Australian hip hop trio Thundamentals have a connection, albeit tenuous, to the Sutherland Shire.
Despite grinding out songs and gigs since forming in 2005, their breakout moment came in 2012 when they did a cover of a song by shire singer songwriter Matt Corby.
The band dropped a landmark Triple J Like A Version of Corby’s song Brother and haven’t looked back.
"That is when it seemed people really started to take notice of what we are doing," MC Tuka said.
Now six years on the Thundamentals are hitting the Sutherland Shire as part of an epic national tour.
Their Decade of the Thundakat anniversary tour follows a sensational effort in this year’s Triple J’s Hottest 100 for the group.
Their hit single Sally, featuring Mataya, placed at number eight, while their track with Hilltop Hoods, 21 Grams, came in at 61.
The Blue Mountains musicians – Jesse Ferris (MC Jeswon), Brendan Tuckerman (Tuka), Morgan Jones (DJ Morgs) – who bonded over their love of music, skating and video games have come a long way since their beginnings as a local music support act and say the current tour pays homage to their fans, ‘Thundakats’, who have been with them every step of the way.
As for the future, Tuka said he hoped there was another 10 years ahead for the group.
"They say change is the only constant and there is nothing permanent except change but put it this way, these two guys are the closest thing to family I have," he said.
"So as for the next decade, I just say, would you break up with your family?"
Their growing legendary status in Australian hip hop is undeniable with their most recent release, their fourth album 2017’s Everyone We Know, nominated for a J Award and an ARIA.
"We are so thankful to the support we’ve had from Triple J, without a doubt we wouldn’t be in this position without it.
"That being said, Triple J play a lot of artists who don’t sell out shows so ultimately it’s the people who listen and come to the shows that we really owe it to."
MC Tuka said he believed their lyrical truth resonated with listeners.
"I think people just appreciate honesty," he said. "They can relate to what we are saying because it’s authentic and I think people just get sick of anything that isn’t.’’
Thundamentals will play the Miranda Hotel on Thursday, May 17.
- Tickets are available from oztix.com.au.
