Following the breakaway success of his viral hit song ‘Bait Lies’ that has amassed over 3 million plays and tracks under his belt like ‘Old Friends’ and ‘Timeout’ nearing a million plays, which have seen him garner strong support from BBC 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, GRM Daily, Link Up TV, Mixtape Madness and BBC Introducing, among others, fast-rising Manchester artist SVMI is excited to unveil his brand new single titled ‘P.O.P (Hold It Down)’, having also just signed to Northern music and entertainment powerhouse NQ Records (Aitch, WhyJay).

Produced by LiTek (Rag’n’Bone Man, Bugzy Malone, Central Cee), ‘P.O.P (Hold It Down)’ is an infectious melodic rap track with smooth R&B leanings underpinned by a bouncy bassline and lush synths, over which SVMI is showcasing the catchy flow, rap skills, singing talent and pop sensibilities that have made him one of the most exciting young prospects coming out of Manchester this year.

SVMI sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

Being around my mates and just playing around recording music got me into it. And then one day I ended up recording with whYJay and he told me I should honestly try taking it seriously and since then I haven’t even looked back.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

03 Greedo, Kalan Frfr, Shordie Shordie, Drakeo The Ruler and a lot of sounds coming out of LA are some of my influences. They have been for a while and I’ve always liked to take influence from some US music.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?

I guess not being able to do shows is my biggest. After releasing Bait Lies I got given about 3/4 headlines and coronavirus and lockdown began, and I didn’t even get to start my career off the way I wanted to.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I don’t think I could narrow it down to a few words, because my influence can come from a lot of things. It’s a mix of R&B & trap I'd say.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

Either reaching over 2.5 million streams on a song or coming out on the GRM daily stage at Parklife.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Know you’re worth at all costs, that goes for anything in life.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

SKIIFall Is a new personal favourite.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Young Thug’s new slime language is on non stop repeat!

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

If it’s not music, then I’m either directing/shooting/editing music videos and helping other artists out wherever I can.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

A bottle of oasis, a bottle of water and some munchies.