Jay Roacher - Featured Artist March 2007 | christchurchmusic.org.nz

Jay Roacher Hip Hop
www.myspace.com/jayroacher

Contact: Jay grymeworks@gmail.com
Grymeworks

For some familiar with the name Jay Roacher (formerly known as Jaybawocki) it may be MC battling that first comes to mind. Not surprising, as he is the current New Zealand Battle For Supremacy champion, is undefeated in Christchurch over the last three years and has represented New Zealand twice in the highly competitive Trans-Tasman competition, gaining a semi final placement in 2005. Braggadocio and battle raps are not something he likes to transfer over to his music however, instead preferring to express his own skewed perspective on what some may describe as a dark subject matter, sometimes verging on social commentary and black comedy.

In between making guest appearances on prolific releases such as Cyphanetik's Commercial Suicide, PNC's Oh On the PNC Tip and fellow Cantabrian Kalisima's Snakes & Ladders Volume II, Jay Roacher has been locked away working towards his self titled debut album since late 2005: writing and stockpiling tracks until beginning recording and mixing the final cuts with Messenjah of Dubwise in May 2006.

Released through Grymeworks, Jay's own record label, Jay Roacher is a release that cannot be boxed in by genre. Working with a number of producers, the album has tastes of rock, drum n bass, electronica and dance hall to name but a few.

Don't expect to hear the standard "club banger" or "love song" on Jay Roacher, instead it is filled with original concept tracks exploring subject matter as varied as the light-hearted account of living in the slow lane in Slow Down, the darker more personal issues described in Thoughts while Straight to the Point showcases Jay's desire to separate himself from the typical hip-hop stereotypes, (released to radio on 5 February 2007).

Jay (born Jared Watene) reveals a different side to the "Garden City", dubbing it more appropriately "Grymeworks City". Jay Roacher is humorous yet serious at the same time, a tale of life in Christchurch through the honest, if somewhat deviant eyes of Jay Roacher.

No surprises on the production tip with Nettsmoney providing the lion's share of beats. Netts pushes the boundaries of traditional hip-hop instrumentals, bringing an innovative flavour to the album. Other production credits include Scratch 22, Mousehowl and fellow Russian Fisherman Dave Lad, with a soundscape ranging from the rock inspired Grymeworks City, the eerie, hypnotic Mind of Jay through to the almost electronic Horror Movies. Choosing to keep Jay Roacher a personal affair, there are few vocalist features, although Louie Knuxx of Breakin Wreckwordz, the Menace Records crew and Kalisima of Christchurch do make appearances.

The first pre-single, ChCh-Chillin - a humorous account of the laid back attitude that has come to be expected from the crew - received wide ranging airplay on national radio as well as a placement in the RDU Top 10. With the album slated for release 5 March 2007, Jay Roacher is proving to be one of the most original and innovative hip-hop releases to come out of New Zealand yet.