SILVASTONE – Moments of Gratitude

By starrymag | December 2, 2024

By: Mariah Thomas

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound? 

A) My sound’s really a mix of all the music I grew up on—my dad’s classical records, my brother’s reggae and ragga and my sister’s pop tunes. Then, you’ve got the places that shaped me, like Croydon and Sierra Leone, both of which have such distinct vibes. I love blending all those influences with different genres to create a vibe that’s positive and timeless. I’m not here to chase trends; I’m here to make music that stands the test of time. My goal is always to lift people up, to give them something they can feel, especially on days when they might need it most.

 

Q) Who are some artists that have inspired you throughout your life?

A) So many artists have inspired me. Bob Marley stands out, not just as the king of reggae, but for his music’s power to uplift and free people’s spirits. Jay-Z is another key influence; his consistency and resilience are something I respect and strive for in my own work. Lauryn Hill’s mastery of both rapping and singing puts her in a league of her own. And Don Jazzy, with his groundbreaking contributions to making African music popular, paved the way for its global presence. And then there’s Kanye West—not only for his sound but also for his fearless approach to business, which has been a guiding force for me on my journey.

 

Q) “Rocksteady” is a tribute to the unsung superwomen who inspire us daily. Who are some of the women in your life you had in mind when writing?

A) When I was working on “Rocksteady,” a few amazing women were on my mind. My mum’s story inspires me every day and she’s the one who taught me how to stay grounded, organized and determined. She’s shaped so much of who I am. Then, there’s my headmistress from back in Sierra Leone. She saw something in my music early on and gave me time out of class to practice on the school’s keyboard. That kind of support meant everything to me. And, honestly, just the women I see every day, going about their lives. I might not know their full stories, but seeing their hard work and dedication is powerful. They’re the inspiration behind “Rocksteady.”

 

Q) Staying on the theme of celebrating women, who would you love to collaborate with on a song in the future? 

A) If I could choose anyone to collaborate with it would be Angelique Kidjo. She’s an outstanding artist and, in my opinion, the most consistent African artist of our time. She radiates energy, life, and positivity, which is so inspiring—not just for musicians but for humanity.

 

Q) You are so involved with your music from songwriting to production, do you have a favorite element in the song creation process?

A) My favorite part of the whole process has to be making the music itself. There’s just something powerful about when the musical elements start to come together—it’s what sparks the inspiration for the lyrics. I get such a rush of energy when I’m creating, and that flow just fuels everything that comes next.

 

Q) When beginning a new song, what usually comes first, lyrics or the instrumentation?

A) For me, the music always comes first. I can’t really get into the lyrics until the instrumentation is in place. If I started with the lyrics, I’d just end up writing a book instead of a song! The music is what breathes life into the words and makes them come alive.

 

Q) Your newest single “Let You Go” holds a softer/sadder tone in lyrics while still having a steady beat. What is the process like in keeping the emotion while creating the instrumentation for it?

A) You can totally have a track at 140 BPM and still maintain that softer, sad tone. It’s all about the chord structure—keeping it somber and emotive, even if the beat is up-tempo. The key is knowing how to balance that energy while still holding onto the emotion. It’s like walking a tightrope; you have to find that sweet spot where the vibe feels right without losing the depth of the message you’re trying to convey.

 

Q) Are these singles part of a larger project in the works?

A) Yes, they are part of a bigger project called Moments of Gratitude, which is set to drop very soon. I wanted to take a different approach this time—rather than releasing everything at once, I decided to drop them one by one. This way, people can take their time to really listen to each song and enjoy them for what they are, rather than just rushing through a full album. It’s all about creating a connection with the music and allowing each track to shine on its own.

 

Q) Of your newer singles, do you have a favorite to play live/look forward the most to playing live?

A) I really love performing “Love Yourself” live. It gives me this amazing opportunity to share a beautiful message with the audience and really connect with them on a deeper level. If I can help someone through my music, that feels like a huge win for me as a musician. It’s all about creating that positive energy and making a difference in someone’s life, even if it’s just for a moment.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform live? 

A) I remember a show I performed at in Zimbabwe vividly; my music wasn’t really known there, and I don’t think the crowd had heard my songs before, but the reception I got was absolutely mind-blowing. The vibe from that crowd was incredible! I’ve performed at various festivals around the world and, honestly, I prefer that to most venues as I love playing in front of a crowd that’s ready to vibe. There’s something special about those moments where everyone is just there to enjoy the music together.

 

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of you and the music that you make?

A) Thank you! Your support means everything to me—whether you’re streaming my music, liking my posts or subscribing to my channels. Without you guys, there wouldn’t be an industry, especially for independent artists like me. Your love and support help to diversify the music scene and that’s something I’m really passionate about. Keep supporting independent musicians!