Premiere: Listen to Queen, an empowering anthem from Perth hip hop's first lady, Hyclass

Susan Tuialii, under her stage name Hyclass has been a stalwart of the Perth hip hop community for a few years now, but 2018 finds her hitting some rare form with some festival appearances alongside some big shows supporting the likes of JessB, Horrorshow and Spit Syndicate. And now, heading into the back half of the year she's ramping it up again with a huge new single in Queen, a track that sets out to empower young women from all backgrounds with messages of perserverance and the power of togetherness.

The single also comes with a feel-good video clip directed by Cortext AKA Lahai Collective, which you can check out below along with a short Q&A to get to know her a little better. She's launching the single with a couple of special shows, the first is this Friday at a special secret show and live recording, and if you BUY A TICKET you'll get automatic free entry into the follow-up show at Mojos on Saturday 8 September.

Tell us about yourself?

I'm a hip hop Artist of Polynesian and Maori heritage, born and raised in Mt Roskill, Auckland NZ until I was 10 years old but have lived most of my teenage and adult years here in Perth, WA. I'm a proud Belmont girl! I love music, family and friends and for the last 10 months I've been a full time musician.

What kinda tunes we talkin’?

I'm an Emcee so, I do the raps over anything I connect with on a soulful level. Not one to really care much for labels, it's just gotta be a vibe. I'm fluid, traditional and fresh all at the same time, so whatever moves me and feels genuine thats the kinda tunes I wanna be making.

Production/writing process:

I always need beats to kick things off because I usually come up with the melody first and then the rhymes/lyrics come later. But sound is a big part of the landscape and it does get hard to navigate so I usually bring my cousin Ray in to help with the producer role because I trust his opinions and ideas. I am however working on having a more disciplined process when it comes to writing but it's just random and freestyled, I hate to force anything.

Can you tell us about your new single and video clip, Queen?

It's a special song, because it really sums up where I'm at, my growth as a person and the things that really matter to me... Self-empowerment, uplifting others, family and Perseverance. And I've put that all together with simple but sincere lyricism and I'm really proud of it. I'm also proud to be representing that through visuals of my family and friends... Showcasing the beauty of my people from the diversity to the inclusiveness and letting our natural energies display the authenticity of who we are.

Any shows coming up?

Yes! I'm always performing but I'm headlining my own shows to celebrate the release of the single Queen. Starting off on the 31st of August I have my first Launch Party at a secret location with live filming and recording and I will be backed by 8-Piece jazz band Premiss with special guests joining me throughout the night.

And then on the 8th of September I have my second Launch Party at Mojos Bar, Fremantle with support from DJs Aslan, Stylz Ali and Rok Riley, along with live performances from Natalie Mae, Young Jaycee and once again I'll be backed by Premiss band. It's gonna be a lit week! So hope to see you all there. For tickets you can click on this LINK.

What’s the rest of the year have in store?

I've had such a blessed year thus far with all the gigs and opportunitues I've had come my way so I just want to keep the good times rolling. More gigs, more music and more adventures - I'm ready for anything, lets go!

Where can we hear more of your music?

I've finally put my music on most online streaming services like Spotify, Google Play, itunes etc. But you can still find my music on Soundcloud and Bandcamp too. Follow my Facebook and Instagram for regular updates on shows and what I'm working on.

LAUNCH SHOWS:

Follow Hyclass: FACEBOOK