Ess West - You (Official Video) + 10 Questions

Brixton-based artist Ess West is set to share a heartwarming music video for his current single ‘You’. The video described by Ess as “a short tale of appreciation for what is yours” depicts the track’s lyric "It’s nothing, but it's something, to someone else".

Video director Garreth Chan uses a distinct blend of storytelling and cinematics to convey the sentiment that you are enough for somebody, regardless of circumstance. The video communicates this message beautifully and shows a warmth and vulnerability so regularly associated with Ess-West’s output.

The track itself channels a romantic summertime 2-step vibe, and is Ess’ second single release of the year, it follows June’s ‘Ouch’, a track that has been supported by the likes of Dummy, Wonderland and GRM Daily.

South London-raised artist Ess West’s recent output draws inspiration from what many would consider disparate worlds of transatlantic rap and UK indie. He has honed an individual soundscape which he now implements in full force through his own music and visual experiences, with a string of further releases and production work in the pipeline.

Ess West’s second single in quick succession, the wistful ‘You’ is a perfect accompaniment for the dark Autumn nights.

Ess West 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?

Rap music, probably initially from New York when I was a nipper, Jada and Styles and all that but slowly grime, rap and even now drill from home grown talents in the U.K.

I grew up and have spent most of my life in and around south London so from Road side Gs in like 2006 to tef and blade and hollow era right up to 67 + Harlem my ears have always just been full of U.K. stuff. It's what made me start rapping + writing and probably one half of what got me into music soo passionately.

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

In terms of influence in my sound I think of artists like Frank Ocean, Roots Manuva, Young Thug, Future, Gorrilaz, Xxxtantacion.

In terms of who id like to produce for from the states, probably Future. I feel like I have a bunch of stuff there for when the day comes. DS1 changed my ears for the better.

Thug if he gets off his RICO as well. 3ysl

I think "Young Thug - Can't Keep Up" might be the best song made last decade. It's only on YouTube fyi.

From the U.K. I feel like Digga or Dave or someone else from the new gen like Central. I like producing drill a lot atm.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

We plan on releasing singles right up until next summer. In terms of a project, we feel when the time and price is right, it will be obvious.

Yaz Leon just dropped a really Lovely project called "It's Only Takeaway Ma" that we co produced a bunch of stuff on. I urge you to go check her out.

We also have a track on BxKS new joint and a bunch of other bits and bobs we excited to get out there.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I think it's one of those things where it's sits differently depending on your palette.

It's slow and thoughtful. A lot of people tell me it's for night drives and smoking late but I think it's got some bright undertones to it myself.

Els said its hyper emotional gangster pop so we roll with that init .

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

This past year of releasing as an artist myself and feeling the reception from the people it has resonated with.

It really meant something to me to hear how people feel what I felt making it.

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

Don't undercharge in this economy.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

With no hesitation Fee Gonzales.

He's not underrated he's just overdue his dues. Just signed to 36, Potter Payper’s label. We got a whole project called Ambition with him but he's in his bag rn.

Yaz Leon for sure. She's got young Amy wine house soulful vibes.

For rap and grime and those types of vibes in the U.K. right now if your talking younger people I'm saying

Scuti + BXKS + Joe James

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

Future - I never liked you.

Silk boss is getting a lot of playtime for me right now . Sorry + surgery especially. Jamaican artist. Vvv cold.

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

Consume all the delights of late-stage capitalism tbh. Memes, Hot oat chai latte in paper cups like yuppies. Lil dinner up town. Burn something, spill something, maybe go 35 in the 30 If nobody’s about. Sometimes it's nice to just air fry some gyoza and have a think.

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

Waves plug ins

Some tweed that isn't mid

Beetroot + apple juice from falafel and shawarma in Camberwell.