Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?
Jordan: Auckland, full of talent. Almost everyone is making some sort of music, so there is always a decent amount of inspiration around.
Billy: Melbourne, the music scene here is really strong, especially the hip-hop scene.
Grateful to have worked with some of the best acts.
How did you first get into music?
Billy: Ironically I failed all my music classes in school but turned out really enjoy it in uni. Meeting so many great artists there really inspired me to give it a try.
Jordan: Primary school, I played the trumpet for the school orchestra. From there I just kept picking up new instruments, sounds and ideas.
How did Gated Community form?
Jordan: Long time school friends. We both ended up making tracks and decided it would be dope to link up for a song, titled “Low Life”. From there we just kept getting better and better, and found we make a great team when working together.
What’s been happening recently and has COVID19 impacted your workflow?
Billy: My workflow has been relatively the same,
although there is less for me to write about since I’m not outside as much.
Been pouring most of my music time into writing and producing my album.
Jordan and I work remotely about 90% of the time anyway so we’re still able to work on the same amount of bangers as usual in lockdown.
Jordan: Lots of life adjustments. Figuring out a way to do what I love and also make a living.
It has been a busy year! Solo projects are on the way, along with multiple collab projects.
Covid-19 may have impacted my job, but caused a lot more tracks to be made.
Your new single ‘Lay Low and Snitch’ will be out on August 21, what influenced the sound and songwriting for this track?
Jordan: I had just finished work and noticed Billy had sent me a new track he was working on. I was pretty amped up, and his flow / verse was just incredible. I wrote the verse in all caps to remind my self to go hard.
Billy: For me the beat just brought out a side of me I don’t think I see often enough, I just had the wackiest sh*t on my mind and wanted to rap it haha.
How did you go about writing Lay Low and Snitch?
Billy: I was blasting the beat on my speakers and ended up writing my verse way faster than I usually write one. I was so keen to record it, I knew Jordan would be a perfect fit for the track so I sent it to him as soon as I recorded.
Jordan: Locked in the studio, and full of energy. I wanted to maintain the flow from our previous collab whilst delivering a fresh sound. (also same answer as question above)
Where and when did you record and who with?
Jordan: My home Studio in Auckland. I recorded at about 1AM with my friend and frequent collaborator, Wizard of Oz.
Billy: I think we did this track back in May.
I was just home, alone in my room in the afternoon working on my verse and hook.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Billy: I’ve been listening to Mac Miller’s new album so much, absolutely love it.
I’ve had a lot of James Blake on repeat too.
Jordan: Logic, absolutely too excited for his new and last album, “No Pressure”.
Kendrick Lamar has always been my top favourite though.
Recently I have been listening to more ambient music for relaxation.
What do you like to do away from music?
Jordan: Traveling and road trips, it’s good to get away. I find new environments can help with my creative process.
Billy: I’ve definitely been less adventurous due to lockdown haha so for me I’ve just been chilling in quarantine with my girlfriend, playing Mario Kart and binging The Office.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2020?
Billy: Trying to experience as much as I can with the circumstances being what they are while keeping safe of course.
Gonna be pumping out a single every month until December as well.
Jordan: Honestly just a lot of releases, more recordings and a general good time.
Hoping to get back to Australia to see the boy Billy for some more recording.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Jordan: The beer spot Whangaparaoa, honestly dope.
Burgers and beer, what else do I need?
Billy: There’s a Taco Bell near my new place so that’s been the spot at the moment haha.
