(Obese Records)
Interviewed on: 11/8/07
From: Adelaide, Australia
www.myspace.com/hilltophoods
1. What are your names and roles in the group?
Group-
Suffa - MC/Producer
Pressure - MC
DJ Debris - DJ/Producer
2. You've had major success in Australia, do you think there's a difference in the hip hop culture here in the US that would take to your music?
Group-
There's definitely a difference between the two cultures. Hip Hop in Australia is very young and doesn't really have a commercial aspect. Hip Hop here is probably more attuned to the four elements as well, although sadly it's gradually drifting away from them.
3. The deigns for the albums you guys put out is always awesome, who designs it?
Group-
John Engelhardt, a friend that we went to school with. He's an awesome artist, all of his works so dark, that really appeals to us.
4. You've been on a ton of festivals, is there one that sticks out the most as being just great?
Group-
We always love playing 'Splendour in the Grass'. It's a festival in Byron Bay (NSW), one of the most beautiful spots on the east coast. There's always a really good vibe there, it's intangible, it's just a great feeling.
5. You guys toured the UK with a string quartet, how did that go?
Group-
Really well, there's a lot of ex-pats in London so we always get a really good turn out over there. There was a lot more local crew this time though, which was good to see.
6. On the end of "Hard Road Restrung" is the song "Roll On Up", can we expect anymore new material soon?
Group-
We're working on a new album at the moment. it should be out late 2008.
7. What's your favorite song to play live and why?
Group-
Probably 'The Hard Road'. just cos the crowd usually familiar with it and get into it the most. Apart from that I really like playing new material and seeing the reaction.
8. I saw you are hooked up with Obese Records, how did that come about?
Group-
It's basically a friendship that turned into a business relationship, Pegz is one of our mates.
9. You guys formed the Hilltop Hoods Initiative, how did that come about?
Group-
About 8 years ago we were given a grant by our state government to market and distribute our first LP. About three years ago we were reflecting on how much that helped us. From there we started to think how we could help young upcoming artists in the same way so we decided to set up the grant. It's been running for three years now, it's been really positive.
10. What are you currently listening to?
Group-
Hell Razah
11. What's next for Hilltop Hoods?
Group-
We've got a DVD coming out in December, a remix shoe coming out with DC in February and a new album dropping late next year. On top of all that we're doing the Summer festival circuit here so we're going to be crazy busy.
12. Any shoutouts?
Group-
Shoutouts to the Funkoars, Flak and Vents!
