Artist Spotlight: Treasure Bloom

To stand out in the condensed world of UK R&B, an artist needs to throw aside the generic sensibilities of the style itself and push the boundaries of sound, tone and mood. The rule book has been rewritten, with less demands and more concepts. Treasure Bloom has read it cover to cover.

Combining the atmosphere and drawn out soundscapes of electronic music with the subtly of folk and the vibrancy of R&B, Treasure’s sound disembarks the sonic norm, a fascinating melting pot of vivacity and amelioration. The London-born, Hertfordshire-raised singer, rapper and producer has been catching the ear of critics and listeners since his 2019 debut, but his new EP But Does It Make Sense? is his crowning moment to date.

Unveiled via Jamz Supernova’s Future Bounce imprint, But Does It Make Sense? is a startling exploration of identity, ambiguity and love, wrapped up in dazzling palettes that sprawl across sound worlds, stretching their chiselled delicacies into each orifice of emotion. As powerful as it is progressive, Treasure’s ebullience to experiment ensures But Does It Make Sense? is one of the most compelling R&B projects of the year. 

I chopped it up with Treasure Bloom about finding his sound, his drive to create, and the fascinating new EP.

Who and what influences you?

Solange Knowles, Moses Sumney and JPEG Mafia. I’m influenced by the boundaries they continue to push. 

When and how did you first start writing

2014. I couldn’t find anyone to work with my style of production, so I thought I’d give it a go.

What is the origin of the name Treasure Bloom?

Treasure = previous alias.

Bloom = I feel like my distinct style is starting to show itself.

Where does the drive to create come from?

Necessity, I’m just another person trying to give life some meaning.

How would you define your style?

Ever changing.

How would you say that you stand out amongst a congested scene?

I don’t, I like releasing music in obscurity. 

Where did you get the idea to experiment with electronic music and blend it with R&B/acoustic sensibilities?

I listened to Blonde and my life changed. I have a lot of musical gear in my room so I work with what I’ve got.

You combine genre really well, is that something you’ve worked on or did it come naturally?

All completely natural. My style is not homogeneous, so every song is a mixture of whatever I’m listening to at the moment.

What was the creative process of the EP But Does It Make Sense?

Experiment over a long period of time. I’ve been making music for a while but I still haven’t got a foolproof process. 

These songs were written around 2/3 years ago in burst of maniac creativity! 

How has it been releasing the EP on Jamz Supernova’s Future Bounce Imprint?

Very relaxed, I’m still getting used to the entire process but it’s been nice getting extended support from Future Bounce and BBC. It’s been a learning curve for sure. 

What are the main themes and ideas on the EP?

Each song is a different idea of love in my mind. The lyrics play out as conversation or letter to a loved one. 

What do you want listeners to take away?

Whatever they want. These song aren’t mine, they’re the publics now so they up for interpretation.

If you were introducing yourself to a new listener, what track would you play them?

I’ll Love You Always.

What is to come from you?

I’ve got a lot on at the moment, but when the time is right  I’m going to double down on my Alt-R&B sensibilities and become a more prolific musician.