MEET OLIVIER AS WE TALK CADET INSPIRATIONS, DEEPER MEANINGS TO MUSIC, AND HIS MUSICAL CRAVINGS.

Today we have linked up with London rapper and producer Olivier as we talk about all kinds of inspirations from the late rapper Cadet, which songs stuck with him the most and who else he grew up listening to. We also talk about inspirations, live performances, and dream festivals. A huge thank you to Olivier for his time and efforts in speaking with us. Be sure to go over to his page @olivieruk, drop him a follow and stick around for all new music from him this year.

Hey man! Please can you give a short introduction on yourself for anyone that isn't yet aware of your work?

I’m Olivier - a rapper and producer from London.

And how did you get into music in terms of rapping?

I’ve been around music my whole life - my sister in a professional musician in LA/NYC. I actually began rapping after the death of Cadet. His music resonated a lot with me, so that’s what really inspired me to start writing lyrics rather than just being a producer.

Rest in peace Cadet every single time. Do you remember the first time you'd listened to him or maybe a song that stuck with you personally?

Ahh too many bangers to mention! Three songs that stood out to me. First was Letter to Krept. I started making music/producing due to bad mental health problems. I remember listening to that song every day in the car and really relating to another person who was struggling.

Second was The Stereotype off his first project. Just a really vulnerable track that I hadn’t really heard from many other UK rappers - not flexing anything at all, just open and honest.

Third one was Not Now - a song about him finding out that his dad has cancer. My mum died of cancer when I was young so that one really hit home for me.

The first ever song I ever recorded was over the Not Now beat.

The fact you used that beat is beautiful. All of his tracks have such a deeper meaning! What does music mean to you on a personal level?

Appreciate it man. For me, music has always been a distraction. Something creative which keeps my mind away from anxiety or anything else going on. I used to try and adopt a different persona when making music - speak slightly differently, dress differently from how I normally do etc. But now I’ve embraced that I can be myself in the music and be fully transparent with whatever I’m talking about. People seem to receive that a lot better.

The few snips of videos I've seen of your music was too cold not to appreciate, the way you do it is effortless. Other than Cadet, who did you grow up listening to?

Means a lot man - thank you! To try and market yourself with no major label is so difficult so things like that make all the difference.

Had a WIDE range of music tastes growing up. First love was 60s and 70s music. The Beatles mainly. I was a John Lennon fanboy for a good few years. Always been into indie rock as well - Mac Demarco, Peace, POND etc.

In terms of rap, I listened to a lot of Eminem and 50 Cent growing up. Tyler the Creator is a big musical hero of mine.

Has that changed a lot compared to what you're currently listening to?

Yeah I think so. I like listening to artists who fuse genres together so I get a mix of everything I had when growing up. People like Tyler the Creator, Post Malone, Knucks, Kendrick.

Would you say that your music is more UK or US influenced?

I’d say probs UK. My style of rap is certainly more influenced by London artists. But US artists and producers always feature heavy on my playlists. They use sound so creatively.

How would you describe your sound to someone?

I’d say it’s chill/cheeky UK rap from an unapologetically middle class boy. I try and be funny about it rather than hide it.

We hear it! What's the goal for you, where do you want to be in five years?

I’d love to be doing music as a full time job and be known for doing things slightly differently. Setting concrete goals is a difficult one cause if I ever reach them I still won’t be satisfied - always crave more.

Is there anything you're craving right now?

For sure - I think every up and coming artists is craving some exposure, some air time somewhere. Chance to showcase what I can do to more people.

What can we see from you this year?

A lot more music, and hopefully content which can display my personality more openly.

Could you expand on how you'd like to do this?

I'm hoping to play as many shows, release as many songs a possible. Try and be weird in as many places as I can.

Have you got any shows set up as of right now?

Yeah, played my first festival yesterday and will definitely have a few more bookings before the end of the year.

How was being on stage?

It was incredible mate, felt like I could visually see the results of years of hard work.

Was there any nerves?

Yeah a few of course - but I've performed so much in and around London that they quickly evaporated.

Have you got any dream festivals to play at?

Oh for sure - Wireless, Reading, Boomtown, Rolling Loud.

Very achievable for sure! Do you have any advice for someone looking to start music?

I would say try and be as “yourself” as possible. Don’t try and copy any particular sound or personality. Make it unique. I’d also say make as many relationships as possible, put as much content out there as you can and just get yourself seen! Half the time it’s who you know as well as what you know.

For SURE! Finally, do you have anyone you would like to shout out?

Let’s shout out my brother/manager @jbmtalent who has been there since the beginning. And @samkmusic who's been taking my unreleased stuff to a new level.

Absolutely man! Thank you so much for your time!

Olivier is headlining Brixton Jamm on 6th September. Tickets on sale now