Local Talk: Phonetic

Features

Kieran Mallon // Cover Image by Ryan Johnston

08 Jan 2017

The 19-year-old talks the Brighton rap scene, touring with Rag 'n' Bone Man and supporting High Focus Records on March 2nd.

Cop a ticket to Clean Cuts at Concorde 2 w/ Dirty Dike, Jam Baxter, Ronnie Bosh and Phonetic

On March 2nd Clean Cuts return with their third event since touching down in Brighton last October. The ambitious promoters are specialists in UK Hip Hop, a scene which is currently exploding in Brighton and all along the south coast. High Focus Records are UK Hip Hop's hot commodity right now and Clean Cuts have booked a number of their talented MCs to perform an absolutely wild show at Concorde 2.

Completing the line up is local 19-year-old Phonetic, real name Sade. We caught up with the talented MC to get her thoughts on the upcoming show:

So I understand you're a Brighton local - how would you describe the UK Hip Hop scene in Brighton right now?

The U.K Hip Hop scene has grown a lot in the last few years for sure. I mean we've birthed so many dope artists, from Rizzle Kicks to Rag n Bone Man and so many more. Right now though I'd say is a very exciting time for Brighton in terms of Hip Hop and music in general. We're gaining much more recognition and support and it's a beautiful thing to be a part of.

Last year you toured with a hugely successful local artist (and Native favourite) - Rag 'n' Bone Man, can you tell us about that?

Yes, of course! I mean touring with Rags was a huge eye opener and learning curve. We had so much fun on and off stage and I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. It's given me so much inspiration and motivation and I'll forever be thankful to rags and his team for giving me such an incredible opportunity.

That's pretty mad for a 19 year old, do you ever think that? Or are you taking it all in stride?

I mean I've been performing for 2 years which isn't a long time when you compare those numbers with the people I work with. Every now and then I guess it is a little overwhelming. On the other hand though I do like to take each day at a time because you just never know what's waiting around the corner.


How long have you been making music?

I guess I've been writing since forever. I don't remember any point of my life when I haven't written. In regards to recording and performing though, I've only been doing that for about 2-3 years.

You're performing at Concorde 2 on March 2nd alongside Dirty Dike, Jam Baxter and a host of other top MCs, is there anyone on the line up you really admire?

I've been listening to High Focus for a long time and so it's a blessing to be supporting them in March. I'm particularly hyped to see Ronnie Bosh, it's been a while since I've heard new material from him and I rate his work highly.

Have your performed at Concorde 2 before?

Yeah a few times actually. I think the last time I was there was with Bobbie Johnson supporting DJ Shadow. Deffo one of my favourite venues.

What would you say to someone who's trying to decide whether they'll come to show?

I'd tell them that I have a few exclusives for the show and that it'd be their loss!

Finally, what are you listening to right now?

I've been listening to all sorts recently, Joyner Lucas is definitely up there at the minute. Russ is also one of my most played artists too. All kinds of different stuff!

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Catch Phonetic supporting Dirty Dike, Jam Baxter, Ronnie Bosh, and more at Concorde 2 on March 2nd