Artist Spotlight: SVP
In this exclusive interview with Sachi Peiris, better known as SVP, we delve into the artist's pre-performance rituals, dream collaborations, and the challenges faced in a burgeoning career. SVP shares insights into his unique approach to crafting live sets, drawing inspiration from diverse genres, and the profound impact of fan interactions. The interview also uncovers SVP's hidden talent in jazz trumpet and his commitment to using music as a universal language for positive energy. Discover the artist's journey, influences, and a playlist that spans across genres. Get ready to explore the world of SVP, where passion for music takes center stage.
M&M: Sachi, can you give us a little intro about your background, about yourself, how you got started, and what music you like to play?
SVP: “From a young age I always loved music. I began playing instruments since the very beginning. Throughout my early years I learned French horn, piano, jazz trumpet, and learned music theory. This fueled my passion and love for music. Once I moved to Miami for college I discovered house music and immediately became obsessed. I see house music as a universal language, a platform to create a fusion between all types of music. In my shows and songs I combine various genres and throw them over infectious house percussion and baselines.”
M&M: Music often has the power to transport us to different places and emotions. Can you share a specific memory or location that has deeply influenced one of your tracks?
SVP: “Finding my love for house music in Miami definitely has had an impact on my sound and the music that I play. I am Sri Lankan and have no Latin American background however I find myself very fond of Latin sounds drums and vocals in my music. This type of genre and sound is very popular around here and has a big impact on my personal taste. You can hear this in most of my tracks and shows.”
M&M: Imagine your music as a movie soundtrack. What kind of film or genre do you think your music would fit perfectly into, and why?
SVP: “I think that my music would be perfect for any modern action or artistic indie films. I think that the sounds and energy that my tracks have, create a unique atmosphere that would be perfect for those specific movie genres.”
M&M: Can you reveal any rituals you have before stepping into the studio or before a performance?
SVP: “Before all my shows I spend at least an hour listening to all my tracks and putting everything that I have prepared into a playlist. I do not like to prepare any specific transitions or orders of my tracks, I just put together music that I am currently enjoying myself and get a feel for the energy of the crowd and the venue and play based off of that. Before making music I like to listen to everything and anything that I can think of. Inspiration is everything.”
M&M: If you could collaborate with an artist from a completely different genre, who would it be, and what kind of track do you think you'd create together?
SVP: “I think a collab with a rapper or R&B artist like Kendrick Lamar would be amazing over a house music beat. A lot of his music already has various Jazz and funk elements which incorporate really well with house tracks.”
M&M: Can you share a story of a challenging moment in your career and how you overcame it?
SVP: “The most difficult thing that I've had to learn is not getting too lost in the scene, as well as balance. Getting involved at the age of 19 I had a lot to learn, there were many nights where I played a show until 3:00 a.m. on a weekday then an after party till 6:00 a.m. and then had to balance work and school the following day. At first is was very difficult but I taught myself how to properly manage my time and be successful in all aspects of life.”
M&M: How do you hope your music can contribute to raising awareness or making a positive impact?
SVP: “As I stated before I believe that music is universal. No matter who you are or where you are from everybody can love the same music. I think those ideas should be used to bring people together and create positive energy.”
M&M: Can you remember a fan interaction or message that touched you deeply and affirmed the importance of what you do as an artist?
SVP: “One thing that I will be always grateful for, is my close friends who have been there with me since I started DJing in a college dorm for fun. Their encouragement and unwavering support has motivated me and push me more than anything else.”
M&M: We all have hidden talents or interests outside of our primary profession. Is there a skill or hobby you have that might surprise your fans?
SVP: “I am very proficient in jazz trumpet. If someone gave me a trumpet right now and played any song and told me the key, I would be able to play the trumpet along with this song.”
M&M: If you could choose any historical figure, living or dead, to attend one of your live shows, who would it be, and why?
SVP: “I would choose the artist, Paul Johnson. His classic tracks inspire me in the music that I produce and play today, and I include many of his tracks in my shows.”
M&M: Nostalgia often plays a role in music. Are there any specific songs or albums from your past that hold a special place in your heart and continue to inspire you?
SVP: “A lot of my music that contains elements of jazz and brass instruments hold a special place to me as it reminds me of my roots of learning how to play Jazz music.”
M&M: If you were to create a playlist of songs that have been most influential in shaping your musical journey, what tracks would you include?
SVP: “This playlist would be endless as I enjoy every single genre ranging from rap to R&B to rock to classical music. I would have a little bit of everything on it. it would range from artists like J. Cole to Lynyrd Skynyrd to Chopin to Michael Jackson.”
M&M: Is there anything else you want the world and our followers to know about you?
SVP: “I DJ and produce music purely for my love for music. I feel like in this day and age there are many people that get involved in the industry for other reasons, but I want to be very clear that the music lies above anything else for me.”
