Originality is becoming an unoriginal concept. When everyone tries to be different, similarities abound. A force like Blvc Svnd doesn’t dwell amongst the sheep; “I feel like I’m on my own shit. I don’t feel like I’m anybody.” It’s this detachment from expectation that makes 20-year-old Blvc Svnd, née Nasier McKay, so intriguing. Few artists are as fluidly versatile jumping through genres or as confident in their eccentricity. His assuredness was audible during our conversation, spurring passionate topics like self-expression, loyalty, and musical innovation.
Mostly from Los Angeles but showing love for the Bay too, Blvc Svnd began a serious relationship with music at a young age. Citing Jimi Hendrix as inspiration for learning guitar, he then took up drums, went to a performing arts school, and studied symphonic music for seven years. “I was bored of hip-hop and wanting to push the boundaries of it,” he explains as the catalyst for creating his own arrangements of orchestral and rock music. It wasn’t until 2017 when the release of Blvc God 3 fully flaunted his “blend of hip-hop, hard shit into artsy, beautiful shit.”
The tape was an exposé for Blvc Svnd’s iconic sound. Hard-hitting lyrics, vibrant snares, and a blasé attitude towards it all defined his presence. It wasn’t until the very recent release of NUNU that he hit a genre-bending breakout point (read the EP’s full breakdown here). “Lately I don’t want to be known as this super aggressive, crazy artist. I can make other types of sounds.” These other sounds are indeed less harsh and more harmonious than typical Blvc Svnd fashion. “I can do the aggressive shit, obviously, and I can do melodic shit too because I’ve been through a lot. I like that side of me.”
Blvc Svnd’s creative limits know no boundaries in both his career and pastimes. “I like to paint my clothes, I like to make stuff, I like DIY. I’m a really flashy person.” Designer brands and rich aesthetics come to mind when thinking about “flashy,” but none could be farther from Blvc Svnd’s truth. “Spending that much money just to flex when it’s not even that cool just looks stupid when you can make it yourself for a way cheaper price.” Outlets like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Plato’s Closet are excellent local resources to sell and recycle old funky clothing.
Keeping a tight social circle, he also mentions the importance of those that kept it real and stayed with him through the come up. For the past few months Blvc Svnd stopped writing his own music to focus on his independence, associating only with those who will bring him up and push him harder. “Lately I’ve been working a lot with Tim Lynch, Night Lovell, Giz… People I trust.” Smoking good weed and eating good food are also at the top of his favorite activities, amongst being a self-proclaimed music nerd. “Everybody tries to compare me to people but on some real shit, I’m not like anyone. I have so many layers that make me whatever people think I am.” This compelling attitude harbors an excellent setup for the deep thought, insightful revelations, and peculiar styles we can still never expect.
It’s been a productive year for the ostentatious artist. Having produced and engineered countless songs for others, it’s time to put the energy back into himself. There’s a lot to look forward to: a mixtape with gizmo, City Boy coming out in January, and “hella little ratchet ass singles” between now and then. A music video for “TATTED UP!” is also due soon. Blvc Svnd feels confident in his growth and the direction in which the music is going, and we hope that the new year continues to spur passion and variation in his already riveting palette.