OJIKAE (Matt Cicero) is an 18-year-old, Melbourne-based singer-songwriter. Last year he released a demo of 'Existentiality', a soulful R&B song which has since racked up over 29 thousand plays on Soundcloud. A final master of this track with additional production from Xavier Dunn is now available through Thank Guard Records, a newly formed DIY music collective whose stated aim is to bring you 'Australian Hip-Hop That Doesn't Make You Cringe'. The group has received recognition from the likes of Zane Lowe, Danny Brown and Illegal Civilization for their magazine and parties, and now they're set to only get bigger with this new chapter.
Cicero recorded 'Existentiality' in his makeshift home studio following an experience with high school heartbreak. Speaking of the song, he says it "represents a moment in my life where everything became clear, I knew I wanted to write music about the rawest and most primitive of human emotions." Indeed, Cicero's emotional vocal performance is easily the best part of this song. He uses all the space he can, showing off his exceptional voice. Some cliché turns of phrase aside, this is a raw and heartfelt debut single.
Hinting that there's more to come from both Ojikae and Thank Guard, this is the very best step forward for both to make a long lasting impression as a force to be reckoned with, not just in their local scene but much further beyond. We've got all eyes locked on these guys!
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