A few years back we came across a Melbourne MC by the name of Ivan Ooze, an artist who we thought had that ‘instantly addictive’ vibe that only some do. We were definitely right.

In the two years since we dubbed Ivan the ‘Danny Brown of Australia’, he has gone on to huge successes, including a recent national tour alongside Peking Duk and Mall Rat.

We’re stoked to premiering his latest offering, Bounce That; a track that reall delivers what it promises with a title like such.

We caught up with Ivan Ooze ahead of the release to chew the fat abotu music, touring and whats next.

Stoney Roads: Ivan, mate, how the hell are ya?

Ivan Ooze: I’m hella dope legends! Currently chilling out at my parents house in le bush eating as much of my Mum’s food as possible. HEAL UP!

SR: We wrote an article back in 2015 that said you are Australia’s answer to Danny Brown and tbh I think you’ve definitely met that comparison. How much has your life changed for you in the last 2 years?

IO: HEAPS! I was lucky enough to get on a few rad tours around Australia with Wu-Tang, Peking Duk, Desiigner and Carnage. I learnt a stack more about the music industry and about myself (where I wanna be at). I’ve made loads of new friends, bought a ‘lil pussy cat named Ziggy and have acquired a taste for red wine, so life is pretty killer right now.

SR: You have a lot of dance music qualities in your music, which is quite unlike the majority of Aussie hip-hop artists. Do you think this helped branch you apart from the rest in the early days?

IO: Most definitely. I think every artist needs something to break them into the scene and also away from the rest. When I was starting out I noticed in Australian hip hop that everybody was doing the same shit. That’s not necessarily a bad thing but for an artist trying to get a name for yourself, doing the same shit won’t get you noticed especially in Australia. At that time not many people were doing Facebook videos either so I used that to my advantage while freestyling over fast EDM, Trap and Metal tracks. I would try make them as entertaining as possible to viewers by using props, getting them to write words during a live stream to rap or even skits to draw attention. It worked.

SR: You just finished a stacked tour with Peking Duk. How the hell was that? Looked both very fun and very loose.

IO: Fucking AMAZING!!! I think it’ll be one of those tours I wish I could do over and over again. I was already good friends with the Peking boys and their team before but the tour just brought us closer and tighter together. Everyone looked out for each other, everyone made sure everyone was having a fucking awesome time always and nobody was left out. All around rad time and the crowds were hella dope. I headed out to the merch desk after most shows to say what’s up to anyone who wanted to and everyone I spoke to was a SIQQQQQ C-BOMB!

SR: Your new track ‘Bounce That’ is super high-energy and fun. Where did you write this track? i can only assume it was amidst some good times.

IO: I actually wrote it when I was in Bali, I received it whilst I was over there bronzing up like a pretty bitch, sippin’ on a piña colada and lost my shit when I heard the beat! I immediately ran inside and legit started writing to it. I wrote majority over there and the last verse back home. I think that’s why it has such a fun vibe about it.

SR: What is on the cards for Ivan Ooze for the rest of 2017? What’s happening in your world?

IO: I’ll be releasing my E.P. later this year. I’ve got a few festivals coming up which I’m MEGA PSYCHED for. Making loads more music and overall having a fucking sick time doing it really.

SR: Finally, as someone who has skyrocketed in popularity over the past few years, can you point out any young Aussie MCs we should all keep an eye on?

IO: The bruh bruh RARI out of BNE is one to check for sure. On some hella smooth, chill shit. I always listen to this jawn when I’m smoking. Makes me feel realllllllll goooooooood hahaha. <3

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Listen to ‘Bounce That’ below and enjoy.