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Stoop Fresh... by Alcia Sim

Stoop Fresh describe themselves as a group that fights to keep off the default path set by most Aussie hip hop. They are part of a new guard of hip hop artists in Perth that have successfully broken through the stereotype of bogan battler raps to create a sound with universal appeal. This year has seen Diger Rokwell release the stellar Digstrumentals and wonder kid Ta-ku having his talents recognised, gaining a place at the prestigious Red Bull Academy in Spain.

Stoop Fresh have also had their own fair share of success in the last 12 months. The five-piece group, consisting of Roc Wallabi, Coin Boogz, Pronto, J-Large and Mei have released their debut eponymous EP this year to a rapturous response. They submitted some tracks to Triple J's Unearthed website with unexpectedly amazing results. "Yeah we held the top three spots for eight weeks running at the beginning of this year. It was kind of surreal to see us up there for so long," Pronto beams. (In case cynics are wondering, the website is programmed so that you can only vote once for each song).
Their efforts have also led to praise being showered from none other than Australia's first lady of hip hop, Maya Jupiter. "We got some quality airtime on Triple J, were featured in our first week and got the only five star review from Maya Jupiter," Pronto says. Despite the glowing reviews, he is quick to add that this hasn't gone straight to their heads and that the process has been a learning experience too. "The positive feedback was dope, inspirational and relieving, but the constructive criticism always had the biggest impact. As long as it's honest it can snap you back to reality and make you look at your work from a completely different angle and that's always a good thing." Attention from Triple J have helped to increase the group's profile but Stoop Fresh remain a pretty new name on the Perth circuit. So how did the group come about? "I was making beats in high school when Large rocked up and we decided to try emceeing and recording. We made a couple of tracks, then I formed a group with SydeFX and Pronto called Rhymes In Effect. Then I formed another live hip hop act with the guys from Incunnaboola and worked with Boogz on some more tracks. Pronto and I formed Stoop Fresh with Boogz and Large rejoined shortly after," Roc Wallabi explains. Pronto has his own humourous perspective on how Stoop Fresh came into being. "I started out beatboxing at parties to try and attract ladies. Roc heard me at some point and liked the sounds. Turns out I only attracted men!"

Besides from the talents of the five core members, the EP sees a couple of extra guests help out, namely Pez, Ta-ku and Mei (who recently officially became a member of Stoop Fresh). How did these collaborations originate? "Pez was a mate from uni and I thought he was hilarious and the ultimate hype man. I went to high school with Mei, who is now an official Stoop member. She has an amazing voice and brings the soul out every time," relays Coin Boogz. "Ta-ku met Roc through Myspace and were all so blown away by his beats... you will definitely catch him on the next Stoop albums in the future," J-Large says.

So what's next for the Stoop? "The StoopNES project!" exclaims Pronto. "It originated from a live MPC set we did using Nintendo samples, which everyone thought was fresh. Plus we always had the idea of making a mixtape to further improve Stoop Fresh as a name before dropping an album. StoopNES will be released in December and will be given to all members of our Facebook group 'Group Fresh' for free. So make sure you join before then if you want a copy!" Well kids, better bounce to it, Mario style. STOOP FRESH SELF TITLED EP OUT NOW! Available from 78 Records online or hit up the group on myspace for a copy.

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Perth - from the outside looking in... by Jake Millar

It seems all too easy to jump aboard the already crowded bandwagon and haul out the well-won 'dullsville' label when discussing Perth. However, as a friend of mine recently pointed out to me, almost nowhere else in the world can you walk down the street and overhear conversations in such a diverse range of languages. This observation got me thinking that, with visitors hailing from all corners of the globe and with so many native 'Perthians' quick to criticise their own city, maybe foreigners know something that we don't.
The dilemma is that this negative attitude is not merely the churlish sentiment of Joe Public, but is a perspective that has been repeatedly bolstered at a governmental level. Successive state governments have skirted the borders of obsession with the concept of 'Europeanising' the city. The idea that Perth's identity can only be found by looking abroad is a notion that has long been in the minds of our state's leaders; be it the liquor licensing laws aimed at promoting a more European drinking culture, the recent plans for a London Eye-style ferris wheel for the city's foreshore, or indeed former Premier Richard Court's ludicrous assertion that the Swan Bell Tower would rival its Eiffel counterpart, which perhaps takes the cake. The problems with this mentality are surely too numerous to examine at any great length, although it will suffice to mention that Europe, consisting of around fifty nations and the best part of three-quarters of a billion people, is not really a place, but a group of places and to draw a comparison between it and our own fine city is nothing short of apples-and-oranges talk. Accordingly, rather than looking to other locations from which to draw an identity, Perth need look within itself. Paris, after all, did not gain the international reputation that it enjoys by attempting to be more like London or Berlin - it developed an identity from within and exported it without. Trying to outdo other cities at their own game is an exercise in futility and amounts to settling for second-best. After all, why be a second-rate Paris, when we can be a first-rate Perth?

Lego bling... Stephen, collector of all things yellow

What are lego cufflinks?! 2x2 blocks of Lego, that keep cuffs together. Part of their appeal comes from playing with Lego as a child, but also from an appreciation of the simple yet brilliant design of a Lego brick.

What's the process of making them? Cut out the back of a Lego brick, fill it with glue, and insert a cufflink finding.

Where can we see them?Hopefully at a market soon, or on my site.

What's your favourite pair so far?The turn tables!

What other cool stuff do you make?Lego brooches, rings, the possibilities (as the toy encourages) are endless.

Profiles of Perth - from the outside looking in... Becky, graphic designer

When did you arrive in Perth? First time 1985, second time 2000
Where were you living before you moved to Perth? London
What motivated you to move to Perth? First time: My old flatmate from Oxford came here and sent a postcard stating 'I expect you to rock through the door any minute.' Boring job, just inherited some money, three weeks later. . .! Second time: Burned out with London life, wanted to sleep under the WA stars in a swag for New Year 2000, even though it ended up being in someone's backyard.
What makes you stay? I love the bush when I do go away. The smell and the landscape. The lifestyle's undeniably fantastic for the most part. Winter is very short. It's the only place I've lived where I've have such a diverse group of friends and acquaintances. Everyone gets on together and I love that.
Do you consider geographical isolation to be a limiting factor or not an issue at all? I would really like to move Perth a bit closer to some really big cities (preferably Europe), but then it just wouldn't been the same, would it?
How do you explore beyond Perth whilst living here? Visit friends, go on trips, sadly not nearly enough though.
Have you had much opportunity to experience or participate in any arts or cultural events in Perth? My studio worked on the event branding for Revelation from 2002-2006 and Deckchair Theatre for 2006 and 2007.
Do you have any comments on Perth in relation to your industry? I guess the fact that Perth is a small market, and most of the publishing houses are in the East.
What are the positive aspects of living and working in Perth? It's a beautiful place, it's easy-going and relaxed.
What are the negative aspects of living and working in Perth? It's so easy-going that I can fall into a laziness rut if I don't pay attention (what it's 2008 already!) and I have to try hard not to become too conservative here.

Profiles of Perth - from the outside looking in... Ed, graphic designer

When did you arrive in Perth? 2003
Where were you living before you moved to Perth? London
What motivated you to move to Perth? My partner at the time was from Perth, 'though we always planned to go to the east coast we seemed to get stuck here some how...(?)
What makes you stay? Laziness mainly but commitments and submersion in the rat race.
Do you consider geographical isolation to be a limiting factor or not an issue at all? An incredibly limiting factor when it comes to culture, attitudes and having to spend a fortune just to get somewhere different but other than that it makes no difference in this day and age...
How do you explore beyond Perth whilst living here? I travel as much as I can and make a point of seeing pretty much any culture that comes to town even if it's not my scene just to encourage more to do so.... There is an obvious financial aspect to bringing an exhibition (for example) to Perth. If you start subtracting groups of people that have no interest beyond the beach or bar from the already small population it's a wonder anything comes here at all...
Have you had much opportunity to experience or participate in any arts or cultural events in Perth? I experience as much as I can - in regards to participation... Best left to people with talent. Incidentally well done to mayk for getting stuck in...
Do you have any comments on Perth in relation to your industry? Small and retarded.
What are the positive aspects of living and working in Perth? A mild winter.
What are the negative aspects of living and working in Perth? A lack of snow.

Profiles of Perth - from the outside looking in... Julie, horticulturist

When did you arrive in Perth? 2003
Where were you living before you moved to Perth? I was living in London for two years then I spent nearly 18 months in Dublin and just before arriving in Perth I spent a few months living back home in NZ.
What motivated you to move to Perth? I had been travelling for many years and was not ready to settle back in to life in NZ. I had met many great people while overseas and funny enough many of them lived here in Perth!!! I spent about seven months back in NZ getting my self sorted and spending time with family and friends and getting money together to get me to Perth.
What makes you stay?I enjoy my time in Perth the outdoor life style suits me. I also have to say the mild winters help. I also would find it hard to leave my friends. Basically my life is here now.
Do you consider geographical isolation to be a limiting factor or not an issue at all? To be honest I love the fact Perth is so far away from everything it's the country feel I like. WA maybe a little backwards with some things but that's it charm. I don't enjoy the high cost of flights back to NZ they are a bit pricey.
How do you explore beyond Perth whilst living here? I find it very easy to get around Perth the public transport seems to be good. It seems to be mapped out well and with a Perth Road Map I have no trouble getting around. Getting to events is easy I have not had any trouble.
Have you had much opportunity to experience or participate in any arts or cultural events in Perth? No, not really. I have only been to a few events.
Do you have any comments on Perth in relation to your industry? As with most countries horticulture is a career that you can only really go so far with then you often need to branch out into your own business or retrain in another or similar field.
What are the positive aspects of living and working in Perth? There seems to be a lot of job and career opportunities.
What are the negative aspects of living and working in Perth? With my job the HEAT!!!

William Topp... recommended by Kelly-Anne and Sylvia

William Topp loves mixing old (not too old) with new. Finds from the 70's and 80's are mixed with modern offerings from Italy and Scandinavia, plus Australian made and designed, furniture, homewares and jewellery. The store is an evolving showcase, always seeking new objects to excite your imagination and enhance your life. 452 William Street, Perth. Open Wednesday to Friday 11am-6pm, Saturday 11am- 5pm and Sunday 11am - 4pm.

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