Tackling tragedies with an intimate rawness on his upcoming album, sV harnesses his emotions and explores how his own sensitivity can make his art flourish – wearing sentiment brazenly on his sleeves as he delves into the depths of his own consciousness.
‘I created this album at the height of my depression. After years of not being able to create anything. The album is dedicated to my cousin who passed three years ago. Bringing mental health to the forefront; the impact of anxiety, depression, and stress in one.’
The lead track ‘Questions [can u]’ has a floaty and woeful air about its production, an interesting juxtaposition to the heavier subject matter. The tenderness of the piano adds a layer of intimacy to the subject matter and heightens the impact of what is being said. Though filled with questions, the subtext indicates that sV knows, and has made peace with the fact there may not be an answer. The lyrics pleading with a persona using an intimate whisper; the ultimate longing. sV has captured a feeling woven among the lyrics using masterful subtly.
A creative soul at heart finding pleasure in artistic endeavours. One of his main hobbies being clothing design. Growing tired of the monotonous designs in the men’s space, he comments: ‘If a piece isn’t interesting to look at, I would have to redesign it.’
Usually donning his own designs sV likes to challenge himself to create, a prime example being the jacket he’s wearing in the video for the track. He comes from a background of travel having lived in Germany, London, Ghana, and New York. Furthermore, he travelled to China in his more recent years to be a music producer still working for many Korean and Chinese acts now.
‘Creating music comes to me in many different forms. It could be a melody that comes to me sitting with my plants, reading my books, playing around on my guitars, or going through old records, and getting inspired by an old tune. I then get behind my production station and compose what ideas I have. Adding sounds that feel right to the track and arrange it in an emotional way.
‘Musical instruments have a special place in my heart, they give voice to the voiceless and are limitless in emotions. Whether it be a happy track, giving it the energy, it needs to capture the vibe in an instant or emotional, drawing the listener in with slow piano and verse. I like every lyric to feel like part of me as possible.’