An exciting fixture of Australia’s bubbling Hip-Hop scene, Melbourne’s own Eleji fka ARKS MC, has been putting in work more than most names in the country, clocking up hundreds of live shows and releasing close to a dozen projects over the last ten years.

Most recently putting together the cult-hit ‘The Alex Danger Tapes’ EP (2018) featuring Talakai, Dexter Seamus + more. However, after more-than cementing his name within Australia’s ever-evolving music scene, Eleji, now 24 years old, is gearing up to release his debut LP, ‘Pray Tomorrow Never Comes’ - a creative, open and honest full-length masterpiece that has been in the works for four years.
 
Having without a doubt paid his dues, supporting a plethora of live acts across the country including Bliss N Eso, Horrorshow, Illy, Thundamentals, Drapht, The Funkoars, Allday, Ivan Ooze and Dirty Dike (UK), Locksmith (US), and more. Eleji has spent the last 10 years preparing for what’s next, and with his debut album on the horizon, expect Eleji to become a legitimate headline act himself off the back of his magnetic charisma, energetic flows and honest lyricism.
 
‘Pray Tomorrow Never Comes’ began back in 2015 as a 21-year-old, after the St Kilda born emcee came off his national tour with legendary group Funkoars. Since then, Eleji has put every aspect of his career and life into crafting a conceptual, tell-all album that follows his life and mental development from ages 2-21.
 
If you thought a debut album was all that was in the pipeline for one of the hardest working creatives in the country, then you’re sorely mistaken. In 2018, Eleji launched his movement, label and DIY service: ‘HIEN MYTEE’, signing a collection of eclectic Australian and New-Zealand artists and curating every element of their release from the label’s headquarters. 
 
Despite having toured the country, selling out EP launches and supporting the biggest of Hip-Hop acts Australia has to offer, there is no doubt that 2019 and ‘Pray Tomorrow Never Comes’; stands as Eleji’s magnum opus.

https://www.facebook.com/chevylevettmusic

"A young MC with a vision, a passion, and a talent underpinned by dark yet uplifting storytelling. 

Unafraid to take on real issues with stark honesty and maturity, at just eighteen this Melbourne teenager delivers hip hop that is personal, emotionally charged, and compelling."


Joe Bagale manifests a lesson in versatility and growing perspective. A polished multi-instrumentalist bridging multiple styles and sentiments, his sound is fresh but tangibly rooted in nostalgia. His contribution to Pop music hinges on his remarkable accessibility, and is a key component in his long term success as a teacher. Not only a master of his tools, Bagale also delivers an undeniable dose of genuine soul. It’s in this delicate, critical balance of proportions that Joe renders his music memorable.
As a product of the early eighties, his earliest recollections include singing into broomsticks to Toto and Michael Jackson, but perhaps his most influential experiences stem from countless viewings of the Beatles Anthology videos during adolescence. Born into a family of talented musicians and teachers in Rochester, NY his path was clear from the beginning. Bagale formed his first band and began performing immediately at 12 years old. After his first gig, he knew he was all in and has focused on nothing but growing as a professional musician ever since. An immense ambition to mark the world in the likes of Paul McCartney and Prince, is cradled in quiet humility; another unique balance of qualities that propel Bagale both socially and professionally.
His rich education includes studying under jazz greats such as Steve Gadd, Jack DeJohnette, Ron Carter, Rich Thompson, Clay Jenkins, and his own father, John Bagale. At 17, Joe was awarded the honor of “Outstanding Rhythm Section” in the “Essentially Ellington Competition” presented by Wynton Marsalis and went on to hone his skills in not only drum set, but also guitar, bass, and keys at Eastman School of Music within the University of Rochester. Bagale is also accomplished in vocal and compositional ability, and production technique.
Joe Bagale’s tenure on the west coast in San Francisco has thus far produced two albums; a self-titled release in 2008, and the fresh release of Yesterday Once Again. Both albums are supported by hundreds well-attended performances, teeming with enthusiasm and audience participation. He’s shared the stage with the many eclectic projects of San Francisco collective, Jazz Mafia in addition to his solo work, and now also fronts the Mickey Hart Band (of Grateful Dead fame). Joe has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, Lyrics Born, and was a cornerstone of the composition and performance of Brass, Bows, & Beats, a critically acclaimed hip hop symphony. BBB was invited to be performed in major jazz festivals around the world including Montreal, Monterey, San Francisco, and the Playboy Jazz Festival in Los Angeles.
Bagale’s teaching resume is equally as momentous, beginning at age 18 at a music store in Rochester, Music Lovers. He has taught privately and in class settings with the Jazz School Institute in Berkeley for the last 7 years, all ages. At the Jazz School he teaches drum set and recording technology, and has also toured first grade classrooms all around the Bay area teaching basic rhythm concepts. His private students travel as far as from Santa Rosa up to three times a week for his coveted lessons.
Joe Bagale is currently vigorously promoting Yesterday Once Again, and shows no signs of slowing down. Count on Joe to continue to touch ladies’ hearts and fellas’ minds and working up sweats in general. He is beating an indelible mark into Pop music at this very moment.
​-Katie Jackson of tunemusing.tumbler.com

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