It’s a rare but admirable feat for artists to truly transcend genre barriers but Perth-based producer Silva seems to do so effortlessly. His sound draws influence from future bass, trap, hip hop, bass music and whatever other obscure sounds that have him excited at the time of creation. Raw originality and emotion are carefully fused for a sound that’s boundary-pushing while remaining alluring and even approachable. It’s a delicate balance but tracks like ‘orchid,’ ‘Escape’ and ‘Unforgotten’ see Silva tip-toeing across this sonic tightrope with grace and poise.
After some time away from music, Silva is back and more focused than ever. 2020 is looking to be a big year with new music, collaborations and new genre barriers to break. To get a precursor of what’s to come we connected with Silva for a guest mix + interview. The mix is as diverse as his influences, ranging from Flume & What So Not, to Nipsey Hussle & Pusha T, not to mention some unreleased collab IDs with LUUDE, Leotrix and one unnamed producer. As for the interview we touch on his time away from music, signature sounds, exploring new genres and more. Dive in below.
You took a fair bit of time away from music before deciding to come back and pursue it full time this year. Can you speak to this period and what led to your return and renewed focus?
I felt the need to have some time off (just over half a year) to focus on studying, mainly for a change of routine. Now that I am back putting my time towards writing, I feel taking a break for study really benefited my music and drive for production in many ways.
What should we expect from you this year? Will you be releasing a lot more music? Any projects on the horizon?
This year expect; collabs (some are in the mix) more originals and more remixes. Also have been working on a lot of drum and bass, which we might see later on in the year…
Also really excited to play some shows again hopefully later this year or early next year :)
I found my own sound by working with the same basic drums and software since day 1, over and over again still until this day. It’s gotten me to the point where I can start to really shape them into my own unique sounds, simply because I know how to work with them all too well.
You have a pretty unique signature sound. How did you go about bringing this to life? Do you have any tips for up-and-coming producers on how to carve out their own lane?
I feel I found my own sound by working with the same basic drums and software since day 1, over and over again still until this day. It’s gotten me to the point where I can start to really shape them into my own unique sounds, simply because I know how to work with them all too well.
My biggest tip for a new producer would be to not completely produce purely from how other producers have taught you. Take all of their advice in and perceive it how you like but do not treat anything as that being the only way.
Everyone’s heard it, but there really are no rules to music.
Earlier this year you were exploring a completely different direction but decided to scrap it and lean back into your signature sound. Can you take us through that process and the ultimate decision?
Earlier this year I was going to completely move to drum and bass, but lately I have really enjoyed producing more “Silva” type music. At the end of the day I’m producing for fun, and I’m having an amazing time at the moment focusing on the sound I have always been working on. That’s not to say that I won’t be producing any drum and bass in the near future.
Your catalog consists solely of solo releases. Is there a particular reason why you haven’t worked with other artists? Are there any plans for collaborations in the future?
There is no particular reason to be honest why in the past I haven’t worked with other artists. Although as you will hear in the mix, there are some collabs I’m super excited about which will be getting released.
I have always found certain plants really beautiful (particularly ferns and ivy) especially the way and the conditions in which they grow in. I feel like a certain plants and natural green settings resonate a lot with my music in general.
Your music feels like it’s inspired by nature and the outdoors. Can you talk a little bit about your personal connection with nature?
I have always found certain plants really beautiful (particularly ferns and ivy) especially the way and the conditions in which they grow in. I feel like a certain plants and natural green settings resonate a lot with my music in general.
When we spoke around the release of ‘unforgotten‘ you mentioned that you were obsessed with Russian bass and rave music. What’s your current obsession?
At the time the Russian rave/music scene was all so new to me and I couldn’t help but entwine it into my own production. I love learning about different music cultures and where/how it originates. For me (slightly late to the party) but I am absolutely loving the UK music scene/ culture – and obviously the music. Everything and anything relevant to the genre “jungle” I find fascinating, There is so much culture behind it. I love how similar it is to western hip hop but at the same time (in my opinion) all of the drums themselves and the rhythms all seem so natural and authentic.
What’s the most Australian thing that you enjoy doing?
To be honest one of them for sure would have to be making beats for Australian rappers with them sitting down in person. The whole setting is so uniquely and strongly Australian and it is something I have recently started doing more and more over the last year. The studio has such a unique vibe when making a beat for an Australian rapper. while their cyphering lyrics on their note pad – i’m bouncing back and forth on a boom bap sample. Aus rap is a really interesting culture, and to be fair over the last year or 2 it has really blown up. Search artists such as hooligan hefs and huskii, that will explain it all.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received recently?
It is what it is. If it isn’t what it is, then it ain’t the one.
There are so many different genres I love to make, I guess its time to start crossing lines…
What is this mix the soundtrack to?
Based on all the different genres that I’ve touched in the mix, this soundtrack is a cohesive blend of diverse music. I was going to stick with one genre but I figured why not and find a way to blend it all together with it still having its own wholesome unique vibe. I guess that says a lot about where my head is at with music, especially the production side of things. There are so many different genres I love to make, I guess its time to start crossing lines…
Tracklist
SILVA x ID – ID
Flume (ft glass animals) – fantastic
Camo and Krooked – the sloth
Nipsey Hussle – Status symbol (acapella)
Pusha T – Numbers on the board (crookers VIP)
What So Not – Love theme
SILVA X Leotrix – ID
Forest of the spirits
Asaa & neo – don’t let me fall (Moore Kismet remix)
Sakuraburst – GLASS RIVER
Sakuraburst – glacier fall x THE SKY IS FALLING
Peter Bjorn and John – young folks (bounce edit)
Mura Masa – lotus eater
Sam Smith – lay me down (Flume remix)
Camo and Krooked – passion
Lana del rey – no more (Camo and Krooked remix)
Kanine – what I said
1991 – midnight
SILVA x LUUDE – ID
Andromedik – I want you
