It was 10 years ago that a group of guys from Katoomba formed what is now considered to be one of the most loved hip-hop bands in Australia.
Inspired by the growing hip-hop hub in the Mountains, Thundamentals have since extended their roots, gaining a following from people all around Australia and Europe.
And while there have been a few changes to their line-up over the years, Jeswon (aka Jesse Ferris) said the love and respect shared between the trio is what has kept them strong.
“I think the biggest part of it is the friendship and the bond between everyone in the band and we still have a lot of love for each other beyond the music,” he said.
“Being in a band is basically like being married, so you have to choose your partner very carefully and we’ve been fortunate enough that we’ve always got along and always respected each other.”
Despite releasing their self-titled album ‘Thundamentals’ in 2008, it’s only been the last few years that the group started to gain traction, soaring to new heights this year with their recent number eight spot in the Hottest 100 with ‘Sally’. But it was the hard beginnings that Jeswon says the guys are all grateful for.
“We’ve done gigs where the only people in the room was the support act that we asked to play,” he said.
“Once you go through those realities it kind of makes the victory so much sweeter because I remember those days like they were yesterday, and I think that is the reason why we’ve been around for so long and will continue to be around, because those experiences ground you.”
Producing music in a time before the hip-hop industry had been established in Australia, Jeswon said they were able to create music they wanted, which resulted in thought-provoking, relatable tunes that spoke to their audiences.
“It was good because our intentions were pure, and we were making exactly what we wanted because there was no possibility to be played on the radio, so why make a radio song?” he said.
“We do a have a platform to be able speak on topics that we feel should get more attention, so we consider what we say a little more carefully now.”
Thundamentals will be performing at Hotel Gearin in Katoomba on Thursday, May 10 at 8.30pm. Tickets are $36.76 and can be purchased by visiting thundamentals.com.au or www.moshtix.com.au.
Lauren Suttie is the Weekender’s General & Community News journalist.
