In a music scene dominated by global names, 20-year-old berkly (Dylan Riordan) from Adelaide, Australia, is carving out his space with a unique blend of melodic rap inspired by icons like Lil Tecca and the collective Internet Money. His story, marked by passion, perseverance, and an unyielding belief in his dreams, embodies the ethos of independent artistry.
From Beats to Bars: A Journey of Passion
berkly’s love for music began at the age of 12, writing lyrics and honing his craft. But it was in 2019, after hearing Lil Tecca’s “Love Me”, that his artistic direction crystallized. “That song changed everything for me. It made me realize my passion for melodic rap,” he says. Drawing inspiration from Internet Money’s Taz Taylor and his team of trailblazing producers, berkly aspires to create music that resonates worldwide.
A Global Collaboration
Despite being based in Australia, berkly’s sound transcends borders. He collaborates with TwonTwon, a producer in America, and mixedbyluke, a mixing and mastering engineer in Wales. Together, they craft tracks that are polished and authentic, blending emotional lyrics with modern production techniques.
Challenges of Independent Artists
The road to recognition has not been easy. For berkly, the biggest challenge has been balancing his full-time job with his music ambitions. “It costs me around $500 AUD per song for production, promotion, and visuals. As an artist making no money from music yet, it’s stressful, but I’ve learned the importance of investing in myself,” he explains.
He also emphasizes the role of presentation in music. “It’s like food—you look before you eat. If it doesn’t look good, you won’t want to try it. That’s why I spend on professional covers and profiles to ensure my music stands out.”
First of Many
berkly’s recently released EP, First Of Many, is a bold statement. It’s more than just a collection of songs; it’s a declaration of his intent to succeed in a competitive industry. The EP reflects his growth as an artist and serves as a glimpse into the future of what he plans to deliver.
Dreams of the Big Stage
Looking ahead, berkly dreams of performing in front of thousands, sharing stages with the world’s best artists. “Music is universal; it’s for everyone. I want my songs to make people feel important and unstoppable, just like my favorite artists did for me.”
He also wants to be living proof that dreams, no matter how big, can come true with hard work and belief.
Connect with berkly
As berkly’s journey unfolds, he invites listeners to be part of his story. Stream his music, follow his journey, and witness the rise of a new voice in Australian hip-hop.
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Listen to First Of Many and join the journey of an artist who refuses to give up on his dream.