Dancer/Rapper, Darell Turner, aka SEVNDEEP, talks forthcoming EP, music influences, and transiting from D.C. to LA on impulse to expand his career.
“Never f**king stop. Pursue your creativity relentlessly. Don’t let anyone tell you, “Take a break… it’ll come to you”. We don’t tell doctors and lawyers that. They get up every day and put in work. PUT IN THE WORK!”
– SEVNDEEP
How were you first introduced to dance?
I’ve been dancing for as long as I can remember, but I remember learning the choreography to Missy Elliot, Janet Jackson, and Britney Spears videos and thinking, “Wow, I can do this.” I made it happen in High school when I entered my high school’s talent show and won. Ha!
Who are some of your dance influences?
I am obsessed with Britney, Janet (Jackson), J.Lo, Justin Timberlake, and Usher! They all have very unique styles that draw you in and make you pay attention.
You recently moved from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles, how was the transition?
The transition was difficult at first because it was impulsive. I didn’t tell anyone until the day before my plane took off. I was lonely the first month, but now I’m seven months in, and it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made in my entire life.
How does LA compare to DC as far as dance and music are concerned?
I feel like it’s a better market for it out here than in D.C. It’s easier to build connections here in the music and dance world.
How did you get into rapping, and what made you want to pursue it now?
I’ve ALWAYS been a poet and an artist when it came to putting words together and coming up with melodies. I honestly don’t know why I never took it seriously before, but I do know that losing my best friend to cancer made me want to pursue every dream that I’ve ever had. ANY and everything that I’ve ever want to do, after losing him, I knew I had to make it happen.
I am obsessed with the industry, dancing, wordplay, entertaining, and just everything that makes a great artist, so it was only right that I seriously transitioned into one because I’ve been one my entire life.
How has the process been getting people to see you as a serious MC?
That’s been a tricky process because people know me for dancing, but it’s been fun. It keeps me hungry and on my toes. I know what the big picture looks like, and I have a following that sees the same. Now we have to show the world.
You went to London to record your EP. Why did you choose London as the place to record your music?
I absolutely love London. Its peaceful, beautiful, creative, and unique. The energy there is also amazing. I wanted to get away from the States and go hard for a week on my project.
I rap, but it’s so much more than that. I’m an artist, and I feel that artists need to seclude themselves and lock in on their creativity.
What’s the vibe of the new project?
I can’t even explain it. Haha! I will say this; I’m heavily influenced by Pharrell, Juicy J., Britney Spears, Reggae, Janet Jackson, and the list goes on. Think, rapper meets dance! Developing my sound has been the most fun.
Who are your Top 5 Rappers?
- Juicy J.
- Lil Kim
- Boosie
- A$AP Rocky
- Jay Z
What advice would you give someone trying to make it as a creative?
Never f**king stop. Pursue your creativity relentlessly. Don’t let anyone tell you, “Take a break… it’ll come to you”. We don’t tell doctors and lawyers that. They get up every day and put in work. PUT IN THE WORK!
Music: available on all streaming sites
“BANG BANG” – SEVNDEEP
“Talk of the Town” – SEVNDEEP
EP drops January 1, 2020
Follow SEVNDEEP on Instagram @SEVNDEEP
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