Get to know Deadly Beats

Approaching four years on air, each week Deadly Beats brings listeners the freshest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander hip-hop and more.

Presented by Michael Collard, aka. Big Sexy, the show comes through Radio Adelaide and now comes to listeners all over the country through the CBAA's Community Radio Network.

We asked Michael about the origins, and what goes into the show each week.

What do you love about bringing Deadly Beats to listeners each week?  

I love showcasing to all the listens out there, the amazing artists we have in our communities around Australia. Shining the spotlight on artists that have worked hard and have the creative flare to connect with the people listening. I also love bringing deadly beats to the listeners because I am passionate about broadcasting and presenting a show that hits my passions as an artist and a creative.

How long have you been doing the show and how did you start?

My very first Deadly Beats show premiered on the 6th April 2016 on Radio Adelaide as an hour show. I had been working as producer for another show on Radio Adelaide called Nunga Wangga which is about Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander news, events, views, music, art, etc. There was a slot in the station's scheduling and my coordinator at Nunga Wangga, Christine Brown, had a chat with the station manager at the time. They offered the spot to me, so, that’s how Deadly Beats started. It was new to me, stepping out on my own, but I knew I would be fine as it involved two big passions of mine. Hip Hop music as an artist/listener and also I loved broadcaster and presenting.

You've been in the Hip-Hop scene for some time. What are you finding exciting right now?

What I find exciting right now is the amount of young talent that are emerging from all around the country. Even some of these young artists like B-town Warriors from Bourke. Also we still have a lot of the artists that have been around a while now, still releasing music like The Last Kinection & Jimblah. Plus I also try to represent South Australian ATSI artists such as Eskatology, Stinga T and Caper, as it builds and develops the market here for the future artists to come.

How do you think other community radio stations and presenters can direct their efforts for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians?

I think as it stands, there are a few things in place for ATSI artists when it comes to community radio stations and presenters. I do know that community radio has given a huge voice to those ATSI artists and musician as well, more so then any other platform in society. I think giving ATSI music a chance and playing something that you might not of played before and it just so happens to be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artist, then that's a good way to introduce perhaps a new and diverse range of music for all listeners. Sometimes I do play a song that may not be ATSI, but it is relevant to ATSI people. For example, I will play a song such as ‘The Fight’ by Taboo (from the Black Eyed Peas). Its message is relevant to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people and it's relatable. So we have a lot of great music out there and its worth sharing around.

You play Hip-Hop, but also Soul and some Pop coming from all over in a really slick tight package. What are some of your favourite - or you think most significant songs that have come out recently?

Well I think that Jimblah is leading the way with some of his music he is coming out with lately as its real life, when it comes to what Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people go through and what affects our communities. Jimblah’s new song “Black Paint’ is a great listen. I think though, one song that really speaks deeply to me and will always mean a great deal to me is ‘Treaty’ by Yothu Yindi. I find it a song that moves and motivates me. It drives me to continue on with contributing to ATSI artists and musician growth locally in South Australia, and hopefully nationally as well.

For CRN subscribers:

• Program runs 55'50 minutes
• Deadly Beats distributes Fridays at 23:00 AEST/AEDT; repeats on satellite Mondays at 01:00 AEST/AEDT
• Available for on-demand broadcast by stations via DDN capture and download
• Presented for a national audience
• For more information contact CRN staff on 02 9310 2999 or email [email protected]

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