Duo debuts at Summerfest

Bo & Airo use bass, drums for hip-hop

Drums and bass: that’s all that hip-hop duo Bo & Airo play and that’s all that they need.

“Hip-hop is rooted in bass and percussion,” said Bo Triplex. “You can make good hiphop, with no extra melodies, and have a solid hit. That’s where our core comes from.”

That’s why the Journal Sentinel booked the duo for its “Milwaukee Bands to Watch: Summerfest Firsts” showcase July 6, when three local bands — including power pop trio Faux Fiction and New Wave group NO/NO — will have the opportunity to play the Big Gig for the first time.

Who’s who: Triplex, real name Eris Campbell, on bass, and Airo Kwil, birth name Will Rose, on drums. Triplex and Kwil share vocal duties.

Backgrounds: Triplex plays bass for hip-hop collective New Age Narcissism, soul-pop singer Lex Allen and fronts his own funk group, Bo Triplex and His Beautiful Band. Rose releases hip-hop originals as Kwil, and plays drums for local soul singers Abby Jeanne and D’Amato.

Stage name backstories: Triplex: In 2011, I released a mixtape under the moniker Boxxx; I had a high top fade at the time and my head looked like a box. But apparently, there was a (local rapper) named Juiceboxxx. I started performing as Bo Triplex in 2012 or 2013.

Kwil: At one point I had the name Airhtyhmtic. Airo was the shorthand version, and I added Kwil to differentiate from other Airos out there. The concept was that Airo was like the weapon, and Kwil (sounded similar) to quill, the pen.

When formed: Kwil : I remember seeing Bo at an open mic at Linneman’s in 2013, where he was looping his bass guitar and singing over it. I was like, “Wow, that guy looks pretty good up there.” It wasn’t until we became friends that we had this epiphany, “We’re Bo and Airo.” March 2016 at Mad Planet was our first show together.

Describe your style: Triplex: It’s Rakim-style lyrics mixed with the current. It’s modern, but our physicality and presentation is old school.

Favorite original song so far: Triplex: I probably like “Party” the most that Kwil wrote. To me, it’s about a happy fall to death.

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Watch two exclusive performances from Bo & Airo at

Sound Check generally appears every first and third Thursday online and in the Journal Sentinel. There will be no Sound Check on July 6.

Kwil: It’s about self-destruction, but also life affirmation. A party is kind of destructive, but it’s also positive. Musically, it’s like Thom Yorke mixed with Atmosphere.

Favorite cover to play: Kwil : (Kendrick Lamar’s) “Humble.” There’s a lot of energy, and people are impressed that we know all the lyrics.

Triplex: We also have a new one in the works that’s a combination of “Fat Lip” by Sum 41 and “E.I.” by Nelly.

What’s next: Kwil : We’re starting out with a 5-song EP. It’s coming out this year. We’re not rushing it.

Triplex: We’re going to do all we can to make it the best, to make sure everything shines.

Next gig: “Milwaukee Bands to Watch: Summerfest Firsts” showcase, 5 p.m. July 6, Uline Warehouse, Summerfest. $13 for entry before 4 p.m., $20 after 4 p.m, available at the box office (200 N. Harbor Dr.) and