Renowned party-starters return to UC stage

Jacquelyn Curtis

5 September 2006: Canberra band Casual Projects are bringing their unique hip-hop style back to the University for the first time since they wowed the crowds at last year's Stonefest.

The eight-piece outfit, which has been "likened to many, but are unlike no other" will play at the UCU bar on 8 September.

The eight-piece band is likely to fill the stage on Friday night

Formed in 2004, Casual Projects have spent the past two years gigging earning a loyal fan base in Canberra and a reputation of being able kick-start any party.

Casual Projects are no stranger to the University- having sweated it out on the UCU bar stage for Battle of the Bands in their early days. For saxophonist Dan Bray, his return to the University will give him the opportunity to 'teach' the audience a thing or two since completing a diploma of education here last year.

"UC had a great vibe when I studied there last year and the live shows were awesome," he said. "It'll be a buzz to be back there doing a show. Should be an awesome night!"

The upcoming gig marks the first time the band has performed a full set at the UCU bar and will provide fans the opportunity to hear some new sounds as the band test drives new material.

"We've cut some old songs from our set, and at the moment we're really geared towards producing material for a new album," said drummer Yen Nguyen.

Not ones to pigeon-hole their sound, MC Munro Melano said it was "hard to say" how their hip-hop/funk sound could be described, but promised a great set complimented by support acts Los Capitans, DeJah Groove and Hancock Basement.

"The eight of us are all interested in different things," Nguyen said, "We're learning how to fit together all those interests - but hip-hop is the uniting thing that pulls it all together."