Acclaimed Australian music producer James Mangohig has released his debut solo album 'ISA' under the new mantle Kuya James. We talk with James about how the process of collaborating deferred when still working with his regulars, cultural and sonics inspirations, and how the global pandemic changed the course of the album among much more.

Host: Sammy

Originally Aired: 21/10/2020

Socials: @kuyajamesmusic & @synhiphop

Acclaimed Australian music producer James Mangohig has released his debut solo album 'ISA' under the new mantle Kuya James. We talk with James about how the process of collaborating deferred when still working with his regulars, cultural and sonics inspirations, and how the global pandemic changed the course of the album among much more.
Host:&nbsp;Sammy
Originally Aired:&nbsp;21/10/2020
Socials:&nbsp;@kuyajamesmusic &amp; @synhiphop

SYN Hip Hop is a show that celebrates all things Hip Hop. It sheds light only the underground Hip Hop scene within Australia as well as showing love to international music in the Hip Hop genre.

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Kuya James Interview | SYN Hip Hop

Hailing from the vibrant underground of Naarm/Melbourne, Teether & Kuya Neil are a boundary-pushing rapper-producer duo redefining the sound of contemporary Australian hip-hop. Their chemistry is electric — Teether's sharp, immersive storytelling weaves seamlessly through Kuya Neil’s unorthodox, futuristic production. Together, they create music that’s as cerebral as it is visceral — pulling from rap, punk, glitch, garage, and everything in between.

Their aesthetic, both sonically and visually, is rooted in a DIY ethos, shaped by glitchy internet culture, late-night existentialism, and a raw awareness of urban life. Over the years, they’ve built a cult following, becoming key figures in Melbourne's alternative music scene while earning praise from outlets like Rolling Stone AU/NZ, NME, and Guardian Australia.

Following acclaimed releases like GLYPH and STRESSOR — the latter earning a 2024 AIR Award nomination — the duo is gearing up for their most ambitious project yet: their debut album, YEARN IV, dropping May 2 via Chapter Music. The record is already turning heads with standout singles like “ZOO” and “BLUSH”, which blend vulnerability and grit with genre-defying production.

With a recent headline performance at The Gasometer and a Golden Plains Festival debut under their belt, Teether & Kuya Neil are carving a unique lane — one that’s as reflective as it is revolutionary. Expect YEARN IV to be an uncompromising statement of artistry that cements them as two of Australia’s most forward-thinking creative

Hailing from the vibrant underground of Naarm/Melbourne, Teether &amp; Kuya Neil are a boundary-pushing rapper-producer duo redefining the sound of contemporary Australian hip-hop. Their chemistry is electric &mdash; Teether's sharp, immersive storytelling weaves seamlessly through Kuya Neil&rsquo;s unorthodox, futuristic production. Together, they create music that&rsquo;s as cerebral as it is visceral &mdash; pulling from rap, punk, glitch, garage, and everything in between.
Their aesthetic, both sonically and visually, is rooted in a DIY ethos, shaped by glitchy internet culture, late-night existentialism, and a raw awareness of urban life. Over the years, they&rsquo;ve built a cult following, becoming key figures in Melbourne's alternative music scene while earning praise from outlets like Rolling Stone AU/NZ, NME, and Guardian Australia.
Following acclaimed releases like GLYPH and STRESSOR &mdash; the latter earning a 2024 AIR Award nomination &mdash; the duo is gearing up for their most ambitious project yet: their debut album, YEARN IV, dropping May 2 via Chapter Music. The record is already turning heads with standout singles like &ldquo;ZOO&rdquo; and &ldquo;BLUSH&rdquo;, which blend vulnerability and grit with genre-defying production.
With a recent headline performance at The Gasometer and a Golden Plains Festival debut under their belt, Teether &amp; Kuya Neil are carving a unique lane &mdash; one that&rsquo;s as reflective as it is revolutionary. Expect YEARN IV to be an uncompromising statement of artistry that cements them as two of Australia&rsquo;s most forward-thinking creative

Teether & Kuya Neil | SYN Hip Hop

Punkbari is an emerging Australian artist and music producer based in Melbourne, known for his experimental fusion of electronic, punk, and rage sounds. His work often blends glitchy textures, distorted vocals, and dark, atmospheric beats, creating a unique sonic experience.​

In 2023, Punkbari released the album 361 Point Cook Rd, a project that encapsulates a distinctive style. The album features tracks like "hellohello" and "scooby doo," which showcase his innovative approach to music production. 

Active on platforms like SoundCloud and Instagram (@punkbari), Punkbari offers glimpses into his creative process. While also maintaining a relatively low public profile, their innovative approach has garnered attention within Melbourne's underground music scene. 

 

<a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2qG5Tdtxs2q6A4bjThXTZO?si=EM2IqNhiS620pTdLOLqJQA">Punkbari</a> is an emerging Australian artist and music producer based in Melbourne, known for his experimental fusion of electronic, punk, and rage sounds. His work often blends glitchy textures, distorted vocals, and dark, atmospheric beats, creating a unique sonic experience.​
In 2023, Punkbari released the album 361 Point Cook Rd, a project that encapsulates a distinctive style. The album features tracks like "hellohello" and "scooby doo," which showcase his innovative approach to music production.&nbsp;
Active on platforms like SoundCloud and Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/punkbari?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==">@punkbari</a>), Punkbari offers glimpses into his creative process. While also maintaining a relatively low public profile, their innovative approach has garnered attention within Melbourne's underground music scene.&nbsp;
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Punkbari | SYN Hip Hop

Say hello to the man with the super swag, better known as, Dylan Billiondollars. When we tell you we've never seen a brighter representation of positive energy we mean it. He came to us in May of 2024 to chat about his recent single at the time Homegirl, which has probably gone platinum on our teams playlists. A true gust of fresh air; Dylan strives to breakthrough with his self titled genre, "lux" music, and oh boy does it deliver. The true embodiment of swag and talent will keep you schmoovin and groovin. As of 2025, Dylan has released his studio album ##SWAGSTYLE and its a G-Funk revival (*PSST* he Even featured the hip hop show on a track!). A phenomenal artist and person first; be on the look out as he's flying through the ranks with his PSP in hand and he just might steal yo girl.

Say hello to the man with the super swag, better known as, Dylan Billiondollars. When we tell you we've never seen a brighter representation of positive energy we mean it. He came to us in May of 2024 to chat about his recent single at the time Homegirl, which has probably gone platinum on our teams playlists. A true gust of fresh air; Dylan strives to breakthrough with his self titled genre, "lux" music, and oh boy does it deliver. The true embodiment of swag and talent will keep you schmoovin and groovin. As of 2025, Dylan has released his studio album <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/3XPpoPt4zyc5ughwAPGZwd?si=270676ccb4d941d3">##SWAGSTYLE</a> and its a G-Funk revival (<a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/5inLScBzeWJcGUug8mQVYO?si=987cb63090b04856">*PSST* he Even featured the hip hop show on a track!</a>). A phenomenal artist and person first; be on the look out as he's flying through the ranks with his PSP in hand and he just might steal yo girl.

Kuya James Interview | SYN Hip Hop

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