24 May 2024 – Harvey Road Tavern, Gladstone – words and pictures by Brad Fry
The Harvey Road Tavern in Gladstone was the place to be Friday night as Australian rapper ChillinIt took the stage. Prior to the show “The Tav” had sold close to 700 tickets (the number they were capping it at) which meant the room was going to be absolutely packed. Known for his rapid-fire flow and authentic storytelling, ChillinIt did not disappoint, showcasing why he is one of the most exciting talents in the Australian hip-hop scene. On support duties for the show were Lonez and Talakai who are both formidable rappers and performers. I was lucky enough to be there for The Live Wire Music Media and here’s how it all went down!
As the doors opened and the room filled up, you could tell that the crowd were hyped for a great night out. Drinks flowed with laughter and yelling coming from all directions as people staked out their spot around the stage. ChillinIt chants started very early in the night and were resurrected every 20 minutes or so from the excited 420 family. I was allowed to shoot the whole show (and not just the first three songs as is standard at most shows) which relaxed me due to there being no photo pit and the tightly packed stage surrounds.
First up for the night was Lonez with backing on the decks (and mic) by Mirror Twinz. Lonez hit the stage and immediately had the crowd moving. He was high-fiving the crowd as he paced the stage from left to right. Encouraging all in attendance to light up the room with their phone torch, he was suddenly swimming in a sea of illuminated warmth. Numerous times, during his set, Lonez praised the Gladstone crowd for their enthusiasm, and they returned the praise in kind.
A highlight of the set was when he was joined on the mic by Mirror Twinz for ‘Still Breathing’. Both performers effortlessly spat the hard-hitting lyrics at the appreciative locals who couldn’t get enough of the song! I had been at the side of the stage when Lonez arrived and he seemed quiet and reserved. Once taking the stage he transformed into an MC’s MC! Top shelf lyricism combined with well-honed stage craft and a genuine appreciation for the crowd made for an amazing set!
Talakai was up next and was met with adulation from the crowded room. He kicked off his set with ‘Young Jesus’ from his 2017 album ‘Fire is Free’ followed up by ‘Lottery’ and ‘Look at Me’. His rapping was powerful and engaging as he delivered his lyrics with passion and honesty. ‘Born Sinner’ made way to ‘Margarita’ and upon the conclusion of his ode to the classic cocktail, he downed one on stage to cheers from the vocal fans that had been singing along with him. Running his own decks, Talakai didn’t miss beat as he moved from the back of the stage to the front performing both DJ and MC duties. ‘Don’t Get Comfortable’ was followed by the honest and reflective ‘Still’, as heads bobbed, hands waved, and the horde moved as one. Talakai’s last two songs were ‘Me You Them Us’ and (fittingly) ‘Shut It Down’. He was met with applause from the crowd as he wrapped up his set and encouraged all those there to get ready for ChillinIt. Honest lyrics, exceptional flow and dynamic stage craft made Talakai’s set a joy to watch and to be in the presence off.
From the moment ChillinIt arrived beside the stage, the excitement in the room was palpable. The crowd erupted as he ran up the stairs and greeted his adoring fans. The energy in the room was only matched by ChillinIt’s own… he was everywhere! Fist bumps, high-fives, selfies (and videos) on punters phones were a constant occurrence throughout the night to the delight of the fans. ChillinIt’s rapport with the crowd was on show all night. Between songs, he shared stories and jokes, giving a glimpse into the man behind the music. His down-to-earth nature and genuine appreciation for his fans were more than evident. Several shoey’s were done (three) and I can safely say that I have never seen so many shoes being waved at a performer under The Tav’s roof ever! Some overzealous fans got into a scuffle at one stage and ChillinIt stopped the music and had them removed from the show. As they were being walked out by security, he led the crowd in a rendition of Steam’s ‘Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye’ (you know the song… na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, goodbye).
The setlist for the night consisted of nothing but bangers. The sets high-octane beats and ChillinIt’s intricate lyricism drew everyone in. It was a well-curated mix of hits from his extensive library which highlighted his versatility, moving effortlessly between introspective verses and hard-hitting choruses. The live renditions brought a rawness that isn’t always captured in studio recordings, showcasing his ability to connect with the audience on a deeper level. As the epic show drew to a close, ChillinIt was joined onstage by Talakai, Lonez and Mirror Twinz to perform his ‘Wish You Well’. The crowd’s reaction was euphoric and as the song played all onstage emptied copious bottles of water over the crowd.
ChillinIt’s performance at the Harvey Road Tavern was a masterclass in live hip-hop. His lyrical prowess and engaging stage presence created an electric atmosphere and, inturn, an unforgettable night. For all in attendance, it was clear that ChillinIt is not just a rapper but a true performer, capable of captivating an audience from the first beat to the last. If you get the chance to see him live, do not miss it.
With practitioners such as ChillinIt, Lonez, Talakai and Mirror Twinz Australian hip-hop is in safe hands and the future looks bright! Tell em!
