Eight Tracks That Inspired Miracle’s Debut Album ‘Mainland’

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Published

July 7, 2014

Produced in association with our mates at Rdio.

Ghanian-born, Sydney-based producer, A+ lyricist and artist Miracle has been cutting his teeth on the live circuit supporting acts like A$AP Rocky and Childish Gambino for a while now, and this coming Friday sees the release of his debut album Mainland.

The autobiographical long player, produced with ARIA-award winner Stylaz Fuego and Nic Martin, is described by Miracle as “a modern day twist on the story of Neverland” and contains eight tracks “about struggle, freedom, love, happiness and hope over some killer beats.”

With widespread release scheduled for July 11th, you can listen to Mainland exclusively on Rdio right here, right now and gain an insight into Miracle, his debut and the eight songs that inspired it below.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND MAINLAND?
Imagine if Peter Pan and the Lost Boys were forced to grow up in the real world knowing they neither belong or fit in, but they are embracing the change and making the most of it. The message behind the album is to always be yourself and never change who you are for anyone.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU’VE LEARNED FROM SUPPORTING ARTISTS LIKE A$AP ROCKY AND CHILDISH GAMBINO, OR WORKING WITH GUYS LIKE 360?

I’ve learnt so much, but I guess the main thing is to aim to connect with as many people in the crowd as possible and always perform your heart out.

WHO’S YOUR DREAM COLLABORATOR?

My dream collaboration would be with Kanye West.

WHAT DO YOU ENVISION FOR THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIAN HIP-HOP? WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT ITS PRESENT?

I think with all the new Australian Hip-Hop talent out there, it’s changing the way we view hip-hop and opening the eyes and ears of the world to the creativity of Australians. The possibilities with the growth of Australian hip-hop really are endless! One thing I would change is the Aussie hip-hop mentality on features and collaborations, we don’t hear enough of our favourite Aussie rappers on the same tracks together.

WHAT’S ONE THING AUDIENCES CAN EXPECT FROM THE REMAINING HALF OF YOUR ENDLESS SUMMER TOUR DATES?

I’ll be performing alongside DJ Ziggy mixing our favourite songs and loads of remix’s from my debut album Mainland. People who come through should expect to have an awesome time partying with me. Ziggy and I get super hyped onstage.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE?

I love making music, performing, skating, movies, playing basketball and video games.

WHAT’S ONE THING THAT YOU CONSIDER MIRACULOUS?

What’s miraculous to me is that no matter where you are in the world, everybody loves music. I’m yet to meet someone who doesn’t.

EIGHT SONGS THAT INSPIRED THE EIGHT TRACKS ON MAINLAND:

1. ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ – R Kelly

The first time I heard this song was from the movie soundtrack to Space Jam. This song is so inspiring and has always encouraged my self-belief.

2. ‘Jesus Walks’ – Kanye West

This is my wake up song, I always feel alive every time I hear it. The message behind it is self-empowerment and it has such an unusual melody for a hip-hop/alternative song.

3. ‘Foxy Lady’ – Jimi Hendrix

When I first started to play guitar Jimi Hendrix was my idol, this was the first Jimi Hendrix song I learnt how to play.

4. ‘Immortal’ – Kid Kudi

This is my wake up song, I always feel alive every time I hear it. The message behind it is self-empowerment and it has such an unusual melody for a hip-hop/alternative song.

5. ‘Electric Relaxation’ – A Tribe Called Quest

My older cousin used to always play this song on the way to basketball to get us relaxed for the games. I love the chilled vibes mixed in the deep flows.

6. ‘Can’t Tell Me Nothing’ – Kanye West

This song is where I get my confidence from, it could build anyones self-esteem after listening to it over and over again.

7. ‘Many Men (Wish Death)’ – 50 Cent

Back when I wanted to be a professional gangster, 50 Cent’s ‘Many Men’ was the hardest rap song ever to me. Dropping lines like. “I’m the diamond in the dirt that ain’t been found, I’m the underground king but I ain’t been crowned”. I used to rehearse this song line-for-line.

8. ‘Dead Presidents II’ – Jay Z

Most influential rapper of the last 15 years, ‘Presidents’ is about getting money and taking care of yourself and those around you. I’m out for presidents to represent me.

You can and should catch Miracle performing at one of these remaining ‘Endless Summer’ tour dates:

July 11th – The Brewery, Rouse Hill

July 12th – GPO, Brisbane

July 26th – Bye Bye Birdie, Adelaide

July 27th – King Street Hotel, Newcastle

August 2nd – The Grand, Wollongong

August 9th – Key Club, Melbourne

August 29th – East, Gold Coast