INDIANAPOLIS – From local artist group New Wave Collective’s debut project, “The Urrday Tape,” to its most recent release, “The Wave Tape, Vol. 1,” the artists behind the group have crafted their own distinct flavor of hip-hop.
The Indianapolis-based nonprofit organization and music archive Musical Family Tree will offer a night of stacked hip-hop performances Thursday night featuring members of New Wave Collective.
Performances include Jeremiah Stokes, Mula Kkhan, recent Clint Breeze collaborator Diop and Jay Brookinz Beat Battle winner Mandog.
Since it performed at Indianapolis venue the Hi-Fi’s Skydive event in 2014, the group has been working to build a reputation for itself.
Musical Family Tree’s event coordinator Seth Johnson featured members of the New Wave Collective in a feature for Indianapolis alt-weekly Nuvo back in 2015.
“I have been drawn to New Wave Collective since I first heard them, honestly,” Johnson said. “There’s something about those guys that just seems organic and real. They are masters on the mic but also tend to pair their lyrical work with engaging beats.”
Despite opening its premiere brick-and-mortar venue space in Fountain Square early last month, logistical issues with the space required the rest of Musical Family Tree’s February shows to be moved to alternative spaces.
Most of its shows throughout the month will take palce at the nearby Fountain Square Brewery with additional shows at Square Cat Vinyl and State Street Pub.
“We are so very thankful for the support the local music community has given us in dealing with the changes,” Johnson said. “Fountain Square Brewery is a sponsor of Musical Family Tree, and they have truly been lifesavers throughout the process of moving shows to new venues.”
The idea of artist collectives has been steadily gaining momentum in the local arts especially in local hip-hop communities. From Ghost Gun Summer and Strong Roots to Ultra and New Wave, by banding together to create and express themselves, artists can inspire and challenge each other.
“I think they typically are beneficial in that they help all members of the collective come up together, which in turn helps with gaining notoriety,” Johnson said.
