New World Artists

Hermitude

 Hermitude formed in 2001 with the musical partnering of Blue Mountains lads Luke Dubs (Luke Dubber) and Elgusto (Angus Stuart). They’d performed in jazz and funk bands together since 1994 (Dubs was 16 and Elgusto was just 11) as well as in thelive hip hop of Explanetary (featuring a young Urthboy).

The offspring of musical families, Dubs’ father Keith Dubber was a trumpeter plying his trade in major musicals for over 40 years, while Elgusto’s father John Stuart is a composer and musician/engineer. Incidentally, Elgusto’s Uncle Hamish Stuart is one of Australia’s most in-demand drummers – working with some of the highest profile rock and pop acts, as well as playing in The Catholics, Jackie Orszaczky and many more.

But back to the story…Explanetary released their debut EP with Sydney label Elefant Traks so it was natural that Hermitude continued that connection with the release of their first EP: the vinyl-only Imaginary Friends (5 stars – 3D World, 2002). It quickly sold out and was never repressed nor pressed to CD.

Hermitude followed this up with their debut album – the critically adored Alleys to Valleys (2003) – the esteemed radio figure Tim Ritchie called it “One of the best hip hop/breaks releases I’ve ever heard” and Urban Hits commented on its “world class hip hop production”. Off the back of this, Hermitude toured and received national airplay on triple j as well as a swag of admirers and fans.

National tours and various international support slots (Dizzee Rascal, RJD2 and DJ Krush) later, the second album Tales of the Drift (2005) was released and Hermitude exhibited the maturity and development of their musical vision. Their Cuban-influenced rhythms (Elgusto undertook percussion studies in Cuba as a teen) had blended elegantly with their formal jazz and classical background breathing new life into their instrumental hip hop sound. The first single ‘Fallen Giants’ took triple j by storm and sat on high rotation for months. “This album leaves the listener satisfied, reinvigorated and refreshed.” Canberra Times By now Hermitude had established their reputation for brilliant studio productions with an engaging and innovative live show – incorporating a confident, almost effortless musicianship with a deft grasp of technology.

In 2006 Hermitude embarked overseas to pursue the real world, landing gigs in Europe, Asia and the USA. Not only invited to perform in Malaysia, Norway and Spain as well as DJ Kentaro’s Japanese launch, they were booked for Aceyalone and Abstract Rude’s West Coast USA tour.

Whilst on this world tour, Luke and Elgusto wrote the tunes that would make up their 2007 Rare Sightings EP release. Released in November 2007, this is their fourth release on Elefant Traks and to celebrate, Hermitude joined Urthboy and The Tongue on a soldout national tour throughout Australia. Hermitude are set to release their third full length album in 2008.

Artist Links

• Myspace:
  http://www.myspace.com/hermitude
• Website:
  http://www.elefanttraks.com