Coming at us from Canada’s capital of Ottawa, independent rapper Svlm is making a name for himself within the Canadian Hip-Hop scene.
Inspired by the likes of 50 Cent, Kanye West, and Drake, his sizzling music can be found on various Spotify charts and playlists.
Released in August of 2020, Svlm’s hard-hitting single “Six Speed,” and now including a cinematic music video, is one to remember. Svlm uses a seductive technique of repeating a catchy phrase in order to hook his fans on the first listen. The audience will quickly begin to sing along to the memorable, and somewhat addictive, chorus in no time, making them want to repeat the song over and over.
The backtrack consists of a bass-heavy drum line with an occasional 808 trap beat layered overtop. “Six Speed’s” bass sounds are engineered at alternating frequencies, giving it a melody that emits intensity. The inconsistency of the trap beat leaves room for Svlm to emphasize the fieriest verses of “Six Speed.”
When it comes to his vocals, Svlm places more emphasis on passion and flavor than he does on pronunciation. His nonchalance gives his voice its originality, making himself gettable amidst the complexity of the Hip-Hop world.
“Six Speed” is the type of song for any carefree night surrounded by your crew. With a beat that will make you want to get up and dance until the sun comes up, Svlm has created a soundtrack to every memorable night.
Can you tell us about your inspiration when creating “Six Speed?”
The song came about in 2019, I really wanted to get on a “west coast” style production, and I had found this producer named Ouh Boy. Fell in love with his work, and when I heard this production... my head couldn't stop bouncing. I grew up around cars, my close friends are all really invested in cars and really passionate about them, so it trickled into my life as well. I started humming to the beat, and those were the first words that came out; “she whip it like a six-speed”, so I ran with what felt right.
How does “Six Speed” compare to the rest of your songs? Has your music style evolved over time?
Definitely, in the last year and a bit, my music has definitely shifted into higher energy in your face style hip hop. That's not to say that I do not enjoy creating music similar to my old sound, I just like to change it up and showcase what I am able to do. For example, in 2021, you'll notice another shift in my sound that I may decide to stick with because it feels right. After all, I'm still learning and crafting my sound, which makes me happy, and what I believe is the most authentic version of me. It's a matter of time and patience, two things that seem to be hard to maintain these days haha.
You’re inspired by famous Hip-Hop artists such as Drake, Kanye West, and 50 Cent. How do these artists influence your style?
I grew up listening to all sorts of music, but the first hip-hop related record was 50 Cent's 'Get Rich Or Die Trying'. From there I spiraled into anything I could get my hands on and really fell in love with hip-hop. I've been saying for a long time that 50 Cent is one of the first gangster rappers to really get melodic with his flows and deliveries. He's been doing it for nearly 20 years, long before Kanye and Drake, but as the industry grew... I saw the shift happening. In 2008/2009 when '808 and heartbreaks' and 'so far gone' were released. I was taken back by the melodies and the flows that Kanye and Drake brought to the table. It opened my eyes to the possibilities and really redefined hip-hop.
What made you decide to pursue a career within the music industry? How did you discover your talent and passion for creating your own Hip-Hop songs?
It was around 11 years old where I decided that I wanted to be a writer, specifically in poetry. Over time as I had begun to listen to all sorts of music, and associating myself with the right people, my passion for actually expressing my thoughts and feelings verbally began to flourish. It was when I had met my long time friend and Producer/Engineer Cardeblanche back in 2008/2009 that my career really started changing and becoming more serious. We would meet for coffees and he would show me his productions, id freestyle for minutes sometimes hours straight... no pen and pad, just pure vibes and good energy. Up until that point, I had never set foot in a studio, or behind a microphone. Carde saw in me what not many others had and would not give up on me. I owe him a lifetime's worth of love respect, one can say I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for his nudge of faith some 10 years ago.
What can listeners anticipate to hear next from you?
Another version of me, but better, more accurate, more authentic. That's all I strive for really. I've been really playing around with some more serious hip hop rap vibes and id love to share it when the time is right. Ultimately, my journey is just beginning. I got a lot planned for 2021, and I hope people enjoy these records as much as I did create them.
instagram.com/svlmmusic