LABJACD

Melbourne-based band LABJACD (pronounced “lab-jacked”) is a dynamic nine-piece outfit that’s been making a big splash lately, both in their hometown and beyond. Since their formation in 2004, they’ve quickly built up an impressive reputation for their exhilarating mix of old school hip-hop, Cuban salsa, jazz and even Andean folk music. Singing and MCing in both English and Spanish, the group’s three vocalists all share a Chilean heritage, and like the band’s other members, have all previously performed in a number of well-known Latin big bands and a variety of funk/jazz configurations.

LABJACD have performed at major festivals both nationally and internationally, including WOMADelaide, the Falls Festival, the Woodford Folk Festival, Live en Août (New Caledonia), and the Queenscliff Music Festival. They have staged their own shows at popular Australian music venues such as the Corner, the Zoo, the Espy and the Evelyn, and graced the same stage as MC Eternia (Canada), Los Van Van (Cuba), The Herd and True Live. Evidently, the band has a diverse appeal – they are equally at home alongside Australia’s premier hiphop groups as amongst some of the best world music artists from around the globe. LABJACD has been featured on JTV, a music programme on ABC TV produced by Triple J Radio as well as on a television broadcast of WOMADelaide on ABC2.

Released on September 1st 2006, “Vote With Your Feet” is LABJACD’s first full-length album, recorded with assistance from one of John Butler’s “JB Seed” grants. This record follows up on their self-titled EP released in 2005. They have also been featured on a Rolling Stone CD (2007) and appear on World Vision’s STIR CD (2007) alongside Hilltop Hoods, John Butler Trio, Ash Grunswald, The Cat Empire and TZU.