TALIA SHIPMANN checks in with rapper WHIPLASH (aka JOSH LEWAN) on the eve of a digital release for his new LP, Losing Control.

The internet has proven a fertile ground for Aussie rapper Whiplash – and as he prepares to digitally launch this latest effort, the 20-something former nomad has created an epic 15-track offering with Losing Control.

TALIA SHIPMANN: You mention your rhymes originate from your ‘time as a nomad’ travelling around Australia, and you have a very international aspirations in terms of your Losing Control release … how has Australia informed your work?

WHIPLASH My rhymes originated while travelling the world for 10 years. I wrote lyrics about life … to construct into songs. I lived in a lot of different places, countries, and cultures for years. I got into hip hop music living around the world; it was mainstreamed when I was growing up in Australia. Listening to Eminem and Dr Dre got me into rap music. My life on the road overseas inspired me to write rap lyrics. My aspirations are international because hip hop is universal and I feel my content is universal. I aspire to go international because I have promoters in the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, Australia, New Zealand and more. I am signed to a music label from Jamaica that is worldwide too, Dasvibes Production. 

TS: You tend to rhyme with an American accent, is your flow a product of peer listening? What rappers/musicians do you admire?

W: I would say I rhyme with my voice, which is from my diaphragm. I don’t rap or sing with my throat voice. I grew up rapping everyone’s songs; mainly they were all African Americans. I am a product of my surroundings and whom I listened to growing up. I grew up influenced by Eminem, Dr Dre, Xzibit, Snoop Dogg, 2pac, 50 Cent to name a few.

TS: Who did you work with in producing Losing Control?

W; An urban producer Nate Rimmel approached me online from Hollywood, Los Angeles, USA. He had his own online music business, N8 Beats Productions.  I recorded everything myself, so I recorded everything at home. I recorded over 15 beats and compositions. I recorded and mixed all my vocals to the music and then sent all my song files over the net to the online producer in the USA for final mixing, sound effects and mastering.    

TS: What does a sample/cover need for you to select it…

W: It needs to be someone famous or from something famous that is a hit, will be a hit or has been a hit.

TS: On the issue of sample-clearance, do you find covering a sample negates any legal ramifications?

W: Sometimes it is worth the legal ramifications to become successful. It is worth sharing profit of something successful rather than have all of something unsuccessful. If you are successful you can afford to share the pie. If you do get sued you can afford the legal battles because you have already become successful enough for people to even bother suing you.

TS: Can we expect any launch shows for the album? Have you worked out your live set up yet?

W: I am definitely looking to perform live in 2010. I may have a tour coming up in Australia, Europe and the USA. I am looking to promote both my albums Losing Control and Rapanease. 

Look for WHIPLASH's LOSING CONTROL release through iTunes soon. www.myspace.com/whiplash-hiphop

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