sbk – Tanjiro

By starrymag | March 17, 2023

By: Kemberlie Spivey

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) My sound changes every time I get in the studio so it’s hard to pinpoint it, but I love old school retro synths and a strong melody is the catalyst for all of my work. That is the most important part to me. Everything follows that.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) ASAP Mob, Skepta, D Double E, Slowthai and Novelist are all huge influences on my music and I am a by-product of their music.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Tanjiro.”

 

A) I recently got into the Demon Slayer anime, and I really love how the main character is used to teach good morals. So, on this track I kinda expressed that I’m trying to be like that in my own life.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I feel like the track is more of a conversation with the listener so it’s easy to connect. I’m telling a story or “making a statement” and I’m not making myself seem like I’m above anyone.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) I filmed the music video at my 21st birthday party in Soho, West London and it shows all the people I love. So many crazy cameos and vibes are on display. I think it shows the scope of the people in my life right now.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) Sometimes I just think of a lyric randomly when I’m doing my day-to-day things and then I write it down and incorporate it into something later. I can write songs very quickly and easily and that has come with experience. But as I said before, melody is everything. Lyrics just follow that.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I’m pretty much fully self-produced, so much so that I need to take it upon myself to branch out to other people and work with them. Because working with others brings out a different side that would not have been possible all alone.

 

Q) You’re here in the states for SXSW. What does playing this festival mean to you?

 

A) It’s absolutely crazy. And unheard of from an artist like me. I come from a small working-class town on the outskirts of London. No one has ever made it in “rap” music from there before. I am just grateful for the opportunity, and to be taken seriously as a British artist in America.

 

Q) With a number of recent singles out at the moment, which tracks are you looking forward to performing live at SXSW?

 

A) My tracks “Tanjiro,” “Impossible” and several tracks from Nothing Lasts Forever. My last mixtape are all tracks I’m looking forward to performing.

 

Q) Are there certain bands/artists you’re looking forward to seeing perform while at the festival as well?

 

A) I don’t know of many other bands or artists that are playing, but I know for a fact there is a plethora of talent out here in Austin at the moment and I can’t wait to see what it has to offer!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Skepta, Slowthai and A$AP Rocky are some of my dream collaborators. I’m sure we will work one day.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) I have a big back catalogue and I’m going to be dropping a mixtape this summer!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) They are the people who have given me everything I have in terms of my career. They deserve to be connected with.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you very much and I am grateful for you allowing me to be me.