Illy - Swear Jar

1.   Who is he?

Illy is Australian rapper Alasdair Murray, who tells shit how it is from the mean streets of Melbourne since 2008. He has four long players in the vault and Swear Jar (Nov’15) is a stand alone single from an, as yet unannounced, fifth album. 

2. What kind of tune is Swear Jar?

A banger with a killer chorus, a big beat and smooth production that knows where the kitchen sink is. Lyrics you can hear and laugh to but with a serious message about idiots talking large online.

3. Who does Illy sound like?

Swear Jar reminds of the humour of Butterfingers' songs like Yo Mama or FIGJAM (Fuck I'm Good Just Ask Me). Swear Jar also has the same brand of honesty you find in Allday songs and the production quality of Hilltop Hoods tunes.

Artists Illy is generally similar to include Bliss N Eso, Thundamentals, 360, Pez and Seth Sentry.

4. What's the good word from the press?

Project U thought it is Illy's best song ever and has “a massive chorus and production from a pretty incredible source.” Triple J called Swear Jar a “filthy mouthed banger” and Rip It Up said, “It's a playfully pointed polemic.” There is mention elsewhere of “laid back soul grooves” and “gospel tones” while Speaker TV felt “his social commentary is on point.”

5.   Who are Illy's influences?

Illy’s influences in his young days were American gangster rap like Biggie, NAS and 2 Pac. Recently he has been listening to Kendrick Lamar and Hermitude. The man has some love for Aussie hip hop too, like Hilltop Hoods and Drapht.

6.   Why should I listen to Swear Jar?

The simple joy of telling someone "Fuck you" captured in a song that has a beat that bounces like a kid on a pogo stick and has a chorus as contagious as herpes. It's pretty funny while making a serious point about online abuse too. Some people just need called out.

7. What other good tunes does Illy have?

Tightrope is the next best, one of those tunes where they get a lass with a knock out voice to do the choruses. Where You Been is bombastic and features Pez while It Can Wait has able assistance from Owl Eyes and she is easy on the eye no mistake.

8. Anything else I should know?

Definitely. Swear Jar was produced by Rahki who produced Kendrick Lamar's knockout tune i.

Illy’s new album is being produced, in the main, by M-Phazes who has won a Grammy for his work with Eminem and put the hard yards in for Bliss N Eso, Kimbra and Eskimo Joe.

Illy has a law degree and speaks 3 second languages.

Illy is a man with a good heart, supporting charities against bullying, depression and suicide.

“All due respect here there's no respect due
So fuck you, fuck you man”

The double dip is courtesy of New Zealand’s greatest rock genius, the short lived rock wonder Darcy Clay. He recorded all the instruments himself on a four track in his bedroom and Jesus I Was Evil propelled him to instant fame including a support slot for Blur. Just months later he killed himself. Darcy was something special. Gone but never forgotten.

" I used to do things and I'd say things and Jesus I was evil,

Fake things and break things and Jesus I was evil, 
I never shook babies, I never beat no ladies"