MEDIA RELEASE

Hip-Hop 101: A Class Act

Released 29 September 2004

Information and Cultural Exchange
PO Box 4033 Parramatta NSW 2124 Australia
T: +61(2) 9897 5744 / F: +61(2) 9897 5766

Young people wanting to make it in the music industry will have an opportunity to develop their skills through a unique program being offered by Granville Tafe and Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE). The introductory course, called ‘Hip Hop 101’, targets unemployed 15-22 year-old and runs from 18 October until 17 November 2004 at ICE’s Granville-based SWITCH centre.

Participants will learn to write lyrics, produce music on computer and record their vocals at SWITCH Multimedia and Digital Arts Access Centre. The courses will run from 10am to 3pm, Mondays and Wednesdays over a 5-week period, and at the end of the course participants will receive a Certificate of Attainment and will have completed their own compilation CD. “We are hoping this program will provide a taste of being a music artist,” said Course Coordinator and hip-hop artist MC Trey.

“When I was starting out as a hip-hop artist, there weren’t any programs or tutors to assist me, it’s great that there are programs like these to help new artists,” said Trey who is also one of Australia’s highest profile hip hop artists. Trey will bring on board a range of high profile artists and international music artists, including hip-hop rappers, producers and DJs such as MayaJupiter and DJ Nick Toth. “Because these performers currently work within the Australian music industry they will be able to share current and relevant knowledge and experience with the participants,” said Trey.

“ICE is extremely excited by this pilot program. This is the first time we have developed a hip hop music outreach program with Tafe so it is a first for both us and for Tafe. We are hoping the program will be the first of many,” said ICE Director Lena Nahlous.

To be eligible to participate, you must live in Western Sydney and attend a two hour information session on Monday 6 October at Information and Cultural Exchange, AMWU Building, Ground Floor, Cnr of Good Street and Parramatta Road.

To find out more about the program contact Fadia at ICE on 02 9897 5744 or email switch@ice.org.au.

Switch is a partnership between ICE and Parramatta City Council and received core funding from the NSW Government Ministry for the Arts.