Russian rapper with soul

Vovan is a Latvian/Russian rapper with a strong American flavour to his voice. We talked about giving up tobacco and weed and he seemed surprised to hear that people are addicted to nicotine. Vovan asked Andy to play a beat he had found on Youtube and spit some of his freshest lyrics. Jumping between Russian and English and keeping a steady beat, cheeky lines and fresh references made for some quality listening.

Through the Roof Recording Studio

I met with Andy, owner and operator of Through the Roof. “Through the Roof” is a small recording studio on the edge of Manchester near Salford Central station. Situated in an old B&B, the recording booth is behind a false wall where a bathtub used to be in an attic. Andy has tons of experience in the music world, having completed a 55-day world tour with his pop-punk band Deadneck, he knows his instruments. Being the lead singer and producer of the band clearly pays off. Some of the Deadneck recordings I listened to were incredibly clean.

My favourite lines from the day

Vovan’s lyrics are unique and wholesome. Focussing on the positives and making unsubtle nods to his idols, he wants to build himself and his friends up, rather than drag anybody down.

Don’t give up, keep your faith and move. Everyday we got somethin’ to improve.

Above all else, Vovan is besotted with his girlfriend, seeing them post on social media is always a pleasure. It’s clear that she fully supports his endeavours. Most of the clips involve Vovan pushing a pram through a park whilst his girlfriend records and he hypes up his next release.

But I stay on my mission, plus I’m very ambititous. My girlfriend is with me – she is hot and delicious.

Smoke and chill

We shared a joint (Andy is kicking it for a bit) and it must have been a bit strong as it knocked Vovans confidence before recording. I suspect he got the jitters with me being there, asking questions and taking pictures.

Give Vovan a listen here. He’s a great guy.