Exclusive Interview - Lil Silva

1. Hey Lil Silva, you must tell us, where did the name Lil Silva originate from?

It originated from a grime background. It came from the dark side to my sound. I used to be a grime DJ and produced 2 Step, Hip Hop and Grime on fruity loops.

2. How did things get all started for you in the music game?

When I was 13 I teamed up with Marcarbe’s unit and that’s when things really got going. Kenny Dope, Fingerprint, and Karizma were really big inspirations; - I really liked the sound they were coming out with so I got into the funky house thing from there.

3. What’s the story behind your current success?

I was just trying out a few things to be honest, trying to find my own sound and then I produced Funky Flex, then I gave it to Rinse FM DJ Marcus Nasty and things really started from there. I was getting loads of calls from loads of different DJ’s for my tracks. Then I also made Seasons (Tribal Man Skank instrumental) and that got big and that really was the signal for my rise.

4. What’s your favourite tune at the moment?

Major Lazer – Pon The Floor : I really like that at the moment.

5. What has Lil Silva been up to recently?

I’ve just released a new track on a new label and in general over the last few months I’ve been out and about networking, trying to get my name out there as much as possible.

6. A mini mix by yourself was recently aired on Annie Mac’s Radio One show, how did this opportunity come about?

Annie and the production team at Radio One got in touch and said that they really liked my music. I was a bit shocked at only being allowed five minutes for a mix but I definitely did something different to others.

7. Your name was down for a recent 16+ event at Ministry of Sound we covered. Was this your first underage event and how did you feel about the crowd in general and their reaction to your set?

It was a good experience for sure. I found they were a bit uneducated on their music, they were only slightly a bit into their hard funky stuff and I had to play some vocal tracks for the girls to balance it out. I found they were so far behind in terms of their musical knowledge. I dropped Do You Mind by Kyla which is a pretty old school tune and the crowd went nuts. They definitely need to get educated about their music.

8. Who have been your main inspirations?

Calvin Harris, Timberland, Neptunes and Missy Elliot, all four of those people really influenced me with where I’m going at the moment. HardHouse Banton and Fuzzy Logik in the UK scene are also people I really like.

9. AYIA NAPA THIS YEAR?

Yeah course! I’m gonna go down there for a week or two just to blend in and have a good time!!

10. What programs/equipment do you use for your music and have you got any tips for up and coming producers?

I use Reason at the moment! And for my advice, I’d say it doesn’t matter what program producers use, it’s all about what they do with it. I made Seasons which was a banger on fruity loops so it’s all about what you do with the program you use.

11. We’re massive supporters of UK music and it’s fair to say it’s doing big things at present. Is there anyone in the scene that you’d like to work with in terms of collaborations?

Miss Dynamite is someone I’d really like to work with, Dizzee Rascal and Doneao as well. I also think Skepta will do massive things in 2010. Watch out for him!

12. You got any groupies?

Hahahaha! Yeah there are a few groupies here and there, you know how it is! I think we’ll leave things there on that one (laughs)

13. Many producers make a big name for themselves by remixing tracks, is this something you can see yourself doing in the future?

I have done remixes previously (Sidney Samson - Riverside) – I’ve compiled a big folder of remixes and I’ll release most of them in September and they’ll all be up on my newly launching website

14. What can we expect to see from you in the next few months?

I have a new EP coming out called Night Skanker and I’ll have another EP out in July with four tracks on it, in general I have a few EP’s coming out. You might also catch me playing back down at an underage festival in July.

Any last big ups or shout outs?

Big up’s to Cameo, Marcus Nasty, Seany B (1xtra), MistaJam, Trevor Nelson, Annie Mac, Scott Jason (Manager), Nightslugs Recordings – ( the new label I’m working with) and of course all the fans!

Massive things set to come from Lil Silva in 2010! He's certainly one to watch out for!

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