Luka Lesson

Australia’s best-selling poet and hip-hop artist, Luka Lesson features multi award-winning Indigenous artist, Kahl Wallis (The Medics) on his new single Living Artefact, a strong, defiant world hip-hop track determined to continue their contemporary cultural songlines.ORDER FROM AMRAP'S AIRITPassionate and proud of their respective heritages, Lesson and Wallis will be celebrating the release of Living Artefact with an extensive Australian tour kicking off end of August to all major cities and regional centres too.Dubbed "a sonic literary genius", Lesson is known world-wide as a leading Aussie slam poet with two best-selling poetry books, two music EPs and national tours with Nahko and Medicine for the People (US), Akala (UK) and Tiki Taane (NZ) to his name.“Luka Lesson shines on Living Artefact, sharing with us a much-needed dose of culture, ancestry and heritage. His flow is hypnotic and his delivery radiates strength. Kahl Wallis’ voice uplifts. The two together make this song truly hit home.”— L-FRESH THE LIONBorn in Brisbane to parents of Greek heritage Lesson said, "Looking at how to break free from racist stereotypes and represent a narrative of ancient cultures in contemporary words and music that challenge and inspire audiences gave birth to Living Artefact.“It is a statement to combat the sterilisation of both of our cultures, where difference is celebrated as a part of our lineage which has brought both of us to our contemporary experiences.”A powerful voice not be silenced, the Warner Music signed Wallis said, “The song to me, poetically and artistically touches on the displacement and continued forced assimilation of First Nations people around the world."For me it’s a personal, spiritual journey which has deep connection to ancestors and country. I’m a living continuation of my ancestors and we are living proof of how to maintain resilience and strength, respecting and acknowledging those who have come before us, who have shaped and inspired our voice."Luka said he draws much inspiration from his personal lineage of Greek story-tellers, street artists and modern music makers and is committed to using the powerful medium of word and music to “reignite passion, understanding and awareness around cultural and racial issues.”“We’re having a great resurgence in orating one’s own story to large crowds. However, where we used to be called story-tellers or bards and the venues amphitheaters, caves and under trees; we are now rappers, singers and slam poets and our venues big stages, bars and YouTube."In order to keep our cultures alive, especially for Indigenous peoples whose stories are so often repressed, we find voice again in oral traditions through these new mediums. The need to speak out and be heard is essentially irrepressible. “It’s an exciting time to be a poet and hip-hop artist. And, it’s as important as ever to bring these issues into the mainstream conscience so we can break down cultural barriers for a more cohesive world where everyone’s heritage is truly celebrated and valued.”Luka Lesson and Kahl Wallis kick off the Living Artefact tour this August fresh from Luka performing at 2017’s Splendour in the Grass and hosting a writers’ retreat in Greece (Rhodes); and Kahl emerging from the recording studio where he is currently creating his much-anticipated debut solo album.LIVING ARTEFACT BY LUKA LESSON FEAT. KAHL WALLIS IS AVAILABLE ON ALL DIGITAL OUTLETS 30 JUNE 2017.