Varied rhyme patterns coupled with the capability to sing combine for an artist that has a high ceiling with only his imagination to limit his creations.
Silvano Thomas Monjaras, who performs as Sill, was born in Houston, TX. He quickly learned to become an observer of life in all of its manifestations. After writing several raw verses in adolescence, Sill began to methodically pen full songs in seventh grade about his rough upbringing and perspective on life. He began recording songs and EPs in high school, crafting an intricate and original style filled with imagery, lucidity and an effortless command of language.
In March 2018, Sill signed a record deal with College of Hip Hop Knowledge (CHHK), based in Austin TX.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Sill about the latest album (Kill Sill), technology, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I’m Sill, originally from Houston, Texas and now residing in Austin, TX. I create multiple forms of Hip Hop music. My sound is overall modern but I like to think I’m doing something new and progressive everytime.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
The love and connection I’ve gotten from rap and hip hop music and culture just pushes me to give back and do my best. That initial ability to relate to lyrics and messages in songs like Tupac’s Thugz Mansion and Eminem’s Cleaning Out My Closet pushed my appreciation for music and ultimately, creating my own.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
The Ego Death video is one of my more personal releases. Once I created the song, crafting a story based visual was somewhat easy but also important in creating something unique and organic. Bringing that story to life was the overall mission.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
Technology helps connect to resources and fans. I can get audio and visual to the right channels thought the help of the Internet and social media helps bring attention to my brand online. Challenges are the usual entrepreneurial balance of making money and investing some of that money and most of the rest of my time on my art and business side of it. I’d say balance and patience as every step and every project is a journey.
What was the last song you listened to?
Situation by Don Toliver
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I like the art and tangibility of Vinyl. Mp3s and streaming are a nice convenience though.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Bandcamp / having a website is nice because you have control of what you’re selling and the prices. Spotify and Apple are popular so I like having my music streaming on the big platforms.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
Follow me on Instagram @ill_sill and Twitter @illsill_
Search Sill or my album Kill Sill on Spotify and other streaming platforms.
Anything else before we sign off?
Check out my record label, College of Hip Hop Knowledge at CHHK512.com. Preciate ya.
