Kokoda trail in Papua New Guinea in 1943.
Most of the 700 Australian troops were aged under 20 years old and were grossly under equipped and...
Khalad Sabsabi
Khaled Sabssai is a Lebanese audio-visual artist and musician who has worked and exhibited locally and internationally for over 19 years.
CEDAR BOYS is the first narrative feature for which he has composed the original score.
Nat & Johnny M...
Pentaport Rock Festival
The Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival is considered one of the biggest live music events held annually in South Korea. Sofie Blichfeldt, the Australian media representative for the Pentaport Rock Festival, tells us about the Australian acts heading...
Adam Freeland
Now if you don’t know who Adam Freeland is, you’ve probably been living under a rock for last ten years. This super DJ producer is one of the worlds best and he has just released a new album under his newly formed band, Freeland. The album is...
4 Mile Mine
Native Tile was developed to empower Aboriginal people but is now being used by mining companies to disempower Aboriginal communities.
While Federal Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, takes a holiday in the wake of his most controversial...
Corporate Space
Space is the final frontier as they say.
But as we get closer to tourist flights into space and corporation start seeing the benefits of space, what laws govern and protect the place where some boldly go and few have gone before?
1.4 Billion Reasons
One point four billion reasons is a multimedia presentation being road tripped across the country at the moment by a coalition of activist, researchers, actors and Hollywood producers that aims to educate Australian on how we can make a difference...
Balancing Out The Scales
Whilst these days women are well represented at the heads of organisations in most major industries, on average, they earn 25% less than their male executive counterparts. Alex Mann looks into the reasons why, amongst the corporate elite, equal...
The Great Debate
400 people came to Melbourne last week for the Australasian Intervarsity Debating Championships.
Aussie and Kiwi teams were joined by outfits from all over Asia for five days of intense verbal sparring, with Monash and the Uni of Indonesia...
Ray Mann Three
After leaving his role of longtime lead guitarist in Kid Confucius, singer/songwriter Ray Wassef is now delivering infectious soul music in The Ray Mann Three.
Kween G chats to Ray about the trio’s latest EP "Opa Opa" and more. Ray also...
That's So Gay
Here in Australia there is still a fight to stamp out homophobia and homosexual vilification.
Alchemy's Alex Mann hit the streets to find out why these days things are "so gay" at school.
Gay & Lesbian Rights In India
Recent changes to laws in India have meant that consenting sex between homosexuals is no longer considered a criminal act. The ruling overturns a 148 year old colonial law which describes a same sex relationship as an "unnatural offence", which...
Sean Choolburra speaks on NAIDOC
Comedian Sean Choolburra tells us what NAIDOC Week means to him and the impact it's having on the wider community.
Bastardy
The Melbourne International Film Festival opens in a couple of weeks and a film that made waves in last years line-up was a documentary called Bastardy.
It’s the story of Jack Charles - Actor, Aboriginal elder, junkie, cat burglar and...
Tennis Discrimination
In 2007 organizers of the Wimbledon Tennis Tournament agreed to award woman equal prize money.
Far from freeing woman from the sexist discussion surrounding their on-court perfromance, the battle to be assesed on their talents, rather than...
Barbie and Beauty
Barbie is 50 years old.
The world’s most famous plastic figure has been celebrating her birthday all year with world tours and grand openings.
Mattel, the manufactures of Barbie, have recently opened the first permanent Barbie store in...
June 2009
Get the Message?
The UNITED NATIONS International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking was commemorated in SYDNEY on Tuesday with a public forum on the issue. Alex Mann had a look into what's being done here in Australia to combat the problem, and...
Divide and Conquer
The world is in the midst of a great rush to secure natural resources.
Russian President DMITRY MEDVEDEV embarks on a four-nation tour of AFRICA this week.
After a two-day visit to EGYPT starting yesterday, Mr MEDVEDEV will make an ambitious...
Hollywood Goes East: J- Horror
What kind of horror films do you like? Supernatural monsters taking over the human race or more brutal and bloody horror movies?
A relatively new horror genre called J- horror has been hitting Hollywood hard! Alchemy's Jennifer Ho is set to...
Albert M Ladysmith
Ladysmith Black Mambazo are one of South Africa's highest selling groups and not only have they put South Africa on the map, but they also represent traditional South Africa. Thara caught up with one of the oldest members of the group Albert...
Refugee Week 2009
Refugee week 2009 was held from 14th to 20th of June with this year’s theme being “Freedom From Fear”. So what exactly is it all about? Thara has more.
Native Title
Eddie Mabo's legacy to the Australian indigenous community was the precedent for future native title claims.
Now 15 years on, the context for negotiation around native title claims is changing, and so are the people making them. Alex Mann...
NT Intervention Rally
Saturday 20 June marks two years of the Northern territory Intervention and the suspension of the Racial Discrimination Act.
Rallies across the country are planned for Saturday as Australians stand up and say enough is enough.
Aboriginal...
Betrayed
A true story of how a clash of cultures threatens a young woman’s life!She must escape from Iraq as soon as possible-or she will be forced to die for her family’s honour. Latifa Ali sits down with Kween G to talk about her book Betrayed.
Men's Health Week
Pap smear check-ups, cervical cancer vaccines, and regular breast cancer examinations, these are some of the health campaign for Australian women. Now, try to name a few health campaigns or health issues for men. Australian men's health are...
Delta & Mojo The Cinematic Freestyle
Delta & Mojo The Cinematic (NYC) show off their freestyle skills on The Tipping Point Hip Hop Show- June 2009
Wangari Maathai
Thirty five years ago Wangari Maathai had a simple idea: To plant trees.
It was a response to a growing problem affecting the lives of the poor in her native Kenya and many other areas of Africa: The destruction of forests, soil erosion, water...
Superhero
The recent rise in superhero films has been a massive hit across the globe for Hollywood production houses.
Spiderman, X-Men and the Fantastic Four and their sequels have all been great earners with each film bringing in 60 million dollars or...
The Untold Issues of International Students
Culture shock, home sick, language barriers and safety issues are some of the difficulties more than 400,000 international students in Australia are facing everyday. But what other issues are affecting these students?
Alchemy’s Jennifer Ho...
Kero One
Korean - American rapper/producer/DJ Kero One is killing it with his latest release EARLY BELIEVERS. Even Will.i.am has congratulated him through a webcam message!
Kero One used to be a web designer by day and an artist by night. One of the 50...
The Gimmies
Tokyo garage rock band the Gimmies are back with their second album ROLL UP through the Australian label Off the Hip.Their salute to Oz Rock comes with their passionate cover of the Lime Spiders’ BEYOND THE FRINGE.
Alchemy’s Jennifer Ho...
Chimamanda Ngozi
With two novels and a collection of short stories under her belt, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has been described as the new face of Nigerian Literature. During her recent visit to Australia, Thara caught up with her to talk about the pen and the...
Melanie Jones & Women's Cricket
Melanie Jones is an ex-Australian national cricketer, turned cricket commentator for ESPN. When ESPN covered the women's World Cup in Sydney, Melanie was there in the commentary box... and when the women's World Twenty20 tournament starts in...
TV Graveyard
As of January 1, 2010, when the analogue television signal is set to be switched off for good - aproximately 7 million Australian television sets will stop working... the challenge now: is what to do with them.
Alchemy's Alex Mann had a look...
Guantanamo Release
Whilst US President Barack Obama has committed his administration to closing the detention centre at Guantanamo Bay, the process of relocating its occupants has been far more complicated. Just last week the US government asked for the third time...
May 2009
Ethical Sex and Consent
Since the recent controversy surrounding the footy sex scandal, Matthew Johns has been stood down in his roles with the Channel 9 footy show, and the Melbourne Storm, and has been forced to publicly apologise to his wife and family, his club, and...
Boxing
Today boxing for fitness is fashionable, but many young men and women are out there in the real ring. Thara went along to one of the Boxing NSW amateur comps to get a little insight into the sweet science.
Sietta
Formed in 2007, Sietta is a two piece consisting of James Mangohig (Yamez) and Caiti B. Hailing from as far afield as Darwin and Brisbane, but now settled in Melbourne, these two friends share a rich musical connection which has led to the...
Donne
Represent Oztralia shines the spotlight on Sydney jazz/blues singer Donne. Her music began in the underworld of Sydney’s artist run spaces, warehouses and speakeasies which has contributed to her début EP Act One.
Emma Donovan Interview + Live tracks
This week following the release of 'Ngarraanga' the Alchemy Crew caught up with Emma Donovan.
Here's the full interview + live tracks recorded recently at the SBS Radio Studios
RubberBand
In early 90s, Cantopop was full of ballade idols, like Andy Lau and Kelly Chen; half way through last decade we saw pop singers packaged as bad boys (e.g., Nicolas Tse) and sporty ones (e.g., Alex Fong).
With major record labels signing up...
Budget Update- Indigenous Health
The federal government recently announced the 2009 budget and Thara takes a look at how the budget is committed to Indigenous health.
Gender Dysphoria
One of the family courts in Australia recently approved a 17 year old girl to have her breasts removed so she can live as a boy. The case raised headlines around the country.
Alchemy investigates the difficulties of living with the gender...
Australian Budget Update
This year’s budget was tipped as the toughest in living memory or at least since the great depression in the 1920’s.
Nation building was the motto with most of the budget aimed at roads, rail and ports and setting up a national broad band...
See Through Me
Discrimination is simply unacceptable, and with the constant emphasise on a multicultural and harmonious society, you would be surprised to know Australia is still not free from racist comments or actions against new comers.
Alchemy’s...
Skateistan: the Afghan Skate School
When two Australian aid workers took their skateboards with them to Afghanistan, they had no idea just what effect it would have on their lives. In a country where, in 2006, youth made up 68% of the country's population, skateboarding was alway...
Dres of Black Sheep (NYC)
Ran-Dee from the Tipping Point sits down with Queens NY's own Dres of the legendary Hip Hop group Black Sheep.
The Native Tongues member discusses the early days, his rise to fame, the collapse of his group, and the whereabouts of Mista Lawnge...
Cosplay
To begin with, the word “cosplay” probably makes no sense to some of you. What’s more puzzling is trying to understand why a bunch of people calling themselves "cosplayers" would want to dress up as animation characters and re-enact scenes...
DJ Foundation
Paradise is the debut album from Iraqi based DJ Foundation, combining modern dance beats with traditional Iraq music.
Theres a big difference with DJ Foundation though. Unlike most DJ's/Producers he has had to keep his identity a secret....
Sexting
This week, the NSW State Government launched a campaign targeting parents and their school children to combat what they have named "sexting".
Alchemy's Alex Mann has more.
Identity Theft
Do you know how much your identity is worth? What would happen if someone pretended to be you? There are different types of identity theft, like financial, criminal and medical, but all of these involve stealing someone's identity for criminal...
Border Protection
Border security is back on the agenda, again.
Hysteria and finger pointing has risen to the surface with the recent arrival of 9 boats carrying 54 asylum seekers to our shores.
The government has been criticized by the opposition as being...
New Pants
From the hutongs of Beijing, New Pants is known for exploring current issues concerning youth in China, including obession for money and unsatisfying through the genre of new wave.
Two year after their internationally recognised album DRAGON...
Gambling Stimulus
42 billion dollars will be injected into the economy by the Rudd government to help soften the affects of the world recession.
But as the cash is handed out, the amount of money being pumped into pokie machines and betting houses has soared...
Youth Unemployment
If you believe the newspapers and tv reports, Job losses as a result of the current economic crisis are seriously widespread. But it seems like many young people are tempted not to believe the hype.
According to a recent report released by...
The Australian Youth Climate Change Coalition
The Australian Youth Climate Change Coalition has been asked to give a testimony on Australia's response to climate change to ten Federal Senators at Parliament House this week.
Kween G chats to Co-Director Amanda McKenzie about the impact...
Women In Sport
With the women's cricket world cup receiving almost no coverage on Australian television or radio, and chauvinistic comments still floating around opinion pieces in the media - the host of Alchemy's dedicated sports show, Alex Mann assembled some...
Audio Safari
The Kyoto-based Japanese electro-shoegaze band Audio Safari was originally formed with one vocal, one guitar and one computer in 2003, but has expanded to a full band with a bassist and a drummer to add an organic touch to their electronic music....
April 2009
Scrim
Daniel Itua Okoduwa, known to many as Scrim, left his home Nigeria in the early 90’s, stopping over in South Africa before settling in Sydney Australia. The multi-talented musician and film maker has been busy over the past three years putting...
Shiralee Hood
Deadly Funny is a national Indigenous comedy competition. The Comedy Festival held workshops and heats around Australia with professional touring comedians. 12 contestants were selected to compete in the national finals which were held in...
Are You Bored?
With school and university now fully into first term around the country, Alchemy's Alex Mann looks into the problem of boredom, and what, apart from an old economics lecturer, may be the cause of it...
Facebook Spys
A drunken night out with the mates, a holiday fling or a crazy stunt are all common adventures and usually result in minor consequences. If anything, it’s a laugh and something that need to be shared with the world.
So a picture is taken of...
Innovation Festival
The national launch of this year’s Australian Innovation Festival took place in Sydney.
Alchemy’s Jennifer Ho catches up with the chairman of the Festival to find out how Australia can be more innovative, as well as the organiser of the...
Yukata
Did you know you might be seen as a walking corpse if you wear the Japanese clothing yukata the wrong way? Yukata was originally a bath robe and is considered the casual version of the kimono, but somehow it made its way into the mainstream, and...
Da Mouth
Considered the Black Eyed Peas in Mando pop, Da Mouth consisted of a Canadian-Taiwanese MC 40, a Taiwan-born Japanese DJ Chung Hua, a Korean- Taiwanese- American male vocalist Harry and a Japanese female vocalist Aisa. They released their debut...
The Indigenous Hip Hop Project
Depression is one of the most common of all mental health problems. One in five people experience depression at some stage of their lives.
Depression affects young people too, but many of us might miss the signs and pass it off as teenage...
Tamil Protest
Tamil protestors have rocked up to Pime Minister Kevin Rudd's lodge in Canberra urging him and pleading with him to recognise and acknowledge their concerns and grievances over the civil wars in Sri Lanka.
What can a third party country like...
Cricket Security
Last month, the cricketing world was rocked by the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team as they travelled to their match in Lahore, Pakistan.
With Pakistan playing all its international matches away, and India being forced to move...
DJ Cleo
DJ Cleo is one of South Africa's most influential dance music producers. After blazing a trail on the kwaito, house and hip hop scenes producing Mandoza, Mzekezeke, Pitch Black Afro and RJ Benjamin just to name a few, in 2004 he released his debut...
DJ Cazlo
Middle Eastern Beats presenter Johnny M speaks with Egytian DJ/Producer (Hard core Zamalek Football Club supporter) Cazlo about his music, the DJ status in the Arab World, and his future plans.
FAMA
The Hong Kong duo FAMA is a household name for their comical, quirky and distinctive style of hip-hop, which is all about the daily life on the island. 6-Wing and C-Kwan make a guest appearance on Alchemy’s Asian Pop Show to chat about their...
Potato Master
The Japanese Mc Potato Master came to Australia for love, but somehow he winded up in night clubs performing what he called as "junk rap and crappy DJ"; the audience definitely don't think so!
Alchemy's Jennifer Ho speaks to Potato Master...
Cash Bonus
Thanks to the Federal Government's latest economic stimulus package, up to 950 dollars are coming your way if you earn less than 100 thousand dollars in the previous financial year.
How exactly does the easy money translate into a better...
The Future By Us
The Future By Us is a new book which takes a look at how this generation sees itself in the future. 14 young leaders have written stories about their passions and ideas.
Artan Jama finds out what's the biggest issue that will affect the future...
United Nations Declaration- Indigenous Rights
Last Friday the Australian Government supported The United Nations Declaration on the rights of Indigenous peoples. This means that Indigenous Australian rights are recognised & protected internationally.
The Declaration is a non-binding...
Spring Scream 2009
The quiet streets of Kenting Taiwan turn to night markets and tourists hotspots during the first weekend of April, thanks to the annual Kenting Music Festivals. With over four music festivals - mainstream or indie - taking place, no one seems to...
Humour vs Racism
A recent episode of *The Simpsons* spurred a heated in debate London, regarding the portrayal of Muslims in mainstream western media.
Miriam Maghrabi explores the parameters of political correctness when it comes to
comedy and the portrayal...
Afghan Music Today
Poverty, warfare, death and destruction characterise the common portrayal of Afghanistan in our media today.
Music seems to be a non-essential in such a political climate, but new Afghan music is booming both within the region and abroad....
Youth & Climate Change with Dan Adams
National youth week ambassador Dan Adams from the Australian Youth Climate Collation tells how this generation of young people can take action on Climate Change.
Queer Youth
Youth Week officially kicked off on Saturday 28th of March around the country.
The Queer Youth of Sydney are celebrating National Youth Week in style with a Queer Prom which has a Good & Evil Theme. Rebecca Reynolds from Twenty 10 in support...
Tizzy Bac
A rock band without a guitarist!
At first, the trio were curious how far a band without guitars could go, but their unique “piano “ and “grumbling” style of sound soon made them one of the hottest bands in the underground scene.
In...
Seun Kuti
His father Fela Kuti created the musical movement of Afrobeat. After his death, Seun Kuti at the ripe age of 14 chose to lead his father's legendary band Egypt 80. Thara caught up with him while he was here in Australia to find out what that meant...
November 2009
Alchemy Feature Album: Batucada Sound Machine - Rhythm & Rhyme
United by a deep passion for music, BSM have managed to blend styles such as Brazilian, Cuban, and Afro Beat rhythms with Hip Hop, carefully crafted percussion, slick horns and soulful vocals.
Known for their luminous live performances, BSM...
Roger Sanchez top 5
Veteran house music master and headliner of Sensation NYE, Roger Sanchez brings us his favourite tracks of the week.
Alchemy Feature Album: Chasm & Vida-Sunshyne - Move
This week’s feature album
Move comes from Sydney beat producer Chasm and Melbourne singer Vida-Sunshyne. This reggae, hip hop and soul release is out now through Obese Records. To find out more about this great album listen to Thara’s...
October 2009
Alchemy Feature Album: The Strides - The Strides
Nick Garbett, Jeremy Rose, Al Hicks and Matt Smith all grew in the Illawarra, south of Sydney and spent time in the Big Apple, Japan, the UK, Norway and Senegal. Reunited two years ago, the boys put pen to paper inspired by their travels and...
MC Supernatural
Kween G sits down with one of the most respected freestyle MC's in the business, MC Supernatural. He discusses the artform of freestyle MC'ing, his favourite lyricists, his upcoming trip to Australia with DJ Q-bert, and more...
Alchemy feature Release La Methode – Les 99 Points Du Acke
This week Alchemy’s feature album comes from Marseille, France. La Methode are a relatively new French hip hop group following in the footsteps of legendary French rap crews like Saian Supa Crew, Supreme NTM, I AM and Fonky Family. However, La...
Radical Son
Latesha Smith chats to soulful hip hop MC Radical Son about his powerful song writing and performance. We also find out how he has transformed his personal experiences into positive messages for young men.
Deline Briscoe
Kween G sits down with Indigenous singer & song writer Deline Briscoe from Melbourne. Formerly from the Briscoe sisters, Deline joins Alchemy to tells us about her exciting new solo project in the works with producer Airi Ingram from Grilla Step.
Alchemy Feature Album: Balkan Beat Box - Nu Made
Balkan Beat Box is the brain child of Israeli born duo Tamir Muskat and Ori Kaplan. Muskat and Kaplan dig into the new fresh possibilities of electronic music mixed with hard core folk music from North Africa, Middle East and The Balkans. Joined...
Sporting heroes at the Deadly's
How is it that Indigenous Australians only make up roughly 3% of the overall population, but around 1 in ten AFL and NRL players are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander? Ask AFL star Michael O’Loughlin, and he'll say it’s 'cause they’re so...
Brain Failure
Bejing punk band Brain Failure is heading to Melbourne for the International Arts Festival on October 22nd. Jamaica De La Cruz chats to Xiao Rong from the band to find out what they’ve been up to, how they started and where the name Brain...
Lee Coombs
Lee certainly needs no introduction to fans of dance music. He has remixed some of the biggest bands and dance projects in the world, and has released some of the most seminal Breaks & Tech Funk tracks within the last 10 years. With the release...
Australian Author Emily Maguire
Emily Maguire is an Australian author whose articles about sex, religion and culture have been widely published in major newspapers. She's the author of four novels, including the international best seller
Taming the Beast and has just...
Beans
Beans from the Anti Pop Consortium is on his way to Melbourne to perform at the International Melbourne Arts Festival on October 23rd. DJ Quirksta chats with the Bronx native about his influences, his career and the importance of lyrics in Hip Hop...
Pancakes
Hong Kong artist Dee Jay is the Pancakes. A one woman composer, performer, singer, musician, record label owner and publisher. Ran Dee chats with the self proclaimed 'child like' indie artist about her unique sound and love for Australian people.
September 2009
Alchemy feature album Jahdan Blakkamoore - Buzzrock Warrior
New Brooklyn based dancehall artist Jahdan Blakkamoore has just released his debut album Buzzrock Warrior through Gold Dust. A label that boasts an artist roaster with the likes of DJ Muggs, Planet Asia, Large Professor and Zion I to name just a...
Alchemy Feature Album: Basement Jaxx - Scars
Legendary UK dance duo Basement Jaxx are back with their fifth studio album Scars.
Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe aka Basement Jaxx have created their most experimental release to date with Scars. With collaborations from the likes of UK...
Alchemy Feature Album: Shonen Knife - Super Group
This week our feature album on Alchemy is Shonen Knife’s
Super Group.
The all girl pop punk, j rock band started back in 1981 inspired by 60s girl groups like the Supremes and the Ronettes but with a modern sound and punk rock attitude....
Nico Suave & Roger Rekless
German MC Nico Suave & MC / Turntablist Roger Rekless stop into the Tipping Point to give us some insight into the German Hip Hop scene, their career history, and their trip to Australia...
August 2009
Alchemy Feature Album: Freeland - Cope
This week's alchemy feature album is Cope by Freeland.
Nominated as one of the worlds best Dj/ producers, Adam Freeland has decided to move into the realm of live bands, and has pulled this off flawlessly.
Cope is the First album under his new...
Alchemy Feature Album: Diafrix - Concrete Jungle
This week Alchemy’s feature album comes from Melbourne duo Diafrix. Their debut full length album "Concrete Jungle" is the follow up to their first EP "In Da Place", released in 2006.
Momo and Azmarino from the group are both African...
July 2009
True Vibe Nation- Pesto Recipe
Sydney based Hip Hop group, True Vibe Nation, join us in the Alchemy kitchen to take us through their secret recipe of homemade pesto. Mmm mmmmm!
Indigenous Prison
New figures show that Aboriginal Australians are continuing to fill Australian prisons at an alarming rate. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are 13 times moe likely to be arrested than other Australians.
Thara Mogwe finds out more...
June 2009
Nick Knowledge Freestyle
Sydney based MC, Nick Knowledge, grabs the mic to kick an ill freestyle rhyme for The Tipping Point Hip Hop Show live in the Alchemy studios- June 2009
Alchemy Feature Album Bhangra Niche
Alchemy’s feature album for the month is Bhangra Niche. An offshoot of UK Recordings Niche specialises in bassline and garage music. As the name suggests Bhangra Niche fuses the popular Indian music genre with cutting edge sounds from hip London...
Extended Family interview + live track
Extended Family are one of the hardest working bands in the Australian funk, roots and blues circles. DJ Jonah chats with Coomba & Azza from Extended Family and convinces the boys to give Alchemy an exclusive jam session.
May 2009
New Pants - Mandarin Version
From the hutongs of Beijing, New Pants is known for exploring current issues concerning youth in China, including obession for money and unsatisfying through the genre of new wave.
Two year after their internationally recognised album DRAGON...
Swine Flu Update
The rising death toll from the swine flu epidemic that started in Mexico has sent a wave of panic around the world. Thara brings us up to date with the situation closer to our shores.
Audio Safari - Japanese Version
The Kyoto-based Japanese electro-shoegaze band Audio Safari was originally formed with one vocal, one guitar and one computer in 2003, but has expanded to a full band with a bassist and a drummer to add an organic touch to their electronic music....
April 2009
United Nations Durban Conference
A United Nations conference on racism has started in Geneva this week and Australia is one of the countries who have boycotted the conference which is meant to review the progress in fighting anti- racial discrimination, Alchemy's Kween G has more.
Da Mouth - Mandarin Version
Considered the Black Eyed Peas in Mando pop, Da Mouth consisted of a Canadian-Taiwanese MC 40, a Taiwan-born Japanese DJ Chung Hua, a Korean- Taiwanese- American male vocalist Harry and a Japanese female vocalist Aisa. They released their debut...
Nacho Lovers- Travel Guide to Toronto
Pack your bags. It's time to take a trip to Toronto, courtesy of Canada's own Nacho Lovers.
The electronic duo have been smashing dancefloors all over the world. Now they wanna take us on a journey through the city they call home...
FAMA - Chinese Version
The Hong Kong duo FAMA is a household name for their comical, quirky and distinctive style of hip-hop, which is all about the daily life on the island. 6-Wing and C-Kwan make a guest appearance on Alchemy’s Asian Pop Show to chat about their...
Kary Ng
Kary Ng made her debut in Canto pop when she was 15 as part of the girl band Cookies. She remains active in the showbiz after going solo, and is one of paparazzi’s favourite celebrities to follow.
Kary speaks to Asian Pop Show’s Jennifer...
Alex Fong
Before 2001, most people in Hong Kong know Alex Fong as a swimmer on the national team, but after breaking two Hong Kong records in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, the swimmer turned singer.
Very soon, Alex Fong will be stepping foot on our...
Tizzy Bac - Mandarin
A rock band without a guitarist!
At first, the trio were curious how far a band without guitars could go, but their unique “piano “ and “grumbling” style of sound soon made them one of the hottest bands in the underground scene.
In...
February 2009
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