“It’s really unbelievable how much is starting to happen for us,” enthuses one half of the duo, Thomas. “I won’t lie, I think it’s happening very quickly to us, especially because we’ve watched so many up-and-coming people really work very hard to get into the business and do the same thing as us, but not really succeed. So we feel very blessed. I think what’s distinguished us, though, is the instant growth of our popularity because of the trend we were setting. It’s the jerk movement. When you come up with a particular kind of dance, no matter what the song is behind it, it’s always going to guarantee that track is going to be even more successful. So we developed a brand new dance and a style and we made a whole movement happen. Our core fan-base is what made us blow up so much, the people dressing like us and doing the jerk dance – it’s been like an army!”
As the first single from their debut album Skinny Jeanz And A Mic, You’re A Jerk not only caught the attention of music fans on a global scale, but also managed to reach the ears of one renowned and internationally-respected DJ and producer, Diplo. As Thomas warns, the Boyz’ upcoming second album is undoubtedly going to be even bigger than their first – if that’s even possible. “For sure, I think so!” laughs Thomas. “Because we’re going to have more time to work on the second album [Too Cool To Care]. We just wrapped it up about a week ago, and we’ve got people like Charlie Wilson and I think a lot of our fans are going to be surprised. There is even a rock track! It makes all the difference when you’ve got more time to concentrate on a record. With Skinny Jeans And A Mic, I produced most of that album myself! I just taught myself everything through the internet. I watched people online and I learned for myself how to make beats and I just basically copied what I saw.”
The key is to completely focus on your dreams and the game, according to Thomas, who also claims that the ultimate vision for the duo would include one day collaborating with Kanye West. If the pair’s skyrocketing popularity is anything to go by, chances are it’s probably not too much of a pipedream for New Boyz. “This is just the beginning for us,” claims Thomas. “I know that a lot’s happened already and very fast, but we’ve got way more planned for the future and we’re way more hungrier than we’ve ever been. My ultimate vision for us would be for people to appreciate our music and to respect and appreciate us as artists. That’s all we’re trying to really go for. I also would love to make a collaboration with Kanye West happen! That’s a dream, yeah! I just love his creative style. He loves to push the boundaries and he doesn’t just go for the typical rap that everyone else does. He likes to switch it up and anybody who knows us, knows that I’m all about doing things differently!”
Always one that’s up for trying new things, Thomas claims that recently he and Benjamin have also caught the acting bug after shooting the new film We The Party alongside Snoop Dogg and Y.G. With a new album about to drop and a new movie to hit cinemas around the world, Thomas certainly isn’t joking when he claims this is going to be the biggest year for the duo so far. “The movie is called We The Party and we shot it with Snoop Dogg,” explains Thomas. “It’s basically about teenage life and the crazy parties and dealing with that kind of thing. There really isn’t too much of the film with us not in it – we’re sprinkled throughout the whole thing! I love making music but I would definitely be interested in doing more movies. My focus is always on bettering myself as an artist, though, but if a movie comes along in the meantime, then I’m definitely going to say yes, as long as I’m always having fun doing it. My philosophy is like, whatever is meant to happen will happen, and what’s not supposed to be, won’t happen. The most important thing for us it to just keep going and try to stay relevant as long as possible, which can be one of the hardest things to do in music. I mean, we are young, but we do know that.”
New Boyz [US] play Supafest with Snoop Dogg [US], Nelly [US], Taio Cruz [US] and more on Sunday April 17
at the Melbourne Showgrounds.
