While Australia’s hip-hop scene is growing and diversifying at an unprecedented rate, it can still feel like some avenues are limited for emerging artists.

That’s something that Jamel Saliadarre knows all too well, as a solo emcee and a member of South-West Sydney rap collective Freesouls. Now, he’s taken it upon himself to create a new event that unites fresh talents from all ends of the hip-hop spectrum, and that’s where FOUNDRY616 comes into play this Thursday.

The Ultimo venue will be hosting live sets from bubbling Sydney talents like Elijah Yo, RBT Records, Jessica Jade, Cult Shotta & Freesouls, as well as DJs, live art and giveaways. Whether you like your tunes down-tempo or adrenaline-fuelled, the refreshingly mixed bill that offers a little something for everybody, and a chance for artists to perform their work in front of new and diverse audiences.

Ahead of the gig, we caught up with Jamel to talk about his motivations behind the event, the Sydney scene, and the hustle of being an independent hip-hop artist in Australia:

Tell us about the lineup you guys have curated for the party?

The artists I’ve chosen to perform at FOUNDRY616 this Thursday are artists who I believe are making some of the best music/art in Australia, period. We have Jessica Jade, Elijah Yo, RBT Records, Cult Shotta Freesouls, Jacky Bui, Astro, Mo Aung, XNYWOLF & Nazza from the ‘With Naz’ show. These artists have pushed the boundaries and have created their own lanes when it comes to music and design in this country, so I had no choice but to bring them all together for one big event!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuqWLHE5zag

The artists on the lineup come from very different ends of the hip-hop spectrum. What do you think has brought all of you guys together, despite having such different sounds?

A passion to create, and the constant battle and struggle of re-designing and changing society for the better. Those two things definitely. I feel that this should be any artist’s ambition/goal when it comes to creating, because it is our jobs to challenge and question the world we live in today through our expression. So naturally, when I came across these artists and was met with that exact outlook on life, I knew it was only a matter of time before we all collaborated to make something special happen, no matter how different our sounds may be.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mc_kiJSMfHo

Can you name your three favourite tracks that are gonna pop off live Thursday night?

Damn, I’d have to say I’m keen to hear Jessica Jade’s debut single ‘I’m Good’ for sure. Elijah Yo’s ‘Who Wanna Ride’ off his latest mixtape, and RBT’s ‘Where Does It Lead?’ Very keen to hear these songs live!

What do you think of the Sydney hip-hop scene at the moment, and where would you like to see it in the future?

It’s getting there, slowly. I think there’s a few artists who are definitely making waves and pushing the culture, no doubt, but when it comes to festivals/events/gigs/radio shows & online shows there’s not much of an option for us at all. Even DJs don’t have the same platform they once had, so getting your music played at a club these days is rare.

For that exact reason, I believe FOUNDRY616 is a great start and push in the right direction when it comes to live music and creative collaboration, because it’s putting different artists in front of different crowds, allowing them to connect and showcase their talents, and hopefully through that gain more supporters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQZ7YNKBXps

In regards to the future, all we can hope for is the Creative Arts Department of Australia be taken more seriously than it currently is. Not enough energy or money is getting put into it, causing the general public to shrug it off as if it’s a hobby or past time. We idolise Americans so much, but hate to see another Australian come up… it’s tall poppy syndrome and unfortunately it won’t change until we make the change. So honestly, we’re just going to have to wait and see.

The future is in the hands of the young entrepreneurs of today, and depending on how they play their cards, it’s going to determine how the future unfolds for sure. I can say this and that, but once the government and the people realise how talented the youth of this country are, I’d hope to see Australian artists be taken more seriously and be given more opportunity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpyJyl6YQUs

Where do you hope to take the Foundry616 event in the future?

This event was made because of the love I have for music, simple. As long as there are people out there that love music as much as I do in this world, then this event definitely has potential to continue. And continue it will, so Fingers crossed. So come down this Thursday and help us make history.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z65nvn4pmwo

Head left image by Ryan Sagote