An interview taken from our new digital issue. We delve into the dynamic world of London’s own Bklava, producer, DJ, and vocalist behind the much-anticipated mixtape “c u l8r” launching under their new label Spin Suga.
Known for electrifying the dance music scene with anthems since their 2019 breakout, Bklava has been heralded for their multifaceted talent and resilience through the pandemic, staying connected with fans through various high-profile sets and radio shows. Now branching out with Spin Suga, originally a network for underrepresented talent in the dance music industry, Bklava is pioneering as an indie label front-runner, ready to drop a mixtape that echoes the underground club culture that’s defined their journey. The “c u l8r” project boldly shifts focus from their vocal prowess to a darker, club-ready sound, reflecting Bklava’s evolution as a producer influenced by early encounters with the UK garage scene and formative radio inspirations.
Through collaborations and solo tracks on the mixtape, Bklava channels an energetic fusion of beats and emotions, distancing from the nuanced songwriting of their past. It’s a culmination of their musical theatre studies, familial influences, and relentless exploration of genres, crystallising in a mixtape that Bklava describes as their most authentic work yet — a blend of passion, purpose, and the sheer joy of club music.
KALTBLUT: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your mixtape “c u l8r” and how the themes of club culture and various music genres influenced its creation?
When I’ve approached my music in the past, I’ve written the music coming from a singer first and foremost. The music I initially released was always a nod to club sounds I’ve been inspired by, but took a more emotive and storytelling route as this was always something I wanted to do with my music. It’s worth noting that when I first released music, we were deep into lockdown and the pandemic was making everybody emotional and therefore my music was too. Not having that space to DJ and play music and be inspired by the hustle and bustle was challenging- as it was for most! When I was able to get out post-lockdown and start DJing frequently, I understood more than ever that not all my music transpired in the sets I was playing. The difference between what I played in my sets to the music I released was a bit of a jump and I wanted the two to link. It’s taken some time to get that balance right but I essentially wanted it to make a little bit more sense so that’s where the birth of this mixtape came from! It’s hard to get the right blend of underground-influenced tones when your vocal inspirations differ. A vocal can easily change the feel of a track and sometimes, it makes it lighter without intention. It’s a process that I feel I’m more well-versed in now.
Could you share with us the significance of the evolution of Spin Suga from a network for female, non-binary, and gender non-conforming DJs to an indie label, and how it has impacted your career and music?
It’s always been an initiative close to my heart that has come from my journey as a DJ and feeling like I didn’t have a core network of women in Brighton where I was residing at the time. I was studying music and I wanted to write my dissertation on the gender imbalance within the electronic industry- Spin Suga was a project I started to coincide with but it took on a world of its own. At the core, it was a radio show on Platform B, a grassroots station in Brighton; I had then participated in workshops and panel talks with friends and Spin Suga supporters over the first few years. I had many big plans but over time I didn’t have the resources to keep the momentum going – especially whilst trying to grow as Bklava and trying to put all my funds and setting up a project is super hard to do without the funding or the right people on board! However, I knew that growing Spin Suga would help with the growth of my projects. It was always a huge goal of mine to set up a record label but putting the Spin Suga initiative into the label was just the cherry on top!!! It’s the best step I’ve taken in my independent journey alongside my Spin Suga aspirations. Whilst the label has just begun and is set up for my next run of releases, I intend to bring in other artists to their label and kickstart their campaigns. There are 100 things I want to do with Spin Suga but creating a community takes priority! If you’re interested in being on board – reach out.
KALTBLUT: In your latest project, you mentioned collaborating with underground artists like Bullet Tooth, Big Ang, and MJ Cole. How did these collaborations come about, and what did each collaborator bring to the mixtape?
I’m honoured that such esteemed artists want to work with me! It’s truly a joy and honestly, some of these were like a masterclass. It’s taken me a while to get others to understand my vision but with this mixtape, it came together so nicely. It was patience, trust and a shared love and vision with each collab. I’ve never felt so blessed to work with people who just fucking get it! The priority in all these sessions was about the feeling and the purpose of the song: what does this song mean, what are we going for, what inspirations do we want to draw on? These things sound simple but are not prevalent in every session, let alone the core focus. I honestly felt the same level of care in each collaboration.
Read the full interview here:
‘c u l8r’ will be released June 26th on Spin Suga
Follow www.instagram.com/bklava
Photographer: Gray Brame www.instagram.com/graybrame
Styling: Phoebe Butterworth www.instagram.com/phoebebutterworth
