Announced: Jamaica Moana – BUD & DENI EP + ‘LIVIN’ OUT WEST’

Jamaica Moana announces her new EP BUD & DENI, released August 1st. Following a first play on triple j Unearthed’s TOPS, she releases fierce new single, and ode to Western Sydney, ‘LIVIN’ OUT WEST’.

“I’m extremely proud to be from The West. It’s a beautifully diverse melting pot of cultures, with a plethora of connections to home as diasporic people. I had to honour this with a sound that took me back to listening to my brothers listening to West Coast rappers when I was a toddler. With childhood memories of 2 metre tall Tupac posters & the ‘96 All Eyez On Me album blasting in my brother’s room – I didn’t have to draw too far for inspiration. These past memories and current experiences fused together to create my perfect Western Sydney anthem,” said Jamaica Moana of the single.

‘LIVIN’ OUT WEST’ is the third glimpse into the genre-bending EP. The Sydney-based queer rap artist also released ‘KEEP IT REAL’, a reflective slow jam about losing her father at the tender age of 20. This delicate, groove-filled single is hairpin turn from the fierce rapture of ‘TUGGAWAR’, revealing the multitudes that make up Jamaica Moana, and a promise of what’s to come in the EP.

“I knew this EP had to begin with loss and go from there. Bud & Deni are my parents. I grew up calling my father Bud (rhymes with good, short for buddha) and my mother Deni (short for Denise). They are the reason I was born, so my first-born EP is named after them,” said Jamaica of the six-track EP.

“This EP feels like the collection of my vast intersection of life through one formed story. I have many pieces of my life that individually are challenged by societal norms, but collectively accepted in the form of Jamaica Moana. For example, people still think living out west is a disadvantage but when it’s a part of my story, they like it. With this template, I’ve seen people who don’t understand QPOC, yet through my music – they somehow can understand me beyond our differences.

“The EP tracks 6 different genres, but is a linear storyline, like 6 unique siblings that share the same blood.”

Fresh off a blistering triple j BARS appearance, headline shows at Sydney’s Phoenix Central Park and Sissy Ball, and a special guest spot in ethereal hip-hop artist DEVAURA’s April launch show, it’s safe to say that this year belongs to Jamaica Moana. She also has a series of exciting appearances on the horizon, including SXSW Sydney, and Dark Mofo.

Stream / download ‘LIVIN’ OUT WEST’ here.
Pre-save / pre-order BUD & DENI here.