- Words Notion Staff
- Featured image photography Jordan Munns
As 1300 inch ever closer towards global domination, here they address their musical firsts, from Gorillaz iPod sessions to starstruck moments with Injury Reserve.
Korean-Australian rap crew 1300 are breathing their bilingual fire into the UK’s creative scene, unapologetically expressing their emotions over a multitude of genres. Their new track, ‘Lalaland’, leans on the harder elements of their sonic spectrum, as they mumble verses over abrasive 808s.
Making waves with a slew of underground rap hits, 1300 have since gained a global presence thanks to their boundary-pushing ethos. Pricking up the ears of Genesis Owusu, PNAU and Confidence Man, whom they supported on tour, the collective met in Sydney and haven’t looked back since.
‘Lalaland’ comes alongside a Blair Witch-inspired music video. The five-piece rap frantically to the fisheye camera lens, which exposes a naturally sinister edge to the song. Acidic melodies, dubstep basslines and frantic brakes combine in fine fashion across the track, as each member brings their unique energy to the beat, riding it with ease and creating a riot-worthy vibe.
As 1300 get ever closer towards global domination, here, the five-piece address their musical firsts, from Gorillaz iPod sessions to starstruck moments with Injury Reserve.
First song you ever made?
The first song we made together was called ‘Ampersand’ or ‘&’. They will probably never be released but they’re actually pretty good.
First time you fell in love with music?
Nerdie: It’s too early to remember, but there are many memories I have of dancing to Daft Punk in my room, watching rage music videos late into the night, and downloading Gorillaz songs to my iPod.
First CD or record you owned?
Nerdie: Glosoli – Sigur RosGoyo: 6th Album – Dynamic DuoDali: “오” 정.반.합. – TVXQRako: 24:26 – Beenzino
First time you realized you wanted to be an artist?
I don’t think we ever decided to be artists, it just happened for all of us naturally. Mostly from being inspired by artists we looked up to as kids.
First gig you went to?
Nerdie: Nas Illmatic tour, Sydney 2015Rako: Gallant 2017 SydneyGoyo: Lee Moon Sae ConcertPokari: KAYTRANADA @chinese laundry, 2013
Photography by Raghav Rampal & Elijah Flores
First time you faced an obstacle in your career?
COVID-19 struck at an inconvenient time and halted our plans for a while, it was difficult to get the ship back up and running but we’re on track now I think.
First instrument you owned?
Rako: A Young Chang piano that my mother bought me to musically educate me in the womb.
First time you felt like giving up?
Never. We’re commited to eachother and making it work.
First time you felt starstruck?
Nerdie: Meeting Injury Reserve and Dakes da Killa in a greenroom at Dark Mofo. I’ve met more famous people but this had me fucked up. Cakes is a legend to me.