Musician hoping for big US break

Kapiti musician Ants Ransley, whose stage name is Kirim, is battling it out for a chance to work with established American hip hop and R&B label Def Jam.

A Kapiti man is among a group of New Zealand's best aspiring hip hop and R&B musicians battling it out for the chance to gain a career changing promotion in the United States.

Ants Ransley, of Waikanae, will compete in November 25's semi-finals of the Def Jam New Zealand competition, run by major American recording label Def Jam, before hopefully making it to the final 16 on December 10.

Def Jam, which specialises in hip hop, R&B and urban music, is owned by Universal Music Group and has managed industry leading names including Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Vince Staples, Common and Big Sean.

If Ants, 23, makes it to the finals event, he will perform for former label executive Mike Neely, who has 30 years' music business experience and is an authorised talent scout for Def Jam.

For Ants, whose industry name is Kirim, the opportunity could fast track his music career.

"This is what we've been working towards; a chance to show Mike Neely why he ought to be watching Kirim," said Ants, who secured a national following as a member of Wellington hip hop band and collective The No Problemos.

"Anything's possible after that."

Having been in the studio all year, working around the clock, Ants had used his background in rap, reggae, dub and dancehall to shape his fresh and distinct new competition sound.

"During my time in The No Problemos, I think I defined myself as strictly a rapper.

"We're getting away from that with this project, since I really came up as a singer.

"Listeners can expect to hear both with Kirim.

"Versatility is key."

Competition organiser Martha Samasoni said about 80 performers had registered for the event, which included heats in Auckland, Hamilton, Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch.

"Talent scouts attend showcases all over the US but it's rare for international A&R executives to actually come to New Zealand looking for fresh talent," she said.

"New Zealand has some amazing musicians looking for that break, which could put them on the international scene."

She said, while there was no guarantee of a contract ordistribution deal, the opportunity was unique.

Ants, whose day job as an environmental engineer was tiding him over in the meantime, looked forward to next month's event.

"Def Jam Records are huge," he said.

"I remember watching the Def Poetry Jam when I first discovered hip hop and seeing the likes of Common and Saul Williams.

"That really set my mind to work as a lyricist."