EPK – Abstract Artform (Ol Roy Records)
Abstract Artform – As The Crow Flies – 2012 (Ol Roy Records)
R.I.Y.L. : Jurassic 5, Everlast, Kid Rock, Buck 65
Band Members: Shea “Abstract Artform” Malcolmson – MC/Lead Vocalist, Justin “Cue” Mathews – Backup Vocals/Hype Man, Daryl “D-Rail” Hayward – Bass, Mike “Bishop” Gould – Drums/MPC
OlRoyRecords.com | Tour Dates | AbstractArtform.com | 
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Reverbnation | 
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Teaser Video: As The Crow Flies
Promo Video: As The Crow Flies
Album Credits:
All songs written & performed by: Shea “Abstract Artform” Malcolmson
Produced, Mixed & Mastered by: Andrew “Fresh Kils” Kilgour
Release Date: TBA
Label: OlROyRecords.com
Distribution: TBD
Catalogue #:
UPC Code #:
“Halifax’s Classified might be trying to establish himself as the preeminent writer of hip-hop songs tied to our national identity, but Winnipeg’s Abstract Artform might just give him a run for his money.
The group, fronted by MC and producer Shea “Kid A” Malcolmson, fuses live jazz and soul-like music with vocal delivery familiar to fans of groups like Jurassic 5. Their “I Am Canadian” single from 2010’s His Story In The Making is a hit waiting to happen while other cuts share and celebrate life in a Prairie capital. Upcoming full-length As The Crow Flies is their second in as many years and the third since 2008’s Prairie Kid. The band’s work ethic has garnered them consecutive appearances at the taste-making NXNE festival, a 12-month stay on the Chart college lists, and a slew of other appearances and opportunities.
With easy flow, great instrumentals, and lyrics worth turning an ear to, Abstract Artform should be must-play material for any Canadian hip-hop fan.” – Canadian Musician Magazine:
“His Story in the Making, the second album from Abstract Artform (aka producer/MC Kid A, aka Shea Malcolmson), delivers on the promise hinted at on Prairie Kid. From the easy groove of Winnipeg (feat. Fashawn) to the funked-out Old School (feat. Flo Soul) to the hooky Hip Hop (Is What I Was Doing), Kid A establishes himself as a self-deprecating, clever wordsmith who isn’t afraid to let his Prairie roots show. There are no bitches ’n’ bling tales of excess here, either; Steady At It is a refreshing reality check about the financial struggles faced by Canadian artists, hip hop and otherwise.- 4/5 – Jen Zoratti – Uptown Mag – Review – His Story In The Making
“Canadian hip hop group ABSTRACT ARTFORM is a perfect recipe of golden era hip hop combined with funk and soul from the 70′s, and of course some new school influence. Abstract Artform founded by Kid A, the band includes several members: Kid A – lead vocalist/writer/producer, Cue – hypeman/back-up vocalist, DJ ill Type – DJ, Bishop Grandin – drums, D-Rail – bassist, Cam Wilks – drums” - HipHopForever – Review – His Story In The Making
“What happened to hip hop?” MC Abstract Artform, aka Shea Malcolmson, asks on Here We Are. Good question. Luckily, this Prairie kid is eschewing the commercial hip hop cluttering our radio airwaves and, like Winnipeg expat Grand Analog and Edmonton’s Cadence Weapon, takes a decidedly old-school approach to hip hop. Heavily funk inflected, Prairie Kid dares you not to dance – but it’s Malcolmson’s deep, Buck 65-esque vocals that make this record shine. Check out Boom and They Call Me featuring the renowned DJ Brace. – Jen Zoratti – Uptown Mag – Review – Prairie Kid
“You can call him Abstract Artform. You can call him Kid A. You can even call him Shea Malcolmson. But don’t call him a poser. This debut proves the local MC and producer is definitely for real. His beats are stark yet distinctive, his eclectic tunes splice ’70s samples with his own material, and his gruff, tongue-tripping flow bypasses thug fantasies for intelligent realism. We’d call that cool.”- Darryl Sterdan - Winnipeg Sun – Review – Prairie Kid
“You one of the coolest, smartest and sincerest artist I know. Much success.” – Akil the MC (LA SKILL DISTRICT/JURASSIC 5)
“…Distinctively Canadian Hip-Hop…” “…National hit song writing material…” - Greg Wells PRODUCER (ONE REPUBLIC, LINDSAY LOHAN, CRASH TEST DUMMIES, DEFTONES)
Music Videos
Summer in the City ft. Doodlebug (of Digable Planets)
I Am Canadian
Abstract Artform ft. Jurassic 5 – Bring It Back
In Studio Performance at Winnpeg’s Streetz FM 104.7
Abstact Artform have come a long way since the release of their debut album “Prairie Kid” back in 2008, which garnered them high praise as one of Winnipeg’s leading acts. Then, when AA released their sophomore album “His Story In The Making” in 2010, the band catapulted onto radars across Canada as they peaked at #2 on both Chart Attack and !earshot Hip Hop College Radio Charts, as well as making the Top 25 Hip Hop charts on CMJ in the USA, along with added rotation on Winnipeg’s HOT 103.1FM and STREETZ 104.7FM of their hit single “Summer in the City ft. Doodlebug (of Digable Planets)“.
Now the International Songwriting competition finalists are back with their third edition of blues/funk influenced Hip-Hop with “As the Crow Flies” produced by Juno-nominated producer Fresh Kils and features collaborations with blues/roots artists such as Manitoba Hal, Rambling Dan Frechett and notable country artist Ridley Bent.
Awards / Accomplishments / Placements
2011 – Song Placement SHAW TV Show Milkshakes Burgers and Fries” in conjunction with the HOT AC HOT 103 (Winnipeg) “ http://www.hot103live.com/feature/milkshakesburgersandfries.aspx
2010 – Finalists International Songwriting Competition: http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners
2009 – Reverbnation/Microsoft Sponsored Artist/Windows 7 Launch
2009 – CBC Track of The Day w/Lauren Burrows: http://radio3.cbc.ca/#/podcasts/CBC-Radio-3-Track-of-the-Day/Abstract-Artform—Stay-Prairie
Shared Stage w/
Akil the MC (Jurassic 5)
Imaginary Cities
Digable Planets
Cancer Bats
Pigeon John
Abstract Rude
Choclair
Muneshine
D-Sisive
Josh Martinez
Tanika Charles
Birdapres
Past Festivals & Tours:
Canadian Tours in 2008, 2009
NXNE Showcases 2010, 2011
Indieweek Showcase 2011
Canadian Music Week 2012
Discography:
(2008) Prairie Kid LP
(2009) Big Shiny Rhymes Mixtape
(2009) Summer in the City single
(2010) Birth of a Track Single windows 7/reverbnation
(2010) His Story in the Making LP
(2012) As The Crow Flies LP
Interviews To Check Out:
(2011) Kick FM Radio Interview w/Pamela Roz: http://www.tinderboxnorth.com/fr_audiointerviews.cfm
(2011) HOT 103 FM Locals Only Interview: http://www.hot103live.com/Blog/localsonly/blogentry.aspx?blogEntryID=10216224
