[FEATURE] VIPER PRESENTS: TILLS

East London based artist Tills draws influence from Rap, R&B and icons of the noughties through to the 2010s. Get familiar with her via this VIPER interview…

What five words define your sound?

Exciting, Larey, Playful, Gritty, Raw.

Tell me something unique about your creative process

I’ve written my best bars on public transport. I find it easier to be creative when I’m moving.

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

‘VIM’.

What inspired you to make that song?

I wrote VIM early 2024 after being inspired by Doja Cat’s album ‘Scarlett’. The lyrics came from a place of frustration, I’d had a recent experience working with someone who was very misogynistic towards me so the lyrics started almost like I was sending for that person and showing that my self confidence and power can’t be knocked.

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

I’m a Pisces so I deal with all my emotions creatively – best believe if you piss me off or hurt me you’re definitely gonna hear a song about you at some point [laughs]. Most of my darkest, most vulnerable times, I’ve documented in bars/song writing. Just not all of it sees the light of day.

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

Last year I was in a sound clash and I was the only girl on the lineup and it went off, I got so many wheel ups, that was fun. There’s been so many good times it’s hard to pick a best. I have a really strong community of supportive friends and creative and we often throw events and it’s always such a vibe having all my friends yell my bars back at me. Worst was probably when I was on DJ/Hype girl duties for my girl at Brighton Pride Festival a few years ago and I had a really bad low sugar – I’m a type one diabetic – but didn’t want to say anything to ruin the show so I firmed it and then almost passed out. 

What is your favourite song to perform?

‘VIM’ or ‘Gimmie’ – both are so fun because the audience always gets involved.

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

It’s gonna sound strange cause my music style is so different but Amy Winehouse – ‘What Is It About Men’ changed me.

What’s the meaning behind your name?

It’s just my actual name [laughs]. 

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

I’d move to Portugal, go off grid and make collages by the sea.

What’s success to you?

For me, my family and community to be fed, paid and surrounded by love, creativity, good energies and pure intentions.

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

I previously released music under a different name, but I realised that for me it didn’t feel authentic to be under an alias. I changed my artist name to Tills – my actual name – at the start of the year and also made a conscious decision to release music that felt true to myself, to my roots, to the culture of UK Hip Hop that shaped me.

Where can people keep in touch with you? 

@tellthemtills on all social media platforms, Tills on streaming platforms.