From beats to breaks and covering every groove in between, for years now Sydney-based collective Wicked Beat Sound System have been busy pioneering music that inspires the dancefloor but defies genres. At the core of the WBSS sound is dynamic duo Damian Robinson and Dave Carnovale, better known to the masses as Damo and Crucial D, along with the dulcet tones of vocalist Linda Janssen and the lyrical stylings of MC KYE.

When WBSS’s first album (Music From The Core) hit the airwaves, the group’s debut single “Summer Sun” soon became a Triple J fave, followed closely by the much-requested “Local MP”. Heading out across the country, WBSS’s fresh sound soon saw them in demand as remixers, producers and collaborators for a host of local talent. Working with the likes of Yothu Yindi, DIG, Deborah Conway, Iva Davies, Christine Anu and Renee Geyer, WBSS would later take a step out further leftfield when they accepted an invitation to work with indigenous opera singer Deborah Cheetham. The resulting track, “Dali Mana Gamarada”, was the run-away hit off the hugely successful concept album Corroboration.

Things took an even bigger step up with 2000 release of Inna Styles. Having earned a reputation of one of the country’s most solid live experiences thanks to their constant touring (which included supporting Ben Harper and The Fugees plus festival gigs nationwide, from Perth’s International Arts festival to Sydney’s Vibes On A Summer’s Day and Homebake), tracks like “I Don’t Wanna Know” and “Cookin’ with Kazz” would see WBSS pick up two award nominations that year – an ARIA for Inna Styles and a Dance Music Award (DMA) for Best Band.

Now, in 2003 there’s New Soul Breaks, album number three and easily the group’s best work to date. “We knew what we wanted from the very start,” explains Damo when asked what he thinks worked so perfectly this time around. “There was no way we’re going to simply follow whatever is today’s trend, this album was the time for us to work upon, to perfect, our own stuff, our own sound.” With guests including Sam Dixon (Multiball), Kim Moyes (Prop) and Babs (ex- On Inc), New Soul Breaks is a soulful, timeless album that’s as funky as it is textured.

Whether live or in DJ mode, one thing is certain: Wicked Beat Sound System will not disapoint.

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