Dallas Woods is the one we’re watching. The Noongar MC’s debut project Julie’s Boy drops today, a powerful mini-album detailing his upbringing in North Western Australia, and an ode to his mother Julie, a community leader who was a part of the Stolen Generation. The project is poignant, touching on topics of race and reality, and cements Woods’ status as one of the best MC’s in the country. We spoke to the artist about the story behind Julie’s Boy:

Congratulations on this body of work. We love it, it’s so powerful. Tell us about the story behind the name Julie’s Boy. Did growing up in North Western Australia shape your sound? How so?

“Julie is my mother's name and growing up I was always referred to as julie's boy when being introduced to older members of the community. My mum had a very strong reputation and loved by many so it was a blessing and a curse at the time but now it’s a badge of honour. family are the reason I do what I do so even though we are on the opposite sides of the county I keep their energy with me. And 100% growing up in western Australia shaped my sound, it's such a mix of north and south western Australia - Kriol raised me so I'm very happy to sound like where I was raised.”

When did you begin creating this album? What was your mission on this project? Who did you work with? 

“It's been a few years in the making working with many of Australia's elite producers names such as JUJO, Willy Tafa, Pip Norman - having them on board was crucial to the sonic quality of this project. my homie Jordan Dennis makes his mark on the record being the only feature artist flexing with his ridiculous talent both on the hooks and verses - my mission is just to make quality music with my favourite talents and put WA on the Map.”

What did you learn about yourself while making this record?

“I learnt just how much I love music and how far I can push my creativity if I put myself in the right creative spaces with like minded people. i'm always trying to grow and being able to use my music as a way to gauge where i'm at is something I find therapeutic and humbling.”

You touch on really important topics on this album. What do you hope people take away from listening to Julie’s Boy?

“To take getting help or helping others seriously, not for applause or attention but because it's real and people are in need of compassion and empathy. The world has been tough the last couple of years, more now than ever we need to give positive energy to our fellow friends and fam that are not quite recovered yet. Sitting on the fence is not natural, it's just as damaging."

How can people support and effectively help when it comes to the issues you talk about?

“Really do the work get educated on the topics I touch on so when someone is out of line you can correct with knowledge not emotion and we can move towards healing and change not defending ego and opinion ignorance is no excuse.”

What is something you’re passionate about in 2022 (aside from music)?

“I love AFL more than life itself, so just can't wait to support my beloved Western bulldogs and hopefully get to a few games. I'm also looking forward to getting back to my beautiful home Wyndham in the east Kimberley's now that the borders are open - it's been a minute. I'm also continuing my youth work and work with the next generation to try and create more opportunities for them.”

You have a great flow. Which MC’s have you looked up to and been inspired by?

“I’m inspired by many different artists spanning many eras especially in the hip hop scene, KRS-One to Eminem or Jurassic Five to Busta Rhymes, 2-Pac to J. Cole, just to name a few. I'm a student of the game and as long I come correct with my lyrics I feel I channel them all.”

There’s a lot of unrest in the world right now. What are you hopeful for?

“That we all prioritise what's really important in life and that’s actually living it hoping we reach out and make available more mental and physical health call lines websites and facilities on a grass roots level - let's look after each other.”

What’s next?

“Always gonna keep creating and working towards the next project. I’m still on a high that Julie's Boy is out now and were touring that in April but looking forward to just enjoying the project with my team and my family been a long time in the making.”

Listen to Julie's Boy here.