A.B. Original Are The First Act Confirmed For Laneway 2017

We’re already gagging for Laneway 2017, and A.B. Original - the supergroup brainchild of NIMA-winning rapper Briggs and Funkoars frontman and MC Trials - have just announced at BIGSOUND they're the first act confirmed for the tour as well as host MCs.

It was only a week ago the festival confirmed dates and venues for the next run, with a slew of talent expected to drop Sept 14.

“It is kind of cool that Laneway recognises us as part of the forefront of where rap music is heading," Briggs said of the news.

The duo also premiered a music video for politically-charged anthem January 26, featuring Dan Sultan, at BIGSOUND this afternoon.

Here are some other highlights from A.B. Original's BIGSOUND keynote this afternoon:

"In Indigenous communities, mediocrity is accepted so widely that it's become the benchmark." #BIGSOUND16

— theMusic.com.au (@TheMusicComAu) September 8, 2016

Briggs: "I never had many dreams or expectations... It's hard when you see so much dispossession around you." #BIGSOUND16

— theMusic.com.au (@TheMusicComAu) September 8, 2016

After a small car accident, Trials was given a $3,000 payout which he used to buy turntables #BIGSOUND16

— theMusic.com.au (@TheMusicComAu) September 8, 2016

"I wanted to make rap scary again" "is it not always scary?" "Not here." #BIGSOUND16

— theMusic.com.au (@TheMusicComAu) September 8, 2016

"Our manager told us not to use samples" #BIGSOUND16

— theMusic.com.au (@TheMusicComAu) September 8, 2016

Briggs finds the most concise piece of racism in a FB comment and makes an example from them. "It's always Robbo from Perth" #BIGSOUND16

— theMusic.com.au (@TheMusicComAu) September 8, 2016

AB Original just showed us the world premiere of the January 26 video #BIGSOUND16

— theMusic.com.au (@TheMusicComAu) September 8, 2016

Before Laneway you can catch A.B. Original at the Rolling Sone Live Lounge at the Workers Club Melbourne on 29 Sep, and the NaranaFEST in Grovedale on 5 Nov. Check out theGuide more info.