For many emerging music artists, music is more than just a career – it’s a way of life, and a reason for it, too. One of these artists is Rob Salute, the Londoner who is breaking into the scene with a series of big hitting singles that are dropping throughout the year. 

Straight off the back of his new single and accompanying music video my phone, we caught up with Rob to talk through the trials and tribulations of making music a career, looked at some of his favourite lyrics, and of course came with the co-curated playlist for you to add to your rotation.

Hey Rob – was there one moment that cemented the fact that you wanted to do music, and why?
Can’t lie it’s been a gradual process of realising I need to do this to survive – to express myself and to process life. That’s one of the biggest things I learnt at uni.

This year has been a big one for you, from good life to my phone. What’s been your highlight of the year so far?
Honestly my highlights are always the creative process, especially when it involves family. Shooting the video for “my phone” with our small team was a whole moment in itself. We recorded some of my next single “rewind” in a studio in Dalston, with my boys EASY FERG and Owain – both from Wolves and in the music industry. I’ve been missing that sense of community out here so having a creative family around me means a lot.

What’s your favourite lyric you’ve ever written?
“I bleed my heart on the mic so believe me the realist has come to stay” – just because it’s facts! Let time prove it.

How would you describe your sound in your own words?
Soulful, eclectic, vibrant, uplifting, Tupac

How has London influenced your sound and work?
No one can deny that the scene wouldn’t be what it is today if it wasn’t for London – so my sound has been made by the city really. You can see the Skepta-influenced visuals in my artwork, and even though my top-lines are more US-influenced, there’s still parallels there with artists like DBE and man like A2. I think you can hear that fast city lifestyle even in the way the music transitions from track to track in this EP.

What would you say to emerging musicians looking to break into the scene?
I’d say stand for something – finding where you fit in the scene is important but doing something positive for the community means infinitely more. I’d say know your strengths and weaknesses so you come correct with it.