Australia’s Drill Scene is a War Zone I Gangsta Rap International - Australia

Summary

The script delves into the rise of OneFour, Australia's pioneering drill music group from Western Sydney, known for their raw storytelling reflecting their violent upbringing. Their music, heavily influenced by UK drill, resonates with the local migrant community and has gained international attention. Despite legal challenges and social stigma, OneFour uses their platform to shed light on their experiences, aiming to bridge the gap between their reality and the world's perception.

Takeaways

• 🎤 OneFour is recognized as Australia's first drill music group, bringing a genre typically associated with Chicago and the UK to a new audience.
• 🌐 Their music video for 'The Message' went viral in the summer of 2019, garnering global attention and sparking discussions about Australian Drill.
• 📣 Drill music is described as a form of storytelling, reflecting the artists' upbringing, experiences, and the realities of their environment.
• 🏙 Western Sydney, particularly Mount Druitt, is depicted as a challenging area with a history of violence, which significantly influences OneFour's music.
• 👮‍♂️ The group's members have experienced conflicts with law enforcement, with some members facing legal issues that impact their ability to perform and tour.
• 👕 The fashion and style of the group are influenced by London's drill scene, with members wearing specific brands like TNs and adopting a similar aesthetic.
• 🗣️ The use of Australian accents in their rap sets OneFour apart from their international counterparts, creating a unique identity in the drill genre.
• 🔪 The lyrics often reference violence and street life, with a focus on knife crime rather than gun violence, which is more prevalent in other regions' drill music.
• 🚫 There is a sense of resistance against societal pressures and stereotypes, with the group asserting their authenticity and challenging critics of their music.
• 🎥 The group's music videos and performances serve as a platform to showcase their community and culture, offering a glimpse into life in Western Sydney.

Q & A

What is 'Drill' music and how is it related to Western Sydney?

Drill music is a genre that originated in Chicago and later gained prominence in London. It is characterized by its raw storytelling about street life, often including violence and hardship. In Western Sydney, OneFour is Australia's first drill group, and their music reflects the experiences and challenges faced in their community, particularly in Mount Druitt, which has a reputation for violence.

How did OneFour's music video for 'The Message' impact the global rap scene?

OneFour's music video for 'The Message' went viral in the summer of 2019, attracting the attention of rap fans worldwide. It intrigued and excited listeners who were eager to explore Australian Drill music, which was a new concept for many, as it combined the storytelling style of drill music with local Australian experiences and accents.

What are the socio-economic conditions in Western Sydney that influence OneFour's music?

Western Sydney, particularly the area around Mount Druitt, is described as a lower socio-economic area with a high population of migrants. It's a working-class area where many people are trying to establish a life in Australia. These conditions, along with the prevalence of violence and crime, heavily influence OneFour's music as they use their platform to tell their stories and reflect their reality.

Why do the members of OneFour relate more to the UK drill scene than the Chicago scene?

The members of OneFour relate more to the UK drill scene because of similarities in fashion, language, and the prevalence of knife crime over gun violence. They find the urgency and style of the London sound relatable and appropriate for conveying their experiences, which are more aligned with the UK's street culture than Chicago's.

What challenges do OneFour face in terms of performing and promoting their music?

OneFour faces challenges such as legal issues, with some members being in court or having run-ins with the law, which limits their ability to tour and perform. Additionally, police pressure on promoters and venues results in fewer opportunities for them to showcase their music, as authorities assume their shows will attract rowdy crowds.

How does the police presence and relationship with the community affect OneFour's music and activities?

The police presence in Western Sydney is significant and often adversarial, as depicted in OneFour's music. They mention experiences of police brutality, being targeted due to their area's reputation, and having their performances and gatherings shut down. This tense relationship influences their music and the themes they explore, such as survival, resistance, and the desire for change.

What is the significance of the '27th district' mentioned in the script?

The '27th district' refers to the first two numbers of the postcode in Mount Druitt, where OneFour is from. It signifies the area's identity and the crew's affiliation with it. The district is known for its challenges, including violence and socio-economic struggles, which are central to OneFour's music and message.

How does OneFour's music serve as a form of storytelling for their community?

OneFour's music serves as a form of storytelling by painting a vivid picture of their upbringing, experiences, and the realities they've witnessed. They use their lyrics to communicate the struggles and culture of their community, allowing listeners to understand and relate to their lives, even if they haven't personally experienced similar situations.

What is the significance of the fashion and style choices in OneFour's music videos and performances?

The fashion and style choices in OneFour's music videos and performances are significant as they reflect the group's identity and the culture of their community. They often wear tracksuits, branded shoes, and other items that are both a statement of style and a nod to the fashion trends in the drill music scene, particularly influenced by the UK.

How does OneFour view the criticism that their music might glorify violence?

OneFour acknowledges the criticism that their music might be seen as glorifying violence but argues that their lyrics are a reflection of their lived experiences rather than an incitement to violence. They believe that those who criticize their music often do not come from their community and misunderstand the purpose of their storytelling.