A selected body of work by Liam Christopher O’Connell 1998 – present
2023
3ocloc Bogey
Bad Luck: The Blender’s Back
2022
Guns of Dickson
Guns of Dickson are the next incarnation of Shadow Ministers, without the unintended alliance to the member for Dickson. Added to the lineup on keys with 2 hands is Steven Phillips (Sine, Morph, The Cabal) who is in his own right a stellar dub producer and melodica player: El Dub Terraneo. Moving on to duties with Zambezi Sound is flute player extraordinaire Joel Dreezer. The band wishes him well and thanks Joel for his service to sound.
A new direction is now ahead, with bassist Liam O’Connell returning to more vocal duties in the dancehall/old school rap department. More new songs are in the book, with snappier changeovers to keep groovers grooving deep in the dub. Freshness with flavour is the new motto. Guns of Dickson look forward to returning to work with friendly vocalists in future as well as utilising the current members on vocal duties within the new repertoire.
2021
Sri Lustri
Sri Lustri is an offshoot of Shadow Ministers, led by guitarist/composer Matthew Lustri and backed up on Akai MPC1000 by producer/bassist/keyboardist 3oB. The duo were able to keep up musical momentum throughout the horror year of 2021 despite lock downs, cancelled shows, closing venues and general human malaise. Matthew’s own melodic inventions fly high utilising traditional Indian time signatures and scales, played on Western electric guitar. 3oB’s beats are inspired by dub, hiphop and drum n bass, while aiming to anchor such influences to these ancient patterns that shape every movement. Great for dancing, meditation or simple sonic enjoyment, Sri Lustri continue to interest listeners from Ginninderry to Belconnen, EPIC showgrounds, online live streams and live to air terrestrial radio shows.
2020
Shadow Ministers
Live in Belconnen is the debut album of Canberra’s freshest Dub/Jazz live band. It showcases the spontaneous energy of a brand new project, featuring young guns Joel Dreezer and MC Tomasky, seasoned pros Coolio Desgracias and Matthew Lustri, led by local bass man Liam O’Connell. Live audio recorded courtesy of James at Jay-Ds music.
2019
Dub Militya
New UN is the debut EP of this new band of outernational guerrilla dub warriors. Punchy MPC beats rinsed with eerie space echo and vintage bass synth provide the most spacious backdrop for lyrics by 3oB and MC Tomasky. Solid Simon Milman takes chunk off the guitar and sparkles with fine solo tone. Representing Canadian synth corps Rootsellers on live production is Lumo Arctusus. New UN is an instant classic for lovers of the dubhop genre. Gigs at The Polo and Sideway were a taste of big things to come.
2018
Sub Debtonator
2017
Los Maestros
Los Maestros, by Dub Ninja and 3oB with G Fresh. Out on Daniel Sommariva Productions
It’s not looking good brav. The last I heard from this guy:
I didn’t know we had a meeting tomorrow. I’m not even in Canberra. So it is crystal clear, I was not going to coerce you into anything. I made up my mind a while back that we would not be collaborating on anything anymore. All I wanted to say to you in person was that your foul attitude is noticed by many around you, but hey, your last text proves you are comfortable burning bridges. The feeling is mutual. All the best. You won’t be hearing from me anymore.
Low Society
Low Society was founded by members of Moochers Inc. Cam Smith, Dave Abkiewicz, Thomas Manley; ring-in drummer Lachie Smith and banjo freeman Liam O’Connell. The aim was simple: fill some gigs at Smiths, Hippo Bar, the Front and what have you; record a few songs and play at such larger events as Merimbula Jazz Festival and for the Canberra Blues Society (German Harmonie Club). With all boxes ticked, Cam then relocated up North and things sadly were discontinued, or rather morphed into new projects like The Magnificence, Parlour Social (with Robbie Mann), Molly House Band and eventually a reignited Good Gosh. This EP captures an intimate lineup with minimal microphones and truly live ambiance. Unfortunately a second cover version of Lily Allen’s ‘it’s not fair’ was unusable due to input overload.
3oclocBogey
2023 Bad Luck : The Blender’s Back is the final installment of 3ocloc Bogey’s “Trilogy of Three” (2013 Self Titled, 2019 Shock The System, 2023 Bad Luck). It features collaborations from local, national and international legends, including Sine (Melb), Babek (Noosa), Pat Kilby (VIC), Sarah McDonald (VIC), Coolio Desgracias and House Mouse (ACT) and R Seidel (DE). Mastered by Lotek (UK). Hiphop meets Dub in a Collingwood bin fire.
2019 Shock The System, is the second studio album by 3oB/3ocloc Bogey and is entirely comprised of solo tracks recorded between 2007 and 2017. Tracks are mainly concerned with the politics of authenticity in Hiphop, a move away from reggae vocals, challenging Capitalist Imperialism and on the personal side: recovery of the long lost flow and voice.
2017 Like it or Not, is a rough and ready funk odyssey that covers 5 years of concrete box production with 2 of the funkiest legends of the live hiphop scene, The Master and Coolio Desgracias on cuts and guest vocals.
2016
Vote 1 3oB mixtape is a sampler of reworked B-sides and unreleased tracks in continuous play mixtape format made for giveaways at Lizard Bites Back Protestival, Roxby Downs, Olympic Dam mine, South Australia in July 2016. 3oB drove alone the 1,600 kms over 2 days to perform this solo set with Akai MPC1000 and a mic as the sun set over the encamped desert revelers: a creative convergence of Indigenous custodians, environmentalists and concerned protesters from all corners of this land. Opening for Combat Wombat as a solo artist is amongst the highlights of 3oB’s career – the ideal environment to speak up. big up the Zombie Fashioistas and my dancers Zoe, Sarah and Beth. Approximately 10 DIY cd copies remain.
2015
Relocated from Melbourne to Canberra – no musical releases in this time of reestablishment and reassessment. Met up with new, mainly jazz collaborators; Coolio Desgracias, Cam Smith, Robbie Mann, Zach Raffan and Dave Abkiewicz. Began full time work as a classroom English teacher.
2014
Eponymous EP mixes by Ishu (unreleased due to general poverty and teacher training) this features musical material which would later be used for Agency Dub Collective on Bang For Your Buck and 3oB on Like it or Not, some verses also appear on the 2018 Sub Detonator album More Isn’t Less.
A benchmark of sorts where I just wanted to get back to the basics of rhythm and diction with straight shooting, old school flow and minimal swearing. These bars are like workouts or stretches, designed to focus the breath and improve tone production.
3oB
2013
3ocloc Bogey by Dubagenda/3oB. Written and recorded in Abbottsford, Victoria 2007-09. The debut album from Melbourne emcee 3oB (3ocloc Bogey) features collaborations with the crème de la crème of mid-2000s independent oz hip hop artists; Krisdafari, COX1 (Rex Mundi), The Master and Pataphysics. Many solo 3 verse concept tracks relating to life as a self-made musician also appear on the album. This long-player was only released when 3oB had formally stepped down from the mic with Agency Dub Collective. Feeling there was not sufficient room in his injured brain for the lyrics and identities of 2 front men, 3oB put himself and hiphop first with this album, extracting all the firepower from his beat-making arsenal and lyrical ammunition. The result is unambiguously a slept-on classic, which many heads have not discovered. Only available on Bandcamp. Mastered by Lotek at Counter Clockwise studios, Collingwood, Victoria.
2011-2012
The black spot. Moved to Preston. Recovering from brain injuries and multiple surgeries and invasive procedures that took immense toll on soul, body and mind including : 5 teeth extracted, 2 craniotomies, 3 angiograms, 1 pic line, canula, catheter, trans-esophageal examination, many CT scans with radioactive contrast, MRIs, speech therapy, rehabilitation, hospital in the home, occupational therapy. Regular gig circuit, tutoring work and reputation as a performer irreparably disrupted.
Playing sporadic rhythm guitar gigs with Michael McQuaid (Martinique 2), Andy Baylor (Cajun Combo), Paul McIver (Lil devils). Cruising along thanks to solid connects and loyal students.
Completed Honours degree in Humanities (2011) and a Diploma of Education (2012). No capacity for self-funded releases. Interpersonal relationships collapse.
Good Gosh
2010
Mild Wood Swings was recorded, mixed and mastered by Barry Stockley at Fat Sound Studios, West Melbourne, over 2 days in 2009, with the best of the best Roots Music musicians around, who kindly agreed to immortalise Liam’s songs with minimal rehearsal involved. The result is a timeless achievement which captures the mood and intention to perfection. During post-production, Liam was hospitalised for 3 months, which significantly set back the pressing and release. A fantastic launch at the Lomond Hotel was attended by a packed house full of friends and supporters. Despite being medically incapacitated for years to follow, Liam gave it his best, grateful to have captured the last of his youth on tape, just in time! Available to buy on CD and bandcamp.
2009
Good Gosh is a concept band that emerged out of Melbourne’s beer halls and vintage recording studios in the late noughts. O’Connell had an extremely productive spell writing jazz-gypsy-calypso-inspired tunes while playing with local groups Sweet Lowdowns, The Dancehall Racketeers, Michael McQuaid’s Red Hot Rhythmakers; Late Hour Boys and Retro Five, Jelly Tub Rollers, Manouche a Trois and a host of one off bands with many of Melbourne’s best players like Ian Smith, Andy and Peter Baylor, Mike McQuaid, Sandra Talty, Leigh Barker, Mark Elton, Alanna Egan and Steve Grant.
2008
Sine
Founded by Steve Phillips and Linden Lester in Melbourne, 3oB was enlisted on guitar and vocals to play a Dub residency at Laundry Bar called ‘Comin in from the Cold’ – the regular support that was shown truly amazed everyone involved as a regular lineup did not exist for the first 5 or so shows. At various points it mutated to incorporate Luke Collins, Johnny Hooves, Pete Wilkins, Patrick Kilby, Andrew Darling, Yuval Shallit Joel Plymin and Lamine Sonoko, Simon Jerrems. The debut album Sub Frequence (2009) was pressed to CD and is currently out of print (as at Nov 7 2021). Memorable gigs were played at Bar Open, The Retreat Hotel Brunswick, FRL. The highlight for the group was playing at Sydney’s Luminous Festival at the request of Brian Eno, supporting Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry in 2009. Sine disbanded shortly afterwards due to tall poppy syndrome in the Australian music scene. See also: C0mp0sit3, El Dub Terraneo, Shadow Ministers, 3oclocBogey, Andrew Darling, The Imprints. DownPat.
2007
Decaytech Daydream (shelved). Written and recorded in Thornbury Victoria, 2004-05. Unreleased. Features COX1 MC Martyr, Pataphysics, Krisdafari, Rojo D, MC Heptune, G Fresh.
Live in East Brisbane, 2005: Penna D, 3oB and Krisdafari at Alley Bar, East Brisbane. Photo by Inga Nolan
2006
Boom industry
Boom Industry is the combined forces of rappers COX1 (Rex Mundi) and 3oB. The group formed after the pair met at freestyle sessions and live gigs with Organic Intellect at Laundry bar in 2004. Bogey was blown away with the swaggering bomber of tha CO; many colabs followed over long distance, however with Coxy representing Castlemaine the most was made out of his sporadic visits to Thornbury and Abbotsford, often for Basketball matches and gigs. Features appear on 3oB’s debut solo album (2013) and second EP (rec 05/rel 21). Boom Industry is currently operational – as at 2023. Shows with the Master on cuts were a highlight. Hoping to reignite the vibes soon.
Terror Sell
MC Martyr (keys,beats and vocals) with 3ocloc Bogey (guitar, bass and rhymes) special guests Heptune and Rojo D – endorsed by Pataphysics and Jaffra
Decaytech Daydream EP VOL 1 (released retrospectively in 2022)
Features MC Martyr, Pataphysics, C O X, DJ Heptune (cuts), Rojo D (production)
2005
1x Invalid Character Builder, by 3oclock Bogey. Debut EP release. Features Sarah McDonald (guitar)
2004
Organic Intellect
Kicking off shows in 2004 OI began with post-gig and band practice freestyle jams between 3oB, Rojo D (Agency), and Genevieve Ryan singing and scatting as far back as 2003. The group initially consisted of the 2 rappers: Dan on drums and Liam on guitar, with Kurt Roberts filling the bass chair with mega slinky chops and equal amounts of soul and DJ Scramble on cuts. Paul McMahon and Ben Ganley of Saturn Formula then got 3oB in for some gigs at Rrose Bar, West Melbourne and thus sparked the next iteration with piano. For a brief time the group had guitar, piano, drums, sax but no bass. It was a smooth sound, very much trip hop influenced. In the studio, Rojo used Reason kits and synth to come up with the bones then 3oB would flesh out the live instruments on top. The first properly recorded Organic Intellect track 3 Wise Men feat Krisdafari and Clarance Boddyker was recorded around the time ADC were tracking Digging Under Babylon, the producer (Rojo D—) needing to be extraordinarily rendered to commit to the session at all. Things went up a level for OI when Kurt departed both bands (ADC/OI) for a shredding career with porno funk poseurs Baron Samadi. Bassists are always in short supply, but Bill Skermer of Those Bloody McKennas and My Left Boot stepped in with electric fx-drenched Fender Phatness, skyrocketing the group to attention at FRL festival, 2006. By now, 3oB was entrenched front man and had put down the axe to make space for DJ Heptune on the 1s and 2s.
Gigs were plentiful, whether at Cape Live, Bar Open, Laundry, Revolver, Metropol or Espy front bar. Tensions in the rhythm section boiled over one day and the bass chair was once again up for grabs. 3oB took it next level by enlisting his friend and Fitzroy Folk legend Mark Elton (Band who Knew Too Much, Hoodangers, Flap!) on double bass, with a fat tone and swing groove that elevated OI to a new height of organic hiphop legitimacy. Heptune took a holiday and when he returned, found that he was replaced by The Master who had filled the gap like a pro on the fly when DJ missed a gig. Brutal times, that we are thankful are all good now.
Flash forward to 2007 and the departure of Dub Ninja (Rojo D), from drum duties left a sizeable hole in the trajectory of several bands on this list. OI was put on hold until an offer to play Falls Festival came up from Bill (good on ya brah). Luke Collins got behind the kit for us and for a second it looked like the energy would finally take off – until nature struck and people moved on to start families, or tour Europe, or get sick and nearly die (as happened to both The Master and 3oB in 2009).
South Bronx Defence Ministers (3oB, Clarance Boddyker, Krisdafari).
Bronx-Melbourne Artifacts (unreleased mixtape) is the only recording of this transatlantic trio which was over before it could see the light of day, due to its extreme lowfi (even by 2004 standards) and profane content. Written and recorded in Thornbury over 4 nights, the ignorant use of samples made release effectively impossible. With all 3 lyricists at their wits end after a non stop bender, tempers were frayed and sadly things ended with bitterness and hostility. Thank you for schooling us in the ways of the Bronx, Mr Boddyker. Sorry.
Krisdafari and Three O’Clock Bogey aka Bump Agenda
Sunk like Ships (Single)
This was the track that piqued the interest of SBDM brainchild Clarance Boddyker, later leading to an international mixtape collaboration and years of addiction to beats beers and the business. Unreleased but slated for inclusion on a future Bump Agenda LP.
On my first trip to Nimbin, I was blown away by this side of Australia and just kind of lost it. The hiphop bug certainly got me a goodin! Must be the climate? “…coz we hot hanging in Le More – blasting like a claymore, Inga, Ganga and Kris: makin me wanna stay more, get more pay for kicking rhyme to display your, love for nature-debate the tackiness of IKEA decor. Scorchin, sweat in the humidity, bet my ability put an end to talkin silily”.
3oB
The genesis of Australian rapper 3oB can be traced to kicking it in Lismore, NSW on holiday in 2003-04 with girlfriend and dearly departed soul sister, Genevieve Ryan. Absconding to a 40 degree tin box with Kris and Inga and after some days cruising about the hinterland with Gen’s mates Lilly (sorry I stole your car!!!), Blake and Jack.
2003
Miney Moe (Oubliette)
The Outsider (released retrospectively in 2021) is the debut album of Liam O’Connell that he wrote the bulk of while studying and working in Melbourne from 2001-2003. This music represents the first and truest love/music of the artist. Crafted over the years these songs are at the core of the artist’s being. This compilation was released in 2021, to mark the 20th anniversary of his moving back to his birthplace of Victoria.
Ageny
A complete fucking waste of time. See also Sub Detonator, The Kingstons.
2002
(The) Sweet Lowdowns
Moved to Melbourne with nothing but a 12 string guitar and an Arts degree to achieve. Began investigations into Northcote, Fitzroy and Collingwood scenes. Met Chris Scott of Goat, jammed with Buttered Loaf at Old Bar, did some open mics at Ruckers Bar and Grill (now the Wesley Anne). Founded Sweet Lowdowns with Richard Mander and Sandra Talty – to be joined in 2003 by Michael McQuaid.
Sweet Lowdowns 2005
1998 – 2000
Jedis on Crack
Jedis on Crack was formed in 1998 by good friends Liam O’Connell and Duane Nylen, 2 boys from the suburban hinterland of Belconnen/NSW border who grew up on militaristic adventures in local bushland, a love of Funk music and nature’s entertainment. Integral to the catalyst of JOC was drummer and Narrabundah mystic Nic Jones. Flash forward to Hawker College music assessment nights with many local legends including members of Penguin, Chumke and Smeg. After some years playing pubs and house parties with In Loco Parentis, Liam and Duane decided to take up the cause of Mr Bungle, 1970s Miles Davis and Wu Tang Clan by fusing dark jazzy harmony with a hiphop backbeat and highlighting crunchy Fender Stratocaster and slap bass. Good friends and horn players Shane Mitchell, Tim Bowyer (Brass Knuckle Brass Band, East Row Rabble) and Mark Petherbridge soon joined the fold, alongside rapper/visionary artist Jemist and bebop cowboy Dave Nagle. Special shout outs to Dave Pateman for the jam house and epic drum skills. Jedis on Crack’s debut performance was at a battle of the bands competition at Intencity in Belconnen Mall and consisted of Kool and the Gang, 1980s Chilli Peppers, Stevie Wonder and Doc Severinsen covers. Cleaning up the cash prizes of $700 with chaotic ease, the connection was made with judge and organiser Richard Mander (later of Sweet Lowdowns and Miney Moe bass fame). The group soon hit CIT recording studios to try and capture the essence of their avant-garde live sound, which had been, until then only heard at local bars Heaven, Gypsy Bar, Finnegan’s (Rockape) and some ANU events and in the back streets of Page. Mixed by then-student and Linus Band guitarist Mark Weber; the demo was never released due to Liam’s relocation to Melbourne and has been on ice ever since. This intense collective never officially saw its full potential, but the promise was always massive. Love
ps Michael Franti didn’t fully appreciate the name đŸ˜¦
Branch Stack Records 