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Jim Beam Welcome Sessions continues to bring the big names in music, with Perth rapper Drapht set to return to his hometown for an epic gig.

Jim Beam Welcome Sessions are back and better than ever in 2023 celebrating music’s ability to bring us together, lift us up, and create communities of music lovers between musicians and fans alike.

The first Jim Beam Welcome Sessions gig kicked off in style as Lime Cordiale took over The Island in Sydney with an epic DJ set on February 12th that was fueled by good vibes, a passionate crowd of music fans, and of course, some delicious icy-cold Jim Beam serves. 

Lime Cordiale took over The Island in Sydney with an epic DJ set on February 12th. Credit: Jess Gleeson

Credit: Jess Gleeson

The second stop for Jim Beam Welcome Sessions continues to bring the big names in Aussie music, with the multi-ARIA-award winning Perth rapper Drapht – aka Paul Reid – returning to his hometown as he takes over The Aviary rooftop in Perth on Saturday, March 4th.

Speaking to Rolling Stone Australia, the hip-hop icon called the opportunity to join the star-studded Jim Beam Welcome Sessions lineup a “dream opportunity.”

“I’ve never had a chance to play a show there, so it’s a new experience for me that I’m really looking forward to. It’s going be an interesting show and it’s going to be a lot of fun,” the “Jimmy Recard” hitmaker explained.

drapht

Speaking of his rise to fame after dropping his debut album Pale Rider back in 2001, the Perth-based emcee mused, “When I was a kid, I never thought there would be an opportunity for myself to be played on the radio or even make a livelihood out of music.”

“It was always just a hobby, but after releasing my first two albums my fanbase grew, and it showed me how important being a part of that community was. If it wasn’t for my fans, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do from 2001 all the way to 2023.” 

Drapht continued, “I’ve been lucky enough to live off my music for the last 15 years, so I appreciate everyone who has been a part of my journey. To see that people are still engaged in my music blows my mind every day.” 

“For me to be able to still tour the country and have people show up and support me gives me so much inspiration that I fuel into new music.” 

“I’m extremely blessed, and as cliche as that sounds, it’s exactly how I feel being able to live out my dream.”

Drapht is one of many local acts that are set to perform across Australia for this year’s round of Jim Beam Welcome Sessions, so keep your eyes peeled to see which live acts are heading to your local haunt.

For more information about Jim Beam Welcome Sessions, be sure to head along to their official website, or stay tuned to Rolling Stone for more updates. 

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