MEET THE ARTISTS CONSCIOUS 4
Image: Pariss Bostick, Ryan Wilco, Aztec Flow (Katashi Films), Dylan Pecotich
Conscious welcomes annelise. Gemma Navarrete, Ruu. and Zion Garcia as the new cohort of artists for Conscious 4! Throughout the year long program each artist will be supported to produce and release a new single and video clip.
Campbelltown Arts Centre’s Conscious program supports the vibrant hip-hop community of Western Sydney. Facilitated by hip-hop artist and South-West Sydney local L-FRESH The LION and his team at Village Boy Entertainment, Conscious develops socially minded hip-hop artists, connects them with their communities and puts Western Sydney voices and stories centre stage locally and beyond.
Scroll down to learn more about Conscious, the new cohort of artists and their music..
Annelise.
Born and raised in South West & Western Sydney, annelise. is a Hip-Hop/R&B songstress who embodies the essence of the late 90’s/early 00’s through her vocals & instrumentals. Inspired by the likes of Timbaland, Aaliyah, Missy Elliot, Beyonce & Michael Jackson, annelise. showcases her love for the nostalgic sounds of her childhood through a modern lens whilst continuing to pay homage to a time that shaped her into the woman she is today.
Image: Ryan Wilco
Gemma Navarrete
Gemma Navarrete is an artist x topliner hailing from Western Sydney. She is known for her concise, poetic lyricism and RnB/pop-infused melodies which reflect the clunky transition from adolescence to young adulthood. Beginning her music journey at ten years old, Gemma was adamant that music was her calling above all other hobbies, and is currently working at making this teenage dream a reality. Drawing inspiration from Kali Uchis, Ariana Grande, and Omar Apollo, the songstress intends to create a refreshingly new sound that evokes a sense of nostalgia and youth.
Image: Dylan Pecotich
Ruu.
Ruu. combines the nostalgic qualities of 90s and 2000s Hip-Hop with the social commentary of today’s climate. From being featured on K-Sera & The Dirty Dozen in 2019 and named FBi Radio’s Artist of the week in mid 2022, Ruu. has since been regarded as a Swiss Army knife. From presenter at Triple-J Unearthed, Podcast host, Personality, Producer, Artist, and Violinist, Ruu. truly is The Cultured Black Kid.
Image: Aztec Flow (Katashi Films)
Zion Garcia
A rapper, producer, filmmaker, and writer, Zion Garcia reflects the multiplicity and artistic agility of this generation of Australian artists. Hailing from Western Sydney, Garcia’s distinct style of alternative hip-hop is a natural follow-on from hip-hop’s global takeover of the 2010s, pulling from an eclectic pool while ensuring his sound is tantamount.
Every day Zion Garcia hones his craft, from his production and lyricism, endorsed by The Guardian, Red Bull, triple j, Vice AU, and MCs Oddisee and Open Mike Eagle, to his adventurous live shows, taking on stages at Listen Out, Phoenix Central Park, and SXSW Sydney this year alone. With a rapturous debut EP on the way, be confident Australian hip-hop is in good hands.
Image: Pariss Bostick