The Infomatics is an Irish hip hop musical ensemble from Dublin. They consist of Bugs, BOC, Steo (aka Konchus Lingo), and Mr. Dero.[1] Steo's brother, Damien Gunn, was lead vocalist and saxman with Tokyo Olympics and previously DC Nien, a 1970s band who once feuded with U2.[1]
The Infomatics has released one album titled Kill or Create. They participated in the interactive music television series The Raw Sessions in 2009, winning the overall series. Since winning, they have been dubbed "the loudest voice in Irish hip hop".[1] They have been awarded the title Sony Ericsson Artist of the Year.
Style
The Infomatics perform with a jazz flute, guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, and two MCs.[1][2] They use organic instruments and loops, and their lyrics aim to describe their experience of Dublin life.
Career
The Infomatics performed their debut live show in the Red Box (since renamed the Pod).[1]
In 2008 The Infomatics released their debut album titled Kill or Create .[1][2] It featured a variety of genres such as reggae, jazz and electronica.[1]
In 2009 they created two original songs as part of The Raw Sessions with Sony Ericsson eight-part television series, for which they received The Raw Sessions Sony Ericsson Artist of the Year award.
The Infomatics participated in the music programme The Raw Sessions which was broadcast on RTÉ Two in 2009. They debuted in the third episode broadcast on 26 May 2009 and received a higher proportion of public votes than Noise Control to reach the semi-final to record a track at Grouse Lodge.[4][5][6] Their recording at Grouse Lodge was featured in the seventh episode of the programme which was broadcast on 23 June 2009. The Infomatics recorded "Let Me Fly", whilst Murphy recorded "From the Sun" with producers Lance Hogan and Michael Keeney and producer duo Arveene and Misk at Grouse Lodge.[7][8]
The Infomatics then participated in the live final at the Button Factory music venue alongside fellow finalists Dirty Epics and R.S.A.G. and won the series and the title Sony Ericsson Artist of the Year.[3][9][10][11][12][13] They also received a prize of one week of recording at Grouse Lodge, a package from Sony Ericsson and a feature on a flip-cover of 16 July 2009 issue of Hot Press.[9][14]
Arthur's Day
The Infomatics performed at the Arthur's Day international events in Dublin on 24 September 2009.[15]
^ abcdefghijCelina Murphy (21 July 2009). "Infomatics for the People". Hot Press. Retrieved 4 August 2009. Some Hot Press archive digging later reveals that Steo's brother, Damien Gunn, was lead vocalist and saxman with '70s outfit DC Nien, once involved in a kind of primitive Blur/Oasis-style feud with superstars U2. [...] A few years and a few rounds of band member musical chairs later, The Infomatics hit the stage in the Red Box (now the Pod) for their first ever live show. [...] I'm sure I'm not the first person to mention that winning The Raw Sessions has made The Infomatics the loudest voice in Irish hip hop. [...] on debut album, 2008's Kill Or Create they embraced reggae, jazz and electronica freely and frequently
^"Acts for Guinness birthday bash". The Irish Times. 11 September 2009. Retrieved 12 September 2009. Hip-hop innovator Roots Manuva is joined by Scottish singer Paolo Nutini, indiepop favourites The Magic Numbers, LA power- poppers OK Go and noise- rock duo White Belt Yellow Tag. Irish acts include David Kitt, Oppenheimer, Fionn Regan, The High Kings, General Fiasco, Jerry Fish and the Mudbug Club, The Coronas, and The Infomatics.