Mind Over Matter Co-Founder Quits Over 'Creative Differences'

Sydney musician Rowan Lockyer, aka Willow, best-known as a founding member of hip hop duo Mind Over Matter, has announced his departure from the outfit after ten years together with creative partner Martin Brown, aka Smiles Again.

Conflicting accounts as to the reasons for Lockyer's departure have arisen in the immediate wake of the announcement, with the exeunting MC taking to Facebook yesterday to cite "personality and creative differences" as the catalyst for his withdrawal from the group, alleging dismissal of his personal beliefs as a core point of contention.

"I'd have to put my decision to leave the group down to personality and creative differences," Lockyer wrote. For example, being told by Smiles and our manager Luke that I would have to cut down on my spiritual/political content because they believe the majority can't relate.

"That sort of thing goes against everything that I stand for and I simply can't resonate with people on that wavelength."

However, that assertion runs in direct contravention to Brown's consequent statement about Lockyer's departure, posted to Facebook shortly after Lockyer made his announcement, with the remaining MC maintaining that "neither myself or our manager has pressured him away from any 'spiritual lyrics' that he wanted to write; in fact, as many of you know, our manager ... is a spiritual man himself and supported his journey".

"A few of you may have heard that Willow has left Mind Over Matter, and it saddens me to confirm that this is true," Brown wrote on Facebook. "Unfortunately recently there has been a lot going on in Willow's life, and both our manager and myself have been trying to get him through it for years; however, ultimately he decided to take a step away from the crew and we will support him with that decision."

"Willow is going to release solo music and I'll continue to support him, he's my brother, I wish him all the best in future," Brown continued. "To bring some good news for you tonight, here is an unmixed demo of a brand new Mind Over Matter track that [recently added third member] Ntaprize and I are working on, it will be on the new album, I hope you like it."

So, despite the departure of a founding member, Mind Over Matter faithful can rest assured that there are no plans for this to inhibit the group's momentum moving forward.

"Mind Over Matter have a lot planned for 2015, can't wait to ride the journey with you all!" Brown concluded.

Have a listen to the unmixed demo of Don't You Blame Me, below; both Lockyer and Brown's full statements can be found under the track.