Who is going to be on top of Vancouver's hip-hop scene? Check our interview with artist/producer, E.V.

by: Jermaine Paul

"E.V." is a local East Vancouver hip-hop producer & artist, currently studying political science at Simon Fraser University. His company, A-Slam Music Productions specializes in music production, recording, mixing, and mastering. I recently had a chance to catch up with this unique up-and-coming music producer from Vancouver and had a little chat with him.

J.P.: Hi, E.V. For everyone who doesn't know you, or your work, tell us a little about background, school, hobbies, etc.

E.V.: I produce and record hip-hop/fusion music. The best way to understand it is to listen. All my tracks are on my website: www.a-slam.com. In 2006 we won the International Song Writing Competition for best hip-hop/r&b song, and it’s been nonstop from there. We got on the cover of the 24 Hours news paper, a spot on Global TV and other local media coverage.
My background is in hip-hop and I’ve had a lot of help in creating the fusion sound. My main singer is Gary who sings and writes the Punjabi lyrics. I’ve also done songs in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean for an artist named XYL, currently working in China.

As for school, I graduated from Windermere Secondary School in East Vancouver. I now attend Simon Fraser University and study political science part-time. Outside of music, I like playing sports-usually basketball, going to the gym, and watching movies. If you haven’t seen Slumdog Millionaire go watch it please.

J.P.: What is the motto you live by each and everyday?

E.V.: I don’t live by it every day, but I try to fall back on Mahatma Gandhi’s infamous words: “be the change you want to see in the world.”

J.P.: Your hit song, "For You" is about your mother. Please describe her with 3 words

E.V.: Hard-working and caring (only needed two).

J.P.: Where do you see E.V. and A-Slam 5 years from now?

E.V.: Well the A-Slam album is going to come out this year. Then I’m off to China to do some music production. So hopefully in five years, A-Slam will be an established Canadian name looking to expand to other countries.

J.P.: How would you describe your style as far as musically?

E.V.: My rap style is largely inspired by Bone Thugs N Harmony: the quick lyrics plus the melody of the lyrics. The music as a whole is inspired by RDB who I feel really helped pioneer South Asian fusion music. So basically, fusion tracks with quick raps that will get you excited.

J.P.: word association:

E.V.: Biggie > Style, 2Pac > Passion, Kanye West > Confident

J.P.: What would you like to say to the youth who inspire to be in your position today?

E.V.: Go hard. You have to invest a lot of time and money into it to get anywhere. If it’s music specifically, make sure the music sounds as professional as you can make it. Whether you have to learn how to do it, or pay to have it mixed, just make sure it sounds as good as you can make it sound.

For further information regarding this interview, please contact: ypy@sfu.ca

To learn more about the artist, visit www.a-slam.com

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