Blvff “Music isn’t meant to be perfect; it’s not meant to be mass produced & put on a shelf.”

Long-time producer and artist Blvff recently launched a brand new single along with a series of collaborative releases. It was a pleasure to finally chat with the man behind the music, to dig deeper into his journey, his creative process, and everything the coming months will bring to the scene. Here’s the conversation in full.

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Hey – what a pleasure to finally chat, big fan of your music. For those who don’t know, how would you describe what you do as a creative, and how long have you been doing it?

First off, such a pleasure to finally have a back and forth with you, I have been sending my music to you since my first song!

I have been making music for upwards of about 12 years or so I would say, but I have been seriously pushing on the hip hop side since about 2017.

I am definitely a collaborative, I have always loved the energy of creating with and for people that’s why it took so long for me to summon the courage to put myself forward and give myself the pedestal.

Congrats on the release of Sun Showers – what can you tell us about the song?

Thank you! Honestly the song came about in a stressful time. I was very overwhelmed with life in general, ongoing musical struggles and having writer’s block. I really needed something that could throw me a curve ball.

One of my Twitter buddies, Alltrxth, sent me this instrumental and I immediately was super excited about but worried because I have never gone on something so bright and sporadic. I went in the studio around the end of spring last year and just started venting about it being sunny out, a beautiful time of the year and wanting to just get out and do things with people but life hitting you.

That’s really what Sun Showers is all about, its about everything being beautiful but there is always something that could make it ugly, however, it’s also the opposite. There is something beautiful about sun showers, while it seems like a “buzz kill” everyone always looks up and watches them so this song kind of started that concept to be seen on my upcoming project in which this will be the title track.

There’s a level of eclecticism across your releases. Is there a particular starting point for you with new music, or do you just go with the flow at any given time?

Almost every time I have tried to write with no context has lead nowhere. I feel like I’m passed the point of showing off my penmanship and just trying to soak in the vibe that is presented to me.

I have been recently doing more feature work and outsourcing producers because I feel like if things are exciting for me, they will be exciting for the listener. All in all, I want making music to be either fun or a release.

What comes more naturally to you out of writing, producing and performing?

I think producing comes the most natural just because I have spent so much time doing it it’s almost second nature. However, I feel like I do have a knack for writing, because I have never really done it and have been given praise from some of my peers for it, so I guess I may have been born with some type of leg up!

Performing is an interesting one because, I don’t have a lot of experience and I get anxiety before going on but honestly, when I am on the stage with the microphone, I get a little bit of euphoria and feel grounded because I have always stayed in the background for most things so seeing everyone have all attention on me to listen is a blissful feeling.

In what ways does collaboration impact your creative reach?

I think collaboration is vital. There is so much talent in the world, so many minds that it almost seems counterproductive to leave everything to yourself. I used to be that way and take pride in the statement, “I make and do everything all by myself”, but if you are any type of creative you know that just means you’re the only one who will be listening to it.

I have slowly turned towards taking pride in the “we” and the team effort. I want to look at the finish product and say “we did that”, not stare at it alone.

Which of your tracks to date would you recommend to a new listener, and why?

I would most likely recommend my newest release, Sun Showers for a new listener and let me let go for a more personal side to me. I do have a lot of people that enjoy the After Ours – EP with my homie K-Son. All parts of me and great work but I feel like the first two embody my sound, skill and personality.

How did you get started in production, and what’s the best piece of advice you could give to a new producer or rapper looking to find a style and get their music noticed?

At least as a producer, I feel like the vibe is the first thing you want to attack. That or the energy. For producers with new artists, I recommend asking what songs they have been listening to, what type of music are they trying to make and get some loops or premade ideas ready. Ideas diminish quick so I feel like if it sounds good on the jump it’s good. This is also important as an artist.

I think the best advice I’ve lived by regarding music is just do what you feel. Don’t try to be something you aren’t and don’t look for things that are wrong with your music because you are going to find a lot. Music isn’t meant to be perfect; it’s not meant to be mass produced and put on a shelf. Music is expression and there is someone out there whose life could be changed listening to your music and knowing there is at least one person out there that feels the same.

Also, and I know I’m ranting, but on the other end, don’t be afraid to try something new and have fun. Why take something that is supposed to give you joy and make it feel like work. Put in work because you love it not cause you feel like you have to!

How has your approach changed, if at all, since the release of Never Rest a couple of years back?

I think during that time period I would take everything I liked and try to recreate it from production to the way I would perform vocally. It was just a million artists and producers I listened to copied and thrown together. Back then I would really create with a goal to sound a certain way. Nowadays I create in the moment until completion. Of course, sometimes I have a goal sound and idea, but I almost never set expectations for a perfect representation of what’s in my head to be the finished product.

I find it’s a lot easier and more fulfilling to be open to change and possible idea switches throughout. I think that has allowed me to find my own sound. It’s funny because I think all these years me “finding my voice” has really just been me accepting my voice.

What are you working on at the moment?

I am currently finalizing my first real project I mentioned before, “Sun Showers”, hopefully to be out in September, I also have had the opportunity to be engineering and doing mix work for some notable artists, so that is cool. Ultimately just continuing to try to grow, brand and keep pushing.

Is live performance a big part of your plans?

I so badly want to work on a real-life performance with a full band. I think the moment I get to do that is the moment I really feel like I have a fighting chance. Shows are so important and making a statement with the energy a band gives is beautiful, and I can’t wait to try it out. Hopefully soon!

What’s the best thing you’ve been able to take away from the struggles of the past year?

Time is all in your head. It’s interesting because during 2020 it seemed like everything slowed down. People suddenly had time, weren’t overwhelmed with all the things they had to do, and just took a break. Obviously it was a really hard year for a lot of people and I am blessed that my family made it through it, but I do feel like it woke me up a bit.

As soon as 2021 came around and restrictions were lifted, out of no where now I am stressed about everything again. But nothing really changed, if anything it seemed like everything was supposed to be better, but it wasn’t. It wasn’t because of where the world was at, it was because of where I was at.

I feel like having lived through last year and this year it taught me to take it easy, not rush my life and feel like everything needs to get done RIGHT NOW. Take everything one day at a time, and also every hardship passes.

What’s something about you that most people don’t know?

Well I’m more open about it now but I was actually in the military for almost 6 years. The After Ours – EP was written and recorded with a $50 dollar USB microphone on a naval vessel in the chapel whenever me and K-Son had free time. It’s a part of my life that I didn’t keep secret but didn’t promote because I didn’t want it to be a gimmick, but I am proud of it and am happy I did it.

What can we do to you support you right now?

Honestly, just hit me up! Talk to me, build a connection, listen to my music and tell me about it, make music with me and follow the journey. I have a discord community that you can join as well for artists and creatives alike.

Best way to support me is to give to your community. We all benefit from a good community, and I would rather have that than a few streams… but if you want definitely take a look at my music because I do put a lot of time and effort into it!

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Check out Blvff on Discord, Facebook & Instagram.