The Stevenage-raised musician and multi-hyphenate shows no sign of slowing down, having just released his seventh project ‘Uphill Struggle’, SBK chats about remaining in creative control of his art, branching into fashion with his clothing line and starting his own record label.

You’ve just dropped your first project of the year ‘Uphill Struggle’, what did you want to explore on this EP?

This EP was an expression of me when I was younger as it's a year old, and I just wanted to showcase that part of my life.

How was the process of working on this project as a co-producer alongside Danio Forni and how did you find working throughout lockdown?

As I said, we made this music last year just before lockdown and I held off dropping it for a long time because I didn't want it to be received badly. Working with Danio always works because we understand each other’s workflow and message. We're a good team.

You also released ‘Level Up’ and ‘God Complex’ last year, what were your main inspirations for the projects?

I think it was classic artists like JME, Wiley & Skepta that made me make projects like them. ‘Level Up’ is a good Grime tape. ‘God Complex’ was a good follow up but I think ‘Level Up’ was better.

So far, you’ve released at least one project every year since 2018 - how does having such a big output allow you to develop your sound with every release?

To me I should drop at least two a year, and every time I drop I get better. I'm starting to really find my sound now, even ‘Uphill Struggle’ is old compared to the music I make now.

What’s been your favourite project to work on so far and why?

My favourite project so far was definitely ‘Level Up’ but I enjoyed working on ‘Uphill Struggle’ more because it was the most polished working experience. We were going to the studio everyday making those bangers. Big up Danio.

How important is keeping a DIY approach to your music and how does that enable you more creative control?

There will never be a day where I don't have creative control over my music, it's in my nature; but it's important to know there's people that can do better than you at specific things, like mixing, and staying open is the best approach.

When did you first get into producing and how has that aided you as a writer and performer?

I was a producer at age thirteen and that was before I even spat a bar. It hasn't helped me as a writer or a performer. I think those things are separate.

If you had to choose two of your tracks to best show your range as an artist, which two would you choose?

I think 'Tsunami' from ‘Uphill Struggle’ and 'Intro' on ‘Level Up’ EP are good shouts.

How influential has Grime music been to your career and what would you say to those that believe the genre is ‘dead’?

I am a grime kid and I always will be. Grime is my core. I think those people who say Grime's dead are just ignorant. I don't really engage in that conversation. I just let the work run and that's that. That's what matters.

How was starting your own label Enxrgy Recordings and what plans do you have for it in the future?

ENXRGY is going to be a huge brand in fashion, events and music. It's going to be special. I'm just putting in the ground work now.

You also have your own clothing line ‘Serenity by SBK’, what were the initial inspirations for starting it?

I wanted to make an actual clothing line, not just obvious merch with a logo. I want to actually make sick high quality clothes from scratch. It will take time to develop though.

How important is it for you to express your creativity through a range of mediums other than music?

Very. I can't put all my eggs in one basket. I get too wrapped up in it. I get sad when I feel like I'm not moving fast enough. There's gotta be other missions beside music.

Being based in London, who are some local artists that you would recommend to your listeners?

Check out Jimothy Lacoste, Duppy & Warz.

What music first inspired you to get into music and who are you listening to currently?

Skepta - ‘Shutdown’ is the reason I'm an MC. I listen to a lot more american music now though. Carti and ASAP Mob etc.

What’s coming up for the rest of 2021?

There's probably going to be a new tape, no promises. Expect at least a song a month though.

Artist Spotlight: SBK