CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS 086: SACREDD on self-produced hip-hop
Words by Brooklyn Gibbs.
Adelaide-based self-produced hip-hop artist Sacredd, has just released her much anticipated debut EP, Sanctified. Embodying an alternative approach to both her craft and overall presence, Sacredd delivers catchy punch lines, bouncy flows and hard-hitting production.
Futuremag Music caught up with Sacredd to talk all things hip-hop, and the self-production process.
FMM: Congrats on the release of your debut EP! How’d you celebrate?
Sacredd: (Laughs). Honestly, I worked at my day job on Thursday, so I didn’t do an awful lot, but I had some friends around at night and had some drinks, nothing too wild. It’s been a big build up, so we didn’t really have time to have a big celebration. I think I will aim save that for my first album. While we’ve come to a release, I feel like we’re still working towards stuff.
FMM: Yeah, that makes sense! How have people been reacting to the EP so far?
Sacredd: The reactions have been awesome! I try my best not to have expectations, but it’s been better than I could have expected. Heaps of good feedback so far, so hopefully that continues.
FMM: Well done! What are some of the inspirations behind this EP?
Sacredd: Honestly, just the last couple of years of myself making music. It’s been a long road towards getting my music and production to a certain level as it’s all self-produced, and staying committed, hence one of the tracks is called Committed. Just striving and pushing and knowing that I can do it and am capable of making better music. This year has been awesome and full of amazing opportunities. Every time I released something, I was getting better reactions and more support and that kept pushing me, so it’s been a massive build up of how I’ve been feeling the last couple of years really.
FMM: I personally really love the divide of the EP. So, you’ve got three tracks that are really upbeat and energised. Then, we also have three that are more raw. How’d you find that sweet balance? Was it intentional, or did it have a kinda natural flow to it?
Sacredd: It was definitely intentional (laughs). I don’t know.. it’s all subjective. but, to me, PPP, Pep$i, kinda Blue Gem$, I think they’re more so pop-influenced, if you know what I mean? They’re hip hop, but they pop a bit more than the other stuff. Whereas, Yankees, Committed and Secrets, are more of a drill beat aspect and more of a UK drill influence style, which I love. So yeah, it was intentional as I really feel I vibe with the stuff that has the pop influence, but I also feel like the drilly-type stuff.
FMM: Absolutely! Speaking of Pep$i and Committed, these tracks both feature some sick collabs! How did you know these features were the perfect fit for the sound of the EP?
Sacredd: Pep$i’s the most light-hearted one on there. The whole aspect, I had Stefan in mind. He’s another local artist. He just has that vibe that I thought would fit that track and I thought that fit well. Kultar on Committed, he’s been a really good support person for me. He’s an OG in Adelaide. He’s the only really older musician I have to look to in terms of questions about things. When I laid Committed, being my debut EP, I just thought it would be cool for him to be a part of it.
FMM: I love that you’re self-produced and you’re the whole package of talent. I’d love to hear more about your production process!
Sacredd: Honestly, my process varies. I could sit down and go through heaps of beats. Some of them I’d be able to write to, some of them I love but I store away because the lyrics don’t flow. My process for many years now has been my myself with my studio set up and I just chip away by myself. Once I get to the point of having a finished product of having a beat and vocals recorded, then I go to some engineers and work from there. So quite solo and I’d love to branch out, but being in Adelaide, it’s not Sydney or Melbourne, so not a lot of people to work with. The variety is a lot smaller, so it’s habit, but it’s been working.
FMM: Does it make it harder with the smaller scene? Or are you still able to form close connections and perform live? What’s the Adelaide hip hop scene like?
Sacredd: Absolutely. There’s a lot of different hip hop here and a lot of variety. I feel like there’s a lot of hip hop from a lot guys who were the OG’s, but also some younger artists. Even then, you take those artists and the styles are quite different. With the younger artists, I feel it’s very versatile and not that classic-type hip hop. But, the scene is okay. Coming out of Covid, the whole Adelaide scene took a bit of a hit as everyone did, but it’s doing alright. It’s getting there.
FMM: What about live performances?
Sacredd: Yeah, I’ve done a fair few this year. It’s been really great. I didn’t expect it to bounce back like it did. I’ve been over to Melbourne. I feel like there’s a lot more potential gigs popping up now too. So not bad, pretty decent.
FMM: Yeah, cool! And for anyone coming across your music for the first time, do you mind sharing a bit about you and how you came into the scene?
Sacredd: I’ve been in love with hip for many years. When I was a teenager, I’d hang out with friends and we’d be skating at the skatepark, and it started with that, and shit freestyles at the skatepark (laughs). I’m originally from a rural town three hours out of Adelaide, but once I was 18 or 19, I just packed up my stuff because I knew I wanted to do something with it. Ever since then, I’ve just chipped away at stuff. I really try to portray that non-stop work ethic in my music too, but that’s what it feels like I’ve always been. It’s been a journey, but I still feel like I’m at the start of it which is a good thing, I guess.
With more releases for the new year, Sacredd is one to keep your eye on!
Listen to the EP below!
