True Live

Melbourne Based TRUE LIVE like their name, represent a truly live and unique musical experience, both on record and in their acclaimed live performances. Bringing together some of Melbourne’s seminal groove jazz, classical and Hip Hop performers the 6 piece ensemble create music that draws on the sounds and performance ideals of Hip Hop, Jungle, Jazz and Western Art Music underpinned by solid songwriting. A line up consisting of a 3 piece string section (Cello Violin Double Bass), Drum Kit, Keyboards, and Vocals True Live create an original contemporary organic sound that could only be described as Monstrous.

Led by singer/rapper songwriter producer Ryan-John, (RHyNO) who after years of searching has found himself somewhere between songwriting, beats, orchestras and Jazz, TRUE LIVE do more than simply cross reference contemporary styles, they perform well written and arranged songs that engage audiences with moments of beauty, intensity, musical and lyrical depth. TRUE LIVE take hip hop away from ego driven naivety, and imitative ghetto thugery, to a new musical place that can be appreciated by audiences of all types.

The groups personnel list incorporates some of the best musicians Melbourne has to offer, all members are graduates of the Victorian College of the Arts and have developed careers around their respective talents.
Visit the gallery to view each musician's bio.

After forming in 2003 TRUE LIVE has played to packed houses at most of Melbourne’s notable Live Venues, performed as part of the Merideth and Livid Music Festivals, Beat Christmas Party, and Stkilda Festival (headline in 2005)been described by Radio Presenters – Melbourne’s PBS and RRR - as ‘The best live band in the city [Melbourne]’ and ‘the best live Hip Hop band in the world.’ revued for their performance at the 2003 Livid Festival in MX stating ‘Melbourne band TRUE LIVE put international rockers to shame on the tiny outdoor PBS stage. The live hip-hop crews gigs around town deserve to be overflowing after their performance’ further revues including that of Andrew Tijs from Beat Magazine stating ‘True Live construct a precise yet warm set of intoxicating and instantly catchy tunes, mining everything from heartfelt jazz to bouncing hip hop to relentless drum and bass, all from live instruments and acrobatic vocalists.’

After a series of underground releases; an Ep, a live recording and a single True Live are on the verge of releasing their Debut Album ‘The shape of it’ in April 2005.