Producer, DJ and now singer-songwriter, Lil Silva has spent the last year or so sculpting and strengthening his vocal ability. To fans of his funky, bass-ridden back catalogue (see: "Seasons"), there's no need to fear, as nods to that world will keep appearing—but it's clear the melody has taken over for this Bedford lad. Rosie Lowe, Sampha and Jamie Woon have all helped to draw out the soulful sonics within 24-year-old TJ Carter; not forgetting Good Years labelmate BANKS, whose album Goddess he produced a bulk of. Stepping back from remix work—which has over the years included cuts for the likes of SBTRKT, The Streets, Storm Queen, Aluna George, Tyler, The Creator and Lana Del Rey—seems to have enabled the workaholic to focus solely on doing him.
When it comes to future-thinking British producers, Lil Silva ticks all the right boxes; a unique and uncompromising sound, full of fresh ideas that are backed by actual content. Following the release of his Mabel EP, which was dedicated to his grandmother who helped fund his music career, Complex recently put in a call to Mr. Silva to find out some of the tracks that he holds close to his heart. Click through to hear his musical story.
Interview by Nardene Scott
Macabre Unit – "Take Time"
Youngstar – "Pulse X"
Half Pint – "I’m Not A Substitute Lover"
Hindzy D – "Shrapnel"
Swiss – "Cry"
BANKS – "This Is What It Feels Like"
Lil Silva Feat. BANKS – "Don't You Love"
"Maybe my most accomplished track to date is 'Don't You Love', because the transition from 'This Is What It Feels Like' is huge. Working with Sampha and Jamie Woon, helping me with my singing and giving me the confidence, that was also massive for me."
SBTRKT – "Wildfire"
Sampha – "Too Much"
"Probably one of the first gigs I ever went to was Sampha at Notting Hill Arts Club, in 2008. I wasn't even friends with him at the time, but I remember him giving out a deep range of sounds and melodies—and it was nuts! It was like right in front of you, this man doing a lot all at once. I'll never forget that gig."