Fast-rising UK rapper and producer RICARDO GOLD gets deep with VIPER following the release of his single, ‘Live In The Flesh’.

What five words define your sound? 

Audacious. Assertive. Self-aware. Versatile. Creative.

Tell me something unique about your creative process 

When I’m in the studio I usually start my writing process with whatever comes into my head first. I usually mumble whole songs and write words after following the rhyme patterns.

Which song of yours would you like people to hear first? 

‘Patience’. Out now, available on all platforms.

What inspired you to make that song? 

At the time I wrote ‘Patience’, I was under scrutiny fighting for my place at work. I was out of work for a year and a half after being fired unlawfully and I received a lump some fee as compensation. When I got the money I spent all of it I thought fuck it, I’m going to follow my passion.

What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music?

I have a song I wrote called ‘Body Language’. I wasn’t thinking at the time when I wrote it but when I looked back, I discovered it was a form of therapy / conversation with myself. It showed a certain level of vulnerability and life experiences.

What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage? 

Worst – Box Park Croydon was the worst on stage experience. I had planned my set but just before performing, I managed to let a friend change my mind on what to preform. The crowd wasn’t very engaged with the song selection as the song was not mixed down properly. Morale of the story, always listening to your artist instincts.

Best – My best experience on stage was a support act for Onoe Capone in Bristol. It was pure vibes. It was my first show opening up for another act and I felt like I was where I was meant to be. It was a special night as I was asked personally to do that show.

What is your favourite song to perform? 

‘Sea Creature’.

Which artist/song/album made you want to make music? 

Mr Hudson – ‘White Lies’, So Solid Crew, Wiley, Dipset.

What’s the meaning behind your name? 

I was brainstorming one day with my boy for names, he suggested the name Trent Campbell and I said Ricardo Gold and the rest is history…

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead? 

Some type of sales job.

What’s success to you? 

Being able to provide and support my family with no limitations, everyone around me comfortable!

What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction? 

It happened unintentionally. I began writing a few years ago for others and the more I was writing, the more my pen skills became recognised. This is the moment I realised I had a talent. It was only natural for me to continue writing for myself and recording music.

Where can people keep in touch with you? 

@ricardogold27 on all platforms.