sKitz Kraven – Hollow

By starrymag | March 2, 2020

By: Mary Watkins

 

 

Q) How did you come up with the stage name sKitz Kraven? 

 

A) When I started out, I knew sKitz was who I was as an artist and it fit. sKitz is obviously a play on the word “schizophrenic” and my producer and I were in the studio one day talking about this and that when he said, “You should add a last name to your brand.”  I am a huge fan of horror movies and Wes Craven. Changed the “c” to a “k” and boom, sKitz Kraven was born.

 

Q) Who are your biggest influencers when it comes to music? 

 

A) Lil Wayne has been a favorite since I was a kid and has inspired me through and through for obvious reasons.

 

Q) Your new album is titled What is the inspiration behind it?  

 

A) I really wanted to give my horror core fans a full horror core album. I engage with my fans daily, listen to what they have to say and what they want. As an artist, horror-themed topics are my main objective and always have been. It was the perfect time to release a full-length of songs during the Halloween season, which is my favorite time of year.

 

Q) How is Hollow different from your first album?  

 

A) Hollow is definitely a darker project than Black Snow. I dig deeper into mental health and the problems surrounding my own mental health which is a constant. Hollow is a collection of horror core tracks that follow that theme.

 

Q) You just released a new song called “Hold Up.” What was the message behind this song? 

 

A) It is simply a shit-talking song with me spitting bars. Sometimes the outlet of creativity takes me on a simple path and the point isn’t always in-depth or deep but just a lot of fun. With these kind of songs, I want to have a lighter side to show as well which fans seem to enjoy.

 

Q) In the song “Hold Up” you say, “Excuse my bad behavior, I was tryna be humble, I always knew I would be this lit.” But truthfully, did you believe you would be this lit? That a boy from Madison, Wisconsin named Evan would become the king of horror core? 

 

A) I continue to strive to achieve goals, give back and persevere. Knowing is one thing, but doing is where the results lie. Dedication and passion are my daily tasks and the fans are why I’m here. But, yes, I always knew I would be this lit. [laughs]

 

Q) You have been called “The Grim Reaper” of hip hop. How does that make you feel?  

 

A) Like shit; it haunts me every day and I talk to my therapist about it. But, seriously, I am constantly living in a dark place. My thoughts are all over and I share that through my music. If people want to label me as “The Grim Reaper” I’m not opposed to it. I welcome it; it’s part of the whole way to describe it and if a label is needed I am down with it. We live in a dark world, surviving is key no matter what kind of label. We all gotta get through, ya know?

 

Q) What is your songwriting process? 

 

A) I am constantly writing and am in the studio weekly. When I hear a beat that catches me, it inspires me to create a mood based on the beat. Once I have the mood, I start creating the narrative. Revisions and reworks are many, but once it sounds complete, then I move on to the next.

 

Q) Which song on Hollow do you relate to the most and why?

 

A) “Haunted House” most definitely because I have been feeling like I am trapped in my own head ever since I can remember. Writing “Haunted House” came easy because it’s my thoughts and my story. We all have our own to tell, and this song says it all.

 

Q) When people listen to this album, what do you hope they take away from it or feel? 

 

A) A sense of solidarity, a feeling of not being alone and that even though days can be dark there is always a reason to continue and work out your shit to survive the bullshit of life. I urge my fans to look at themselves and be strong even though we are all a little bit demented.

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters out there? 

 

A) No matter how life may make you feel, it’s never worth giving up. I’m grateful that people are on this journey with me. They saved my life by allowing me to share my thoughts and creativity with my music and it is time for me to give back.