Words by Christopher Kevin Au
A few months ago, Savour The Rations and their mates put over 2000 people through the doors of The Wall, the mid-week party injecting some much-needed life into Kings Cross.
It marked the biggest night in The Wall’s recent history, and had people marvelling at the hype built by the Western Sydney rap crew, especially seeing as this was on a Wednesday. Didn’t these people have work the next day? Probably, but they just didn’t care – this was sweaty, unadulterated hype and we loved every second of it.
Now, Savour The Rations are back. They’re taking over The Wall and moving it from World Bar to Oxford Art Factory for a special weekend edition, where punters won’t have the burden of adult life to worry about the next morning. Savour The Rations will be performing with their emcee Kwame on additional headline duties, while Gradz, Korky Buchek and BBG have also been rostered on.
Ahead of the shenanigans, we talked to the crew about their relationship with The Wall and their all-encompassing approach to creativity. Read our interview with Savour The Rations below and grab your tickets to The Wall Weekender right here:
Who is Savour The Rations and what is your mission on Earth?
Savour The Rations is a creative collective based in Western Sydney that is comprised of artists, videographers/ photographers and designers that aim to enhance the experience of creative content.
You guys seem to have all the aural and visual aspects covered with producers, rappers, beatmakers and so forth. How do you guys come together and present a cohesive vision for your content?
We frequently meet up every week to bounce ideas and concepts reflecting a mutual vibe based on our goal and because everything is in house we can get ideas out instantly.
You guys shut down The Wall last time you took over World Bar. Take us through what happened that night for those who weren’t there?
That night the wall hit the highest capacity in 6 years (2,100+) on a Wednesday night. We were ecstatic at the fact that that number of people came and we just wanted to give the people something to look forward to at our future shows.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akB8mcIuqTo
Even though you guys have a rap focus, you have also found huge crossover into electronic events like The Wall. Why do you think this is?
We’re really tight with The wall DJs and we never try to limit our creative output.
How did you guys link up with Raj Mahal? What does it mean having him here all the way from the United States for The Wall Weekender?
Domba had a mutual friend with him from school whom he had showed his beats to back in 2013, which saw them first collaborating. It was only right that we flew him to Sydney as the connection grew stronger and stronger. Him being here adds to the collective with the mix of diversity and brings dynamics and energy we haven’t experienced before.
The Wall Weekender is probably the biggest event you guys have put on so far. What are your thoughts and feelings heading into it?
We’re really excited for The Wall Weekender. This is another milestone that has been achieved for us, it’s with the family as well. We’re just thankful for the opportunity to grow as a collective and give back to the community.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC94vVjPPBs
Kwame has just released an EP in ‘Lesson Learned’ – what can we expect from his headline set?
Kwame just released one of the most diverse debut EP’s in Australia. He brings nothing but hype, intensity, experience and a sense of connection through the way he delivers his lyrics through performance engaging with the crowd, he’s one act you can’t miss.
Crews like yourselves, St O’Donnell and Strxnger have really acquired a cult audience with your music and events. How important do you think collaborating and supporting these guys has been to your combined successes?
We find it extremely important as it supports the movement and coincides with our vision. Through these other collectives it inspires us to push ourselves much more. Shoutout to Main St, St O’Donnell & Strxnger.
You guys are playing an important role in post-lockout Sydney with your events and parties. How do you think Sydney’s club and music scenes will keep thriving?
We feel there’s a demand in for local talent, that will only continue to grow if these restrictions apply. With the Oxford Art show, they’ve just extended their lockout hours allowing everyone to stay out and really experience the moment through the music.
What’s on the cards for Savour The Rations in 2017?
Takeover.
