S.O. live in London - backstage interview.
On Sunday night I saw S.O. performing at the Islington O2 Academy in London. I’ve been wanting to see S.O. perform in London for years and for some reason it’s never been able to happen before, so when I saw this opportunity on the horizon I knew it was something I wasn’t going to miss!
#MusicWeLove: Your third full length album came out in October 2015 - So It Ends”. What’s the response been to the album?
S.O.: Response on the album has been very good. It reached number three on the Official Charts in the UK and we hit Billboard several times in the USA, which is a first for a UK Christian Rap Act I believe.
#MusicWeLove: There’s quite an autobiographical feel to your albums, what inspires the way you write?
S.O.: I think the response people have to my music is what made me write the way I do. I'm big on comforting others with the comfort which I received from God (2 Corinthians 1) and I find it easy to write that way. It doesn't feel forced. My hope is that people are encouraged and challenged to set their eyes on Jesus as they hear my experiences and relate to them.
#MusicWeLove: You’ve been supporting Twelve24 on their debut UK tour. How have the new songs been received?
S.O.: It’s been good. It's a different crowd to what I am used to, but not anything I have never stood in front of before. I spoke to Josh (from Twelve 24) before the tour and adjusted my set after our conversation. It wasn't as mellow as it could have been - the 'turn up' was definitely there!
#MusicWeLove: Do you have a favourite song to perform live?
S.O.: Right Here, Right Now has definitely gone off at every single show.
#MusicWeLove: Your debut, the “5 Solas” mixtape came out about 6 years ago… How do you think you’ve grown since then as an Artist?
S.O.: Man, 6 years...I feel old! I think I have found my voice as an artist. I think I know how to tell real stories better. I would hope that I've grown in my song making abilities.
#MusicWeLove: Speaking of growing in your abilities, do you have any tips for young artists coming up who want to grow their craft?
S.O.: Grow in your faith. Be rooted in Jesus before you try to be a rap superstar. Have goals. Realistic ones & aspire to make much of Jesus while creating good music.
#MusicWeLove: Are there any things that you wish you’d been told before you started?
S.O.: Yes - these things take time.
S.O. Mentioned that “Right Here, Right Now” was his favourite track to perform live at the moment, so I pieced together a video of some of the concert footage I got of him performing over the track - enjoy!
To check out our review of S.O.’s album “So It Ends” (available on iTunes) click here!
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#MusicWeLove by Dave Hellyer
