Rhythm & Rhyme

BSM are forging new paths in New Zealand and global music. Their massive mix of Brazilian beats with afrobeat, funk and hip-hop has taken them throughout Australasia and the UK, including gigs at the WOMAD UK Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Sydney Festival and Byron Bay Blues and Roots Festival.

Based in Auckland, the 13-piece group has evolved from the impromptu 'Batucada' sessions back in 2003 to become one of New Zealand's most sought-after acts. Their tasty concoction of styles is given a hip-hop front courtesy of MC Hazadus (Che Fu and The Krates). This kingpin of the rising local hip-hop scene lays solid rhymes over the massive samba/reggae percussion, while the talented band adds rich Pacific soul, reggae and funk flavours.

With influences from bands such as Ozomatli, Manu Chao and Fela Kuti, BSM are fast developing a reputation for their diversity, musicality and collective impulsiveness - a BSM set can be a two hour long musically enlightening tour through a variety of different tempos, timings, beats, styles and rhymes. The soulful vocals and super-tight horn section layer the Latin infused rhythms and wall-of-sound percussion to form an intensity that has left crowds throughout Australasia and the UK in varying states of euphoria.

BSM proudly present to you their debut studio album 'Rhythm & Rhyme' - a super-sized Pacific dish of hip-hop, funk and afro-beat with a splash of hot Latin sauce! This eagerly anticipated sophomore release from the monster band, formerly known as Batucada Sound Machine, was lovingly crafted by renowned UK producer Neil Sparkes, who mixed and mastered the album in New York City, at the legendary Avatar studios. One of Neil's overriding goals for Rhythm and Rhyme was to capture the infectious energy and collective impulsiveness of BSM's live performances.

The resulting album honestly reflects BSM's musical integrity, it captures the bands blistering live energy, which they have become so famous for both nationally and abroad, but more importantly all thirteen of the musicians are proud of what they have made. From a handful of die-hard musicians meeting monthly in the dimly lit Galatos lounge bar in Auckland united by a passion for Brazilian beats to the mean streets of New York City and all the way home again - here's a taste of NZ music like you've never heard before!