Artist Spotlight: Rob Salute
2022 has seen a multitude of electrifying artists emerge from the shadows, adding to the already divinely infested oceans of alternative music. One name that looks set to disrupt the ebbs and flow of convention is Wolverhampton born, Nigerian-Asian artist Rob Salute, who has just dropped the visuals for his busy, bouncy and boisterous single my phone.
Miraculously juggling the stresses and strifes of being an A&E doctor as well as an artist, Salute’s musical creation is, for him, an output, but on a deeper level showcases an incredible drive and desire to succeed and pursue his dreams. A multi-instrumentalist, producer and rapper, Rob’s chameleonic artistry has been insinuated across his limited releases to date. The sample-laden, sanguine vibes of debut cut good life was followed by freedom, a hazy ball of energy and mystery, featuring a lively turn from one of new-wave grime’s brightest stars, sbk. His most recent, my phone, is a wider exploration of melody and rhythm, with a zippy arpeggio and booming drums the backdrop for Rob’s melodic meanderings about living fast and romantic intrigue. my phone will be featured on Rob’s upcoming debut EP, a project set to fast track him to a seat at the rap scene’s brazen banquet.
I sat down with the rising rapper to discuss standing out from the masses, growing up in the Midlands, and his latest anthem.
Who and what influences you?
I do my best to go where God wants to take me in my life - I know I get things wrong some times but I’ll always bring it back to him.
What is your musical origins?
I started out as a little kid teaching myself melodies on a toy keyboard I got for my birthday. My dad decided to get me lessons from there and let the rest be history. I’d be listening to all sorts of music as a child but my big bro would always keep me tapped in with UK grime, garage and US hip hop.
At what point did you realise that you wanted to be an artist?
It’s been a slow process of realising that I need to do this to survive and thrive. Some people need art to get through life and really feel something - I think I’m one of those people - it’s in my blood.
You’re a doctor as well? How do you juggle the two?
Yeah that’s right - it’s been a struggle for years because both demand a lot of time, but I’ve finally got to a point in life where I can make good time for both. It’s a lot of hard work, a good family and belief that God has got this. I think, if you’ve got the right mindset, success is more to do with the people in your life than you yourself.
How did you find yourself stylistically?
Sonically I’ve just been making stuff I actually like listening to. It’s too easy to make stuff because you think it’s the right thing to do - but music always hits differently when it comes straight from the heart.
How would you define your sound?
I’d say it’s a vibrant and uplifting sound that speaks to the soul.
How do you think you stand out amongst a cluttered scene?
That’s a great question, so here’s the pitch: These aren’t just “batch production” tracks, I’m making experiences - and there’s something for everyone in every project I make. A lot of people from other communities look down on UK rap and don’t respect it as an art form. I’m a rapper that was really out here saving lives during the pandemic... Let’s change their perspective a little. And let’s show the kids hope and representation.
How has being born in the Midlands affected your artistic, creative and professional development?
Growing up in Wolves you’re able to see and experience people from all walks of life, so similar to London in that sense. I got to see different sides of family up close and personal with, let’s call it, a range of members of society. So I got to experience that from a young age. That’s partly why my music is so eclectic - the variety in my life has made me who I am today.
Talk me through the creative process of the new tune my phone?
I was just vibesing on my ones in my bedroom studio when I made this one - on some of my tracks, I’ll start top lines with a rough hook, then I’ll come up with my bars a line at a time, almost like a freestyle. Big up Stan as well - a polish producer and ultimate crate digger who helped make my phone.
What are you trying to convey with the track?
It’s way too easy to get caught up in the madness of life and things that don’t really matter. This was about focusing on my goals, my family... and obviously a chance to get hype!
The delivery on the new tune is a clever use of melody and flow. How have you worked on perfecting your delivery?
Thanks, I appreciate that man. I’ve been hearing and singing melodies since I was a kid through the Church mainly, and I’m always taking in new rap music, so being fully honest with you it comes quite easily. The hardest part is knowing where to let the melody sit in your vocal range, but that comes with trial and error.
What can we expect from your upcoming EP?
More energy and more inspiration. The track list is pretty much in order of when the tracks were made, so you’ll be able to hear my journey in London so far.
If you were introducing yourself to a new listener, what track would you play them and why?
I’d probably play them rewind - a track that is out next Friday! I’d say it sums up my sound the most.
Where do you want to take your artistry?
At the moment my artistry lies in my identity, so for now I wanna keep developing my sound until the masses hear it.
What’s next?
I wanna focus on the visuals this next year, to keep making moments. Hopefully more listeners and more gigs as well... Hoping for a wild 12 months.