Alice Springs-based rapper SkankMC will work closely with music management, recording and promotions company Footstomp Music in the lead up to his debut album after winning a mentorship opportunity.
SkankMC, real name Hugh Winterflood, picks up the mentorship after showcasing at the weekend’s Intune conference, run my MusicNT. As well as playing for the conference’s panellists he closed out the bill of Epilogue Lounge’s showcase, which was the venue’s biggest night to date.
Warner affiliated Footstomp – whose roster includes Busby Marou, Melbourne Ska Orchestra and Karl S Williams – choose an artist each year to help develop their potential in markets outside of the Northern Territory, which is arguably the country’s most isolated music scene.
INSIDE AUSTRALIA'S MOST ISOLATED MUSIC SCENE
“SkankMC only just missed out last year and absolutely deserves selection this time,” said Footstomp’s Music Director Graham Ashton. “He is poised to connect with a national audience and we can't wait to help him take that step.”
SkankMC, who performs with his “best mate” Babashake, added, “I'm bloody cheering to be given this opportunity to take my music career a step forward. Asho has been super supportive to me already and had some extremely positive things to say about our music. We're looking forward to reaching the next destination on [debut album] The Long Road Ahead.”
The album’s title references the long distances an artist from the Alice Springs has to travel just to perform. A recent slot at Darwin festival BASSINTHEGRASS saw Skank and Babashake drive 3,000 kms for their 20 minute set. They also performed at the NT Song Of The Year awards.
Last year’s mentorship winner was Alice Springs’ singer-songwriter Colin Lillie, who is currently finalising plans to break into the east coast markets.
