knows how to evoke something tactile and tangible with his music. It’s for that reason he was invited to perform a late-night b2b with longtime friend and collaborator at the launch of ‘s new fragrance last week.
It all took place at London’s The House of KOKO which was transformed into an alternate dimension doused in monochromatic red. The night offered up immersive theatrical performances, choreographed dancers, and set design inspired by traditional Parisien cafes.
A cross-medium artist, Lil Silva has built a singular discography that pulls from a continuum of club music, soul, sound system culture and more cerebral pathways. His catalogue includes everything from underground club classics like 2008’s ‘Seasons’ or 2009’s ‘’, production work with Adele, BANKS and Kano, his 2023 debut album ‘Yesterday Is Heavy’ – a cumulative rendering of expansive repertoire – and transitional EP ‘Still Heavy P1’, released in 2024.
Barrington Levy – Black Roses
Scotch bonnet, thyme and a simmering pot
Memory / place / moment:
Summer cookouts with family! Being outside while a pot is simmering away, with the smell of Scotch bonnet, thyme and food filling the air. People talking, music playing and everyone coming together around the food.
Why they’re connected:
There’s something about ‘Black Roses’ that carries that same warmth and energy. Barrington Levy’s voice feels like sunshine and home, and hearing the track takes me back to those summer days with family, where the music, food and atmosphere all become part of the memory.
Freshly cut wood, wild herbs and lavender
Memory / place / moment:
Long walks through nature, away from the noise of the city. Being surrounded by trees, feeling the change in the air and taking your time without needing to be anywhere. Those walks where you become really aware of the sounds, smells and small details around you.
Why they’re connected:
‘Wood’ has a sense of space and stillness that reminds me of being out in nature. There’s something very meditative about the track, it feels like it gives you room to breathe. The smell of trees and lavender brings back that same feeling of slowing down, clearing your head and being completely present in the moment.
Fela Kuti – Water No Get Enemy
Fried plantain, onions and warm food
Memory / place / moment:
Being in the kitchen while food is being cooked, with music playing and family talking around you. That feeling of the kitchen being the centre of everything.
Why they’re connected:
This one feels connected to food and family for me. There’s something about Fela’s music that has the same energy as a busy kitchen; warm, rhythm, people moving around, conversations happening at the same time. The smell of fried onions and plantain instantly takes me back to that kind of environment.
Memory / place / moment:
At a DEVIATION party, the room was filled with the smell of Palo Santo. It became part of the atmosphere of the night, the music, the people, the energy in the room, and that distinctive scent in the air. It’s a smell that immediately takes me back to being there.
Why they’re connected:
‘New Spirit’ has a feeling that reminds me of that moment – immersive, soulful and uplifting. Palo Santo gives me that same sense of being present and completely absorbed in the environment. Hearing the track now brings back the atmosphere of that night and the feeling of being surrounded by music and people.
Alice Coltrane – Blue Nile
Fresh coffee, toasted bread and breakfast cooking
Memory / place / moment:
Mornings at home, before the day really starts. The smell of fresh coffee in the kitchen, breakfast being made and that quiet moment where everything feels still. I like taking my time in the morning
Why they’re connected:
‘Blue Nile’ has that same sense of calm and space. It’s the kind of track I can imagine putting on first thing in the morning while I’m having coffee and getting ready for the day. There’s something meditative about it that helps me slow down, clear my head and start the morning in a peaceful place.