A creative who’s approach is rooted in experimentation and expression, rapper, artist and activist Kelvyn Colt is standing out for the character, evolution and vulnerability in his work. Of Nigerian and German descent, he currently splits his time between Berlin and LA, using the disparate creative scenes to push forward his work, taking influence from a breadth of sounds, and assuredly tackling society and mental health in his writing.
Colt has today unveiled his latest EP, “REBIRTH”, a conceptually-refined, visceral and stylistically diverse collection of tracks that highlight the fierce innovation of the artist. The body of work signifies the beauty and the pain of existence, and the idea that in order to find contentment, you have to go through adversity.
Sonically eclectic, Colt borrows from electronic sub-sounds like techno and trance, combining an ethereal elusiveness with snappy trap production, amalgamating a unique and forward-thinking sound palette.
The project comes accompanied by a terrific short film, placing a visual narrative alongside the audio, refining the EP’s message and captivating viewers with its technical nuance.
We spoke with Colt, discussing the Berlin scene, the fluidity of his sound, and the creation and concepts of the EP and its short film.
Watch the short film…
Listen to “REBIRTH”…
Read the exclusive interview…
Who and what inspires you to write?
I just have to write. Sometimes I sit and I randomly get thoughts & ideas I just have to write down and turn into quotes. I also freestyle a lot, when it’s not a story telling record but I tend to bring up these quotes in there too. Vulnerable, honest artists inspire me to stay true to myself and speak the truth, my truth.
Talk us through your musical origins?
A mixture of genres. Kind of mood dependant. I get inspiration from 90s and early 2000 hiphop & rnb, psychedelic rock, techno, Afro, dancehall. I grew up and lived across European cities such as Berlin, London, paris – so all of these local influences are reflected in my accent, vocabulary and sound.
How has your cultural background shaped the way you create?
100% it’s been a major influence on what I do. Being half Nigerian half German has engrained extremes within my DNA. Im always between two extremes and blend them, creating harmony.
Berlin is renowned for its innovation. How would you describe the city’s music and creative scenes?
The real folks in Berlin don’t give a fuck. Everybody is just doing their own thing there. The electronic / techno / club culture & influence is huge, even in hiphop.
How would you describe the essence of your sound?
Elevation through consciousness and turn up. Genre fluid for sure.
Congratulations on your new EP “REBIRTH”! Talk us through the initial decision to create the project?
What does rebirth stand for? very moment is a chance to initiate something new. A new life, a new you. the choices we make, the steps we take define the path we walk and therefore the destination we arrive at – irrespective of where we came from. the beauty in life is the constant change. and to that very change & life belongs the duality of everything. birth & death & the following rebirth. my new project “REBIRTH“ deals with exactly that. throughout the project i go through cycles of reflecting, pain, anger, joy and happiness – all interconnected. and at the end of it all, I am reborn.
What was the process behind the body of work?
I wanted to create something that represents the inner workings of a REBIRTH (soul, character wise). What emotions lead to what state of mind?
What are the main themes and concepts you touch upon across the EP?
for me personally, i was dealing with the issue of turning a blind eye to people doing me wrong (Problem, yeah I know) and justifying their mistakes (Truth). I then pursue hedonism (Hello, Love), channel my anger and vent (Rage), as well as adapt a braggadocios attitude (Enormous) to cover up that I am hurting. Finally I admit that I am not the „I dont care about anyone“ guy i tried to be in order to protect myself (Not a thug) and break the cycle. Rebirth.
9. What influenced you stylistically on the EP?
I wanted to keep elements I created over “GERMAN ANGST”, which are synthesisers and playing with different voices. Maintaining high energy or really setting the mood on mellow ones. The art of Story telling was key here, I want people to understand what emotions & situations I associate with which sounds.
Talk us through the thought and idea of the accompanying short film.
The short film REBIRTH was really created to visually highlight / underline the concepts I touch on throughout the EP. Chained & lost through attaching myself mentally to others / my girl (the intro scenes), whilst I’m trying to free myself, looking for the light & following it hoping to set me free. Being in the music industry and dealing with all the aspects of it (truth video), feeling embarrassed by how much bs I tolerated from people (problem yeah I know video) & the rage & anger it all resulted in (rage video). I wished I could’ve shot even more videos but being indie, I had already run through $150.000 off my own money and my team really had to stop me. But Next time there’s no stopping me.
What do you hope the EP achieves?
To show people they’re not alone going through these emotions and that this situations and (past) relationships do not hold you chained forever. You can be reborn, if YOU choose to. Find and Follow your light & intuition, it’ll guide you and set you free.
What’s to come from you next year?
“Mind of Colt pt 2”, a new EP. It’ll my best work to date and anybody that loved “Bury Me Alive, Love and Hate”, “Mama” etc will love this project. This is for you.