Bliss N Eso

Comprised of school friends Jonathan Motley (MC Bliss), Max MacKinnon (MC Eso), and Tarik Ejjamai (DJ Izm), Bliss N Eso was originally formed as Bliss N Esoterikizm in 2000. Upon forming, the group released their debut EP “The Arrival”, followed shortly afterwards by a promotional mixtape. Bliss N Eso subsequently honed their live performance skills playing around the Sydney area and trying to court labels to secure future releases. In 2004, after signing with Obese Records, the group issued their debut full-length “Flowers in the Pavement”. The record earned Bliss N Eso an Artist of the Year nomination at the 2004 Music Oz Awards and a supporting slot opening for 50 Cent on his “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” tour.

The trio subsequently switched labels to Illusive Sounds ahead of their sophomore release, “Day of the Dog”, which arrived in March 2006. The album marked Bliss N Eso first forays into the Australian charts and saw “Day of the Dog” rise to No. 45, aided by the singles “Up Jumped the Boogie” and “Party at My Place” featuring Motley. This generated the group considerable momentum moving forward and led to the release of their third studio album, “Flying Colours”, in April 2008. Charting at No. 10 on the Australian Albums Chart, “Flying Colours”, features the 20-strong African Zulu Choir, The Zulu Connections, as well as Debaser, Hyjack, and Phrase.

In 2010 Bliss N Eso enjoyed their greatest success to date with their No. 1 album “Running on Air”. Released in July 2010, the platinum selling album earned a string of positive reviews and spawned the singles “Addicted”, “Down by the River”, and “Reflections”. The band were able to match this success on their subsequent 2013 album, “Circus in the Sky”, which also found the top spot on the Australian Albums Chart. Aided by the single “House of Deams”, “Home Is Where The Heart Is”, and Reservoir Dogs”, the album features the likes of Nas, Seth Sentry and transformed Bliss N Eso into a household name.