Jozef & Blaze

Jozef & Blaze – From the Beginning

Upon returning to Australia in 2011, establishing the On My Grind Entertainment (OMGE) label was Blaze’s first step in promoting himself as a mix engineer/producer and developing his own sound with which to storm the industry. After signing Jozef, the newly formed label set out to build a studio that would provide the artists with the artistic license they craved.

Blaze and Jozef quickly went to work on their first production. This required a lot of hard work from the pair, a dedication that often meant nights spent sleeping on the studio’s floor. They opened their minds to the music Blaze had created or sourced from his network of producer’s worldwide, writing as they listened and developed lyrics. Ambition proved to be a source of motivation for both.

OMGEs sole artist, Jozef, convinced Blaze to come out from behind the producer’s deck and return to performing after recognizing an oppressed ability in the producer.

The pair, now collectively “Jozef & Blaze” utilized each other’s strengths and respect for one another to produce OMGEs first EP.

Jozef & Blaze saw great success with the release of their inaugural EP, the “Jack Swag EP”. The EP delivered a trio of singles; “Grindin’, “Welcome To My City” and “Make It Rain”. With “Welcome To My City” being voted in at #61 by listeners on the Fresh FM 92.7’s Top 92 songs of the year of 2012. It was the highest placed non-EDM song in a largely EDM influenced list placing Jozef & Blaze amongst names such as Calvin Harris, Swedish House Mafia, David Guetta, Deadmau5 and Skrillex.

The artistic success of the EP was owed to the varied experiences of the artists. Blaze had developed and sourced diverse, intercontinental sounds that had influenced him from his travels and work with international artists. Jozef had raw, malleable talent and an even rarer dedication to his art.

But it was also the similarities that bonded the artists. Both men had experienced tough times growing up in impoverished neighborhoods; even on other sides of the world this was an experience that drove them and created a mutual respect.

The unique sound created by the duo proved to be a winning combination. The synergy was so powerful that they felt deterred in introducing other creative influences, not wanting to risk the balance of team or spoil their dynamic. It was their time to find their footing; collaborating would follow later, also to success. 

The singles from the EP were given abundant rotation across South Australian radio and raised the OMGE label to prominence. This consequently attracted many stage and touring opportunities and invitations in 2011.

Although the creative and commercial side had provided the label a place in the spotlight, Jozef and Blaze were just as enthusiastic and eager for their live performances.

Attention to detail, ambitious sets, and carefully planned set lists showed that Jozef and Blaze were determined to address whole new audiences and leave a lasting impression. The professionalism employed by the pair was often better received than the featured artists and would even be applauded by them. Thus the underground rise of OMGE had set an covetous pace.

Accordingly, the OMGE artists opened for world-class entertainers such as The Game, Xzibit, DMX, and Cassidy, and were offered a performing role in the Heatwave festival. The festival was a national tour showcasing the likes of Kid Cudi, Tech Nine, Obie Trice, D12, Crazytown, and Chamillionaire.

The “Jack Boyz or Brown Bottle Boyz” as they officially came to be known, through experience and talent, were afforded work or tour with a long list of internationally known and respected artists.

A brief overview includes:

The Game, Kid Cudi, Lil Jon, Hopsin, Jadakiss, DMX, Bone Thugs ‘n’ Harmony, Tech Nine, Obie Trice, D12, Cali Swag District, Crazytown, Chamillionaire, Yukmouth, The Outlawz, Ying Yang Twins, Tha Dogg Pound, Akay (Popstars Germany winner), Shawn Desmond, Rah Digga and more.