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Trials Inks Deal With Island Records Australia Ahead Of New EP

"Trials is a rare and gifted artist."

Trials and Michael Taylor signing over a Zoom call.
Trials and Michael Taylor signing over a Zoom call.

Acclaimed Aussie hip hop maestro Trials has signed with Island Records/Universal Music Australia.

The new partnership arrives as the Adelaide-based artist writes and records his yet-to-be-titled debut solo EP, set for release later this year.

“Suffa first introduced me to Trials’ music via Golden Era Records and the Adelaide hip hop scene,” Universal Music Australia Managing Director Michael Taylor said.

“I was hooked on Trials' stuff from then! His production, his beats, his voice, his take on hip hop...it all has the unique ability to be fun and yet still carry that important message.  

“That’s a rare gift, and Trials is a rare and gifted artist. We’re so excited to welcome him to Island Records Australia.”  

Trials added: “I've been crazy fortunate to work on a wide range of music and productions in my life and I'm beyond amped to finally put everything I’ve learnt along the way into my own records. 

“The team at Island have always been supportive of my sounds from Ben Martin and Golden Era to now Michael Taylor and Universal and I'm looking forward to making even more noise with them this year."

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Trials, who is one-half of AB Original and has also previously collaborated with the likes of Drapht, Gurrumul, Archie Roach, DZ Deathrays, Paul Kelly and stacks more, joins Dean Lewis, Hilltop Hoods, Tame Impala, Briggs, Washington and more on Island Australia’s roster.

It’s expected his forthcoming EP will feature a slew of homegrown and international talent across its tracks.