Last month, when Adelaide rapper Holas May dropped his new single Back With You, we were immediately drawn into his unique hip-hop sounds. The artist crafts rap tunes that are unlike anything else making the rounds.
So we caught up with the man himself to chat about the new single, keeping things original, and the budding South Australian hip-hop scene.
Fresh off the release of his incredible new single Back With You, we caught up with Adelaide hip-hop artist Holas May to chat the South Australian music scene and the importance of originality.
HAPPY: Hey man, how’s it going? What have you been up to lately?
HOLAS: Hey Mate! I’m doing well thanks. Currently working, just hustling enough to fund my musical dreams and write new music/songs.
HAPPY: We’re loving the new single man… could you tell us a little about the story behind it?
HOLAS: Thank you! While the song isn’t about a particular true story, it is partly inspired by events that have happened to people around me over this year.
HAPPY: How are you feeling about the track that its been out for a week?
HOLAS: I’m over the moon about it! Everyone that was involved in the project gave the song 100%, and so far it has received nothing but love by listeners! so I’m very happy about that.
HAPPY: We’re picking up a lot of different influences in your tunes… are there any specific artists that you seek inspiration from?
HOLAS: Yes! It’s mixed because I grew up listening to old-school hip-hop, but to stay up to date with current music I listen to a bunch of newer artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Logic, etc. However my main inspiration comes from Tupac Shakur (aka 2pac). he was the first ever hip-hop/rap artist I ever listened to in my life at a very young age. He was extremely reliable to a wide audience because he was true to himself for the most part and was apart of some of the most iconic hip-hop records to date.
HAPPY: The track’s got a really unique vibe to it… how important is staying original to you?
HOLAS: Extremely! There are a million rappers and musicians out there all trying to be the best and well known in this country alone. I value the things that make me stand out. I’m not here to rap about the same topics such as drugs, cars, guns, and money over and over again. That’s not me. I don’t come from that background so its wrong of me to rap/speck about those things as real events in my life. I want to deliver different hip-hop music that’s refreshing in the scene in which I’m apart of. I’m not alone in this… there are others that do this but we’re few and far between unfortunately.
HAPPY: Back With You is the fourth single you’ve released… how do you feel this track differs from your past material?
HOLAS: This track has more ‘pop appeal’. The past few tracks I’ve made were more focused on showing off for fun, improving my skills as an emcee, and to have something fun to play live. There’s nothing wrong with having a bit of pop appeal… Notorious BIG’s career wouldn’t be as successful as it was if it wasn’t for classic hits like Juicy and Hypnotize.
HAPPY: You’re from Adelaide… are there any other South Australian hip-hop artists that we should be keeping an eye on?
HOLAS: I really feel like we got some of the best up and comers down here, such as… Argus & the Lair is a whole band ranging from a rapper to a musician that plays the flute and they beautifully mix of a variety of music together with hip-hop to make an original sound. Dyspora is from South Sudan and he is killing the game at the moment… doing big things left, right and centre! He’s Triple J’s Feature Artist this week, so you can’t miss him! Emcee Shook is your classic Boombap rapper keeping her music true to the Golden Era of hip-hop. It’s really awesome to see a young woman like herself rap in such a male dominated music scene. She’s made two albums so far I believe – so I better step up!
HAPPY: Any other exciting things coming up? Any more new music soon?
HOLAS: As far as I’m concerned I don’t see another solo project coming out until next year… but you never know! However, I’m always down to collaborate with almost anybody so you might hear from me as a feature on songs from other rappers and musicians in the future.
HAPPY: Cheers for the chat!
HOLAS: No Worries! Thanks for the opportunity!
Back With You is available now. Listen above.
