AT just 16, Ipswich-based rapper YKL is already carving out a name for himself in the Australian hip-hop scene.
With his new EP, Road to Redemption, freshly released, YKL is gearing up to headline his first show at Banshees in Ipswich, bringing together local and international talent.
“I had a bunch of songs sitting in my files that I really needed to release,” YKL said.
“Putting them all on the EP was the best way to clear out the vault. Some of these songs were even from before I started officially releasing music, but people kept telling me they needed to be heard.”
Momentum started to gain pace after YKL opened for prominent Australian rapper Bitter Belief at Miracle Ministries in Fortitude Valley.
“That show really sparked the idea of having my own gigs,” he said.
For his first headline show, he’s keeping it local, performing at Banshees – a venue well-known in Ipswich.
The lineup is already impressive, with YKL performing alongside close Ipswich friend and talented hip hop artist River Free, US artist Kalani, and Sydney rapper Donny Diesel.
“It’s insane to have such a strong lineup for my first headline,” YKL said.
“Kalani and Donny Diesel have been major inspirations in the scene, and River Free is massive.”
Despite his age, YKL approaches his career with a professional mindset.
“If you want to do well in music, you have to plan,” he said.
“I try to write, record, and release regularly. We even make spreadsheets to track promotion, pre-saves, and
release dates.
“Bitter Belief told me the key is just write, record, release – do it consistently, and eventually tracks gain traction. I took that advice seriously.”
Since leaving school last year, YKL has poured himself into music, already completing five or six shows in just a few months.
“Leaving school was a big decision, but it gave me more drive,” he said. “School would have dragged me into situations I didn’t want, so stepping away allowed me to focus completely on music.
“I record in my free time, and sometimes I force myself to write. I’ve got so many songs in the vault, just ready to be shared.”
Looking ahead, YKL plans to expand beyond Ipswich, shooting music videos and performing across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and beyond.
“Ipswich will always be home, but I want to show my art wherever I can. There’s only so much you can do in one town,” he said.
YKL is ready to take his music far beyond Ipswich – meanwhile he will headline the show at Banshees on Anzac Day night, with tickets through the venue website.
