Following on from radio anthem ‘Loudmouth’, Melbourne rapper Mantra has dropped the emotionally heavy ‘Break Tradition’ – the second single from his forthcoming album, Telling Scenes.
Due for release in September, Telling Scenes is an album in the most creative sense: not just a collection of songs, but an experience that takes its listener on a journey. As one part of this journey, Break Tradition represents a side of Mantra very close to his heart. Using dexterous rhymes to unfold stark and literal narratives, Mantra delves into the cycle of violence that sees the endless chain of one person passing their abuse on to the next, until someone makes the conscious decision to disinherit it. To break the tradition.
Whether fate or a self-fulfilling prophecy, Mantra knew Break Tradition was going to be something special even before he wrote it. Listening through a catalogue of beats by rising producer Cam Bluff, one in particular jumped out at Mantra, instantly resonating with him on a deep level. He knew he had to put something heartfelt on top of it.
By the time the song was complete, Mantra had unfolded some of the best rhymes of his career, added the multi-layered vocals of Melbourne’s Massive hip-hop choir, and capped everything off with a suitably grand chorus courtesy of Cisco Tavares. Powerful and relatable, Break Tradition had evolved into one of Mantra’s best songs, and had more than earned its place on his ambitious new album. As a cavalcade of this caliber of song, ‘Telling Scenes’ confidently pushes the boundaries of hip hop, announcing in no uncertain terms that Mantra has reached the next level of his craft.
Touring August, September and October with Seth Sentry
Aug 01 – Union Jack, Cairns
Aug 02 – The Venue, Townsville
Aug 03 – Movidas, Mackay
Aug 09 – Sugarland Tavern, Bundaberg
Aug 11 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
Aug 15 – The Northern, Byron Bay
Aug 16 – Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta
Aug 17 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour
Aug 22 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
Aug 23 – Entrance Leagues Club, Bateau Bay
Aug 24 – Waves, Wollongong
Aug 29 – Zierholz, Canberra
Aug 30 – Black Swan Hotel, Bendigo
Aug 31 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
Sep 06 – Western Point, San Remo
Sep 07 – Wool Exchange, Geelong
Sep 12 – Spurs, Devonport
Sep 13 – Alchemy, Launceston
Sep 14 – Hotel Soho, Hobart
Sep 25 – Judd’s Hotel, Kalgoorlie
Sep 26 – Pier Hotel, Esperance
Sep 28 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
Sep 29 – Players Bar, Mandurah,
Oct 18 – Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta