Mr Big Stuff I Need Space Interview

Mr Big Stuff Is a New Face on the Scene

Exciting newcomer Mr Big Stuff has announced his brilliant, hooky debut single I Need Space, featuring synthpop auteurs Strange Talk, out now. Mr Big Stuff, otherwise known as Gregory Truman, has also announced a quirky and fun video clip to accompany the track, created in collaboration with Lionel Towers (Gypsy & The Cat) and Andrew Mortlock (Cookin' on 3 Burners, The Griswolds). I Need Space is a witty, poppy introduction to this up and coming Australian hip hop artist.

I Need Space is a great example of a satisfying and exciting cross-section of pop and hiphop, and it's impressive to see an artist debut with such a strong, established sound and aesthetic. Cool and collected, Mr Big Stuff's brilliant lyricism floats cleverly atop a bed of rolling percussion and smooth synths. Strange Talk is the perfect artist to join in on I Need Space, and as the track leans into the chorus, you'll be hard-pressed to get the vocal hook out of your head. "I Need Space was inspired by a break up close to my family. I was at the studio writing and I got a call from one of the people involved in the breakup. We got talking and as I was holding back tears, they said to me I just need my space," explains Mr Big Stuff, "I was in a bit of a sad mood, not knowing what to do - so I walked back into the studio, and 5 minutes later I Need Space was born."

The clip for I Need Space travels far and wide, as the scene jumps from a surrealist library, to a vast desert landscape, to apocalyptic carpark, to an infinite galaxy. The colourful, psychedelic clip is a feast for the eyes, and, juxtaposed against the melancholy theme of the lyrics, presents a vibrant reflection of a relationship that has just ended. It's fun, it's strange, and it's a must-watch, as Mr Big Space explains, "Originally we had a space theme idea and then we kind of went for an idea of space overall - as in, the landscape of space and being transported to different worlds. I had just gotten back from overseas when the idea for the clip was formed, and within a week we had set up filming locations, props, outfits, etc. It was a lot of work by the whole team and I'm very grateful to quality of the content that was produced."

Mr Big Stuff is a new face on the scene, but it won't stay that way for long, as an EP is already in the works for the charming hip hop artist. Music and dance has been a passion for Mr Big Stuff since childhood, as he sweetly enthuses, "I love to live life to the fullest. I was in a bad state, mentally and health-wise, for a while there, but now I have a new zest on life. I used to hide away because of my size, but now I embrace it! I got into making music through dancing, and the love and feeling that music gave me. I'm filled with joy to be able to finally come out from the shadows and show the world what has always been inside of me."

Interview with Mr Big Stuff

Question: What inspired the track I Need Space?

Mr Big Stuff: I Need Space was inspired by a break up within my family; one of the people involved said the words "I need space," and the song was born.


Question: How did the Strange Talk featuring on I Need Space come about?

Mr Big Stuff: Lionel Towers who produced the track has been friends with those guys for a long time now; after the majority of the song was written he suggested that they'd be really good for the track and also to write the bridge; so you can thank the great man Lionel for that.


Question: Can you tell us about filming the video for I Need Space?

Mr Big Stuff: Wow it was a long week shooting that but it was so much fun. Everyone involved had such amazing energy and we pushed through to get it done in two days. We filmed the majority of the clip at a factory with a green screen and then the remainder was done down past the Morning Peninsula. Organising all the props, sets etc was definitely the hardest part.

Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Mr Big Stuff: Can I say both equally? Recording is so amazing because you're able to come up with ideas you didn't have five minutes ago. I find the process of song writing and production such a beautiful art form. With performing the energy you get from the crowd and the atmosphere just can't be beat. So they both have their strong points and they're both something I enjoy doing.


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Mr Big Stuff: It would have to be Missy Elliot I think, I love her style and the way she makes outrages video clips, such a legend!


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Mr Big Stuff: My motivation is to leave my mark on this world. I want something around for when I'm gone and music is my outlet to do so. I'm also motivated by the creation of something from nothing. You start off with not an idea and at the end of a session you have something. That's pretty special to me.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Mr Big Stuff: I'm listening to a lot of Cuban Music right now as well as, Louis Prima, Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, Macklemore, Khalid, Urban throwback playlists and Jess Glynne.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?
Mr Big Stuff: I met a producer named Dug-Infinite in San Francisco a fair few years back. We did my first ever track together and from there I was hooked; he made me realise that what I had I in my head I could get out and turn it into something listenable. Dug-Infinite was the one that made me realise it was a possibility to make something of it.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Mr Big Stuff: I'd love to collaborate with Bruno Mars or Macklemore; both of them have a great style which I love and I think they'd be fun to write with.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Mr Big Stuff: A typical day starts with a shower, a bit of YouTube/music and getting some emails and work done. Then depending on the day I usually will run some errands or attend to some work requirements. For days that involve music I am in at the studio writing and coming up with ideas for future tracks. After lunch I'll start to think about prepping for dinner. Usually we like to cook homemade meals so I like to make sure it's done right. Throughout the day I'm forever recording ideas on my phone for future tracks. After dinner its unwind time and I chill with some TV with the family and then off to bed.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Mr Big Stuff: My favourite part has been working with all the amazing writers and producers; meeting all these talented and wonderful people has really enriched my life. I am so lucky to have worked with some amazing people and hopefully I can continue to do so in the future.


Question: Can you share your socials?

Mr Big Stuff: @mrbigstuffmusic www.facebook.com/mrbigstuffmusic
www.mrbigstuffworld.com

Interview by Brooke Hunter