We caught up with Indigenous hip hop artist Eskatology after the release of his excellent new single ‘Good Trouble’.
Adelaide’s Eskatology, otherwise known as Jono Stier, is a First Nations artist who pairs thoughtful lyrics with powerful flow as he uses his music as an emotive output.
His new single is called ‘Good Trouble’ and it sees the rapper team up with the legendary soul musician Steve Clisby who provides vocals on the track.
The title was inspired by the late, great civil rights activist John Lewis, who spoke on getting into “good trouble.” The song, then, is Eskatology’s call to stand up for what you believe in, no matter who you are.
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The inclusion of Clisby is key: he grew up in the U.S. during the racial segregation of the 50’s and he offers a differing but similar experience to Eskatology’s struggles of fitting into Australian society as a First Nations artist.
‘Good Trouble’ hits hard, empowering the listener to fight injustice when they see it, regardless of race, culture or nationality.
We thought it was a great time to catch up with Eskatology as part of our popular Get To Know series to discuss his music, inspirations, and future plans.
Check out ‘Good Trouble’:
How did your artist name come about?
I reckon I was strongly influenced by American culture. I was once called J-locc in my teens, which went with an American accent and negative mindset. A matured me then searched for something that represents myself, what I believe in, and what I understand.
After a bit of searching I came across ‘Eschatology’ which is the study of the end times, or talk of the end times.
Discussing a lot of issues round life, death, and changes in life in my music seemed like a natural fit for the term Eskatology. It became a moniker for me – this idea of belonging to something bigger than myself.
How would you describe your music to your grandma?
My nana has passed unfortunately, on my dad’s side. To someone “elderly” I would have to tell them I write raps, or simplified I am a poet of sorts who creates music through lyrical words putting them together to make a story about what I see and through the lens of society.
Tell us about a few of your tracks; their titles and what they’re about?
Where do I start! My latest is called ‘Good Trouble’ and it speaks on the need to stand up for what you believe in and what is right and put it in a positive manner, speaking out against bogus laws, bigotry, and equality issues that tend to oppress people.
Then you have ‘Demonz’ which digs deep at the core of feelings of going insane. It’s an inside look at someone who has suffered anxiety and panic and has felt it down to their soul.
What do you love about your hometown?
My hometown where I live now is the Adelaide hills. I love that it’s close to the city but also away from the city, and how the temperature drops a few degrees between the hills and the city. There’s the beautiful scenery of trees, hills, and countryside, it’s just fascinating.
Career highlight so far?
I have been blessed! So many good things have happened over my music journey, from sharing a green room with the hilarious Butterfingers, who are the most humble and funny guys! When I supported them a few years back, we had a stressed out sound guy at a venue in Adelaide, and the guys thought what he needed was a quick massage, so they all took turns massaging the stress out of this stranger.
There are two others: performing at an event with the legendary DJ Yella (NWA) for Beers and BBQ festival. He was such a legend and humbled dude. Funnily enough he is religious but I had to share my teenage years seeing his side hustle of filming a few adult movies, which he wasn’t too fond of talking about!
And finally opening for Seth Sentry! He put on a killer set and I was blessed and happy just to support a legend. To top it off The Hoods turned up to support the show, and I even got a fridge with my name on it! Top of my list.
Check out ‘Demonz’:
Fave non-music hobby?
I like to cook at times, when I’m the mood, or edit film. I like to edit my own clips and move creative ideas around.
What’s on your dream rider?
Let’s say 2 buckets of KFC chicken, 25x double quarter pounders burgers, 6 bottles of Corona Ligera, 6 bottles of Corona, 12 bottles of Mount Franklin water, 4 bottles of Coke, 4 bottles Coke No Sugar, and 12 pack of Rainbow Paddle Pops.
Dream music collaboration?
I want to work with Briggs, he’s such a great idol for the First Nations community in providing quality music.
Internationally I’d say Brother Ali would be a top pick for me. I’d love that to happen, the hard work he puts into tours, the chilled nature of the music, I love it.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Got to be The Bee Gees’ ‘Stayin’ Alive’, but I also do a rendition of ‘Down Under’. That can be found online, it’s very cliché and around 12 years old so you’ll have to take my word for it.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
I strive to make sure everything is perfect in a song. I will go through a few mixes, demos, etc. until getting that final version that you hear.
Check out ‘Not Like Me’:
