- Words Notion Staff
Croydon rapper and drill artist SwitchOTR takes us through some of his most memorable firsts, from a GRM Daily release to ticking off his bucket list.
Hailing from South East London, SwitchOTR is a young rapper who’s cemented his status as the biggest new artist on the drill scene. Debuting his music via the UK grime and drill entertainment platform GRM Daily, the artist has since dropped a string of respected tracks.
Back with a cutting-edge new single, “Gone” sees the rapper collaborate with multi-platinum artist John Newman and follows smooth hit “Clearest Of Signs” (which saw SwitchOTR accumulate over 100 million streams). Catching his first viral break with his 2021 single “Coming for You”, this track swiftly saw the rapper skyrocket into the Top 5 of the UK Singles charts. Since then, SwitchOTR has also worked with Russ and Buni across smash hit “Regga & Calypso”.
SwitchOTR speaks to us about some of his most memorable firsts: including his first GRM Daily release, his first live concert and ticking off his bucket list – take a read!
First song you ever made?
The first song I made, I ended up releasing officially on GRM Daily. The song is called beater. This was a big moment as it was the first time I saw my self becoming an artist. A lot off people make music but they don’t release, I didn’t want to end up like that so I knew that I had to release to start the groundwork’s of consistency.
First CD or record you owned?
I never grew up buying CD’s, mostly my parents would do that and play music around the house or in the car.
But in terms of owning music the first song I bought on iTunes was my second song Wizards (on GRM). I had to support my own grind and now when I see artists who’s music I like I also buy it to show a different kind of support.
First gig you went to?
The first gig or show that I have ever been too was Wireless Finsbury Park, I remember seeing people like Lil baby, Gunna and D block Europe. Seeing these huge world wide artists, it inspired me to want to be an artist and try to aspire to reach the places that these guys have.
First time you faced an obstacle in music
When I was trying to juggle music and university. It was hard as I knew that too be successful in the music world you have to be prepared to put everything into it. And my parents wanted me to put my all into my uni work and I struggled to find a balance for both. I ended up getting kicked out of university due missing some exams. I see this as a blessing in disguise as it gave me the ambition to put my all into my music.
First instrument you ever had
I’ve never owned an instrument however, I really want to learn how to play the guitar. I don’t know what it is that attracts me to learn that instrument but I feel like the guitar could enhance live performances and also I love including string instruments into my music production. I also want to do some acoustic stuff so I believe that it will compliment that.
First time you felt like giving up?
I lost my phone which had all my lyrics and music and then I got fired from Sainsburys in the same week. This was after I had been dropped from university so I was lost for a bit. I was thinking maybe it’s a sign to take a break. But luckily I kept on going and found the ambition to keep trying and I made coming for you the week later.
First time you felt starstruck?
I would really say I’ve felt starstruck before, but one time where I sat back and was amazed was when Zie Zie brought me out at the 02 Birmingham and everyone was singing my song that was my first time performing coming you and having the whole venue support me felt amazing.
First time you ticked off a bucket list goal?
Performing at Wireless.
From going to Wireless and watching everyone and aspiring to be up there one day. To then the next year performing with A1 and J1 on the set a Wireless Finsbury this felt like bucket list goal. But it also inspired me to want to keep making bigger songs so that next time I can headline.