10 Questions - Shaun Sky
We first shared the cinematic visuals to his single SHORE THING a good few weeks back and now that Shaun Sky has released his album Still Thinking, we thought it was about time we caught up with the man himself to get the lowdown. Welcome back to 10 Questions!
Contestant - what’s your name, chosen craft and where are you based?
Shaun Sky, a native from South London; creating vibes and partaking in rhythmic conversation.
How would you describe your sound?
“Experimental” hip hop with multiple flavours, a culmination of life experiences translated over riddims. Heartbeats the same tempo as 90s dancehall, spoken though a grimey dialect, with a J dilla’ish bounce (R.I.P the great). ‘the meal will never be complete until we all eat’ Shaun Sky.
Who / what do you consider to be the biggest influence on your music?
Sunday dinner; that sound of a spoon knocking against the duchpot as the flavours infuse; Vibes FM beating in the background. My household raised me. Each room would teach me different ways to move from soft pop/rock to rare grooves.
What’s the proudest moment to date for you as an artist?
Being able to showcase what I create in room by myself to my bredrins (friends) and bring those vibrations to a stage, utilising any space as a platform.
Do you have any advice for our readers who maybe trying to play the mad game of music?
Stay hydrated: this is a marathon not a sprint, you don’t wanna burn out too quick, keep your stamina up. Enjoy: have fun with your peers, bask in the incline. Share: don’t harbour your ideas, it will only lead to you relying on your reserves. Use this principle and you’ll continue to create waves.
Name 3 people you would love to work with and why?
Chronixx: I find it hard to remember a day I haven’t listened to Chronixx since my ears discovered him, his voice speaks love that resonates deeply, his stance is real greezy and from everything that I’ve witness from him he defines music. Not many are pushing this Reggae thing and Chronixx does this with excellence.
Kano: simply for “Home Sweet Home” being gospel throughout summer 2005, would be cool if he’d executive produce an album of mine or vice versa.
I find it hard to pick a third especially when having SO MANY wavey artist around me. This thing we call music is actually life for me and there isn’t a conversation or day that doesn’t involve it. So that being said, before me getting into all the greats that YOU may be familiar of; there is still a lot of groundwork to be done over these sides before we start getting gassed by all of these big names.
What have you got planned for the not so distant future?
Naturally to continue creating, staying healthy.
What’s the album you’ve played more than any other?
50 Cent's The Massacre. 50 started the intrigue for the whole rappers lifestyle for me. Rap was never really my thing until I heard 50. I was definitely more into the likes of More Fire Crew, Skepta, Double S and dem man but The Massacre had that New York grit with buckets of soul that I wasn’t accustomed to. The sonics became cinematic - every line a movie.
What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
If I were to chose one it would be my most memorable - Destiny’s Child at Wembley. it was their last London show as the mega group; I remember going to school the next day being the man with the concert brochure. Vibes are continuous. I’ve seen/heard/bared witness to many a great show but none resonate more than actually being a part of the showcase; even if that simply means seeing one of my friends on the stage smiling, being a part of the journey is what I enjoy.
Name 3 things you can’t live without?
Ears: When I say ears I mean having conversations, being able to speak to people. Conversing and having a clear understanding what the person your speaking to is saying whether you agree or not could be the cure to many a war. Any stage any platform, Imma rap. Listening is important, being attentive is key to inspiration and learning.
Handheld camera: Documenting is key! It’s great to watch over footage and have a little debrief with myself. I often forget to write in my diary so I’ve found this is a great alternative. I love to catch a good joke or two after viewing some moments of myself and my peoples (like rah do we actually move like that!)
Pouch: Holding all my essentials, a utility belt is imperative. Superhero steez
Download Still Thinking here