L-Fresh the Lion is renowned for his powerful presence, inspiring live shows and thought-provoking lyricism. In a short time, the Western Sydney artist has gone from underground community convents and ciphers to national tours and festivals. He is an MC with a sense of purpose and self-belief and will be headlining Bello Winter Music the second weekend in July.
What are the major challenges for you, navigating two very different cultures?
This is a tough question to answer in a short paragraph. I deeply explore this question on my new album, Become, and even then it sometimes feels like an introduction. This has been my life experience: navigating, not just two, but many different cultures as they meet in me. It’s not an experience that’s unique to me, it’s one that is common to many Australians, whether they’re conscious of it or not. My album explores it from my point of view as I tell stories from my life. There’re moments of pure strength, resilience and power, which contrast with those moments of weakness, vulnerability and tension.
Tell me about the place where these two intersect?
They intersect in me. I am the embodiment of it. A brown, bearded, turbaned Sikh rocking a black hoodie and hi-tops with a mic in my hand.
As an MC, what are the issues or the stories that you want people to hear?
I’m all for giving people a complete picture. We have a tendency to see things in black and white, but there’re so many important colours in between that complete the story. Let’s get in to the nitty-gritty, the complex, the uncomfortable, the honest and the vulnerable. Those stories make art special.
How did you get started?
I started out making beats and writing raps in my bedroom after days at school. I spent every afternoon working on music. Once I had enough songs, I got up on any stage I could find to perform them. I started at age 14 and haven’t stopped since then.
Who are the musicians who influence you?
I’m influenced by a wide range of music from traditional Sikh music as introduced to me by my parents through to all styles of hip-hop. From Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill and Public Enemy through to Tupac Shakur, Common, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, The Roots, Kendrick Lamar, Nas and J Cole. I’ll listen to anything, learn from it and then build.
What do you want to do to your audience?
Simply put, my music is all about movement and I want my audience to reflect that. When people hear my music, I want them to move physically, mentally and emotionally. I’m trying to get you to move, think and feel at the same.
What should we expect for your show at Bello Winter Music?
Expect a lot of energy, passion and positivity! I’ll have my seven-piece band with me so it’ll be vibes, that’s for sure! Mirrah (my hype MC) sometimes describes our show as a workout for everyone who’s there. There is a lot of movement!
Bello Winter Music (7–10 July). For ticket and program information go to bellowintermusic.com.
