Brixton based artist Ess_West blends UK rap and R&B with Britpop ballads, get to know him better with this VIPER interview…

What five words define your sound?

South London flavours and feelings.

Tell me something unique about your creative process.

I make my best music/ideas when I’m high/borderline grieving.

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

‘5 EACH’ – ‘OUCH’ – ‘YOU’ – and then the new project. We warmed you with the first three in 2022. The project feels more definitive of my sound.

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

I feel like vulnerability and danger are too sides of the same coin. It’s hard to be vulnerable and safe with out assurance in your own ability to be dangerous. My music holds both.

What’s the meaning behind your name?

ESS WEST. Like south west. Or Kanye West because I vocal and produce. Although we aren’t related.

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

A madting.

What’s success to you?

Not having to do a madting.

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

Doing a madting.

Where can people keep in touch with you?

Ess_West on the gram holla at me.