Meet rising Brisbane rapper Day1, and his fierce new single Riding

We've spoken about the plethora of fresh-faced names to Australian hip-hop quite a bit over the last year, particularly as a rising next generation makes themselves known at a near-weekly rate. It's clear that there's something remarkably special in the waters at the moment, as newcoming rappers build themselves names with high-tier sounds amongst the world's best; UK-inspired grime, localised drill right, commercial-esque trap-rap and R&B-intertwined genre-fusions all among them.

Day1 is someone amongst this bracket of up-and-coming stars; the Brisbane-based rapper building himself a rising profile over the last twelve months that doesn't seem to be slowing down. Initially, it came through his 2019-released break-out single BOSS - a commanding affair that placed Day1 in a spotlight he hasn't left since - while everything he's done since has seen him level up and move forwards, whether that be One Time - his second single - earlier this year, a feature on A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie's all-Australian Mood Swings remix, or his work on the live stage too.

His latest single, Riding, comes with the largest assurance of his place in hip-hop's future yet. Released at the tail-end of last month, Riding is a single that encapsulates Day1's bouncy and fun sound better than anything else he's done thus far, capturing the playfulness of the rapper and the fierce, yet not-too-serious sound that he's using to build a profile and blossom into the next big thing. It's refreshing, too - as the world battles its battles, its nice to have a fun, easy-going melodic rap tune to take your mind off things, and Day1's new one is amongst the best there is to do that.

"Riding is choosing the priority between your girl and your mates. Although your priority may be one way, your preference may be another," he says on the track, which also arrives alongside an official video clip by the Jaen Collective. It's a clip that really bolsters the light playfulness of the track and its core lyrical themes, all filmed prior to isolation earlier this year.

Day1 is well and truly a name that could be slotted amongst the future of Australian hip-hop, so before he gets there, jump on early and dive into Riding below as you introduce yourself to the rising force:

Tell us about yourself?

My name is DAY1. I am an upcoming Maori / Australian artist from South Brisbane, trying to do the most for my city. I am currently 19 years of age and have been doing music since I was 9.

What’s the ‘vibe’ music-wise?

My sound would be more of an Aussie melodic sound (Melodic Rap), Unique in a way in the Australian scene. My vibe is generally street / love.

What are your production and writing processes usually like?

Before I start the recording and writing process I would usually come up with the topic / title of the song first.  I then freestyle record the melodies about 10 times; then write accordingly.

Can you tell us about your new single, Riding?

Riding is choosing the priority between your girl and your mates. Although your priority may be one way, your preference may be another.

What does 2020 have in store for you?

Too much, I don’t think anyone is ready for what our teams about to do.

What do you want people to take away from the project?

From Riding, I just want people to vibe to it. For a upcoming project, I guess just [want to] tell my story, but that will be when the time is right

Where can we find more of your music?

I have a few old songs on my Souncloud page but most of my other music would be on all platforms (Spotify, Youtube, Apple, etc.)

Follow Day1: FACEBOOK