Frankston-born hip hop artist Illy, AKA Alasdair Murray, became the latest victim of the celebrity death hoax when news of his demise was spread across the internet earlier this month. Not only is Illy alive, he is thriving, and is continuing his latest tour, happier and healthier than ever.
“We’re about two-thirds of the way through the Two Degrees tour now, so it’s all good,” he says. “It’s been unreal. We played everywhere in WA and Queensland, and we did a couple of Victorian shows which were awesome – I love playing to the home crowd.”
No matter where he goes, the platinum-selling songwriter plays to sold-out venues, but that doesn’t mean he’s willing to sell out his fans, and he’s mindful of keeping ticket prices affordable. “I never want to price-gouge or take advantage of the people who support me. I don’t think that will ever change,” Illy says. “That’s as important to me now as it’s ever been.”
Despite his achievements, Illy remains humble and understands that the music business can be fickle. “I’d always planned to do a big regional tour, but without the success of Two Degrees this tour would not have been possible.”
Illy picked up his second APRA Music Award earlier this year for his single Papercuts, but that doesn’t mean he’s happy to just coast along. “It’s been a really crazy year and the shows have been amazing. Although I’ve had a little time to enjoy myself, I’ve always got one eye on what’s coming next.”
He’s always on the lookout for fresh talent to join his record label ONETWO, and his tour support acts, Citizen Kay and Kuren, are Aussie hip hop’s next big things. “Beyond just being supports on the tour, they’re also on my label. I think they’re excellent young rappers and I’m fortunate enough that I get to tour a lot, and to be able to help out the young dudes that I see a lot of potential in. Having them on the tour and at ONETWO is a really cool thing for me, and I hope they feel the same way.”
Despite maintaining a vigorous tour schedule, Illy says it’s inspired him to work harder. “I’ve been writing a lot,” he says. “I’ve got a handful of pretty good demos – they need a little bit of work but there are definitely some ideas in there. I’ll keep working away on it, although it’s hard to do it on tour, but I always get stuff done, so it’s OK.”
Having worked with some of the best in the business – including Hilltop Hoods, Owl Eyes, Anne-Marie, Drapht, Rudimental, and Ahren Stringer – Illy has become known for his masterful collaborations, but for now he’s holding his cards close to his chest. “It’s probably too early to say, but I’m really excited about what I’ve got so far,” he says. “The collaborative side of it normally comes a little later on in the piece, because I write everything before I hit other people up to be involved.”
Whether he’s front of stage or behind the scenes, Illy knows it pays to surround himself with talented people, and his band is no exception. “The two dudes I share the stage with are my drummer Ben Ellingworth, who has been with me going on four years now, and my DJ, a guy called Patty Boomba,” he says. “He’s new this year – the first shows we did together were for the Canadian tour in February and March, and it’s been a steep learning curve.
“Anyone that we bring in has to work to get to the level quickly enough, but Patty’s done a great job and I feel as good about the live show as I ever have.”
Before the Two Degrees tour officially wraps up at the end of November, Illy will headline the Saturday night of A Weekend in the Gardens. “It’s going to be awesome. I don’t often play festivals in Melbourne, so every time an opportunity to play one comes up I’m all about it,” he says. “I’ve been friends with Thundamentals and Spit Syndicate for years and years – we’re all long-term friends. It will be a great night as well. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
