Corey Brown.

Corey Brown, known professionally as Superlative, is a rapper, producer and songwriter whose genre-blending sound reflects over a decade of creative exploration.

A graduate of Spirit Studios’ Electronic Music Production and Performance degree, Corey used his time at Spirit to experiment with new styles, including DnB, and further develop the techniques that continue to shape his music today. 

From performing at major festivals such as Glastonbury Festival and South by Southwest to raising £5,000 through community support to fund his latest project, Everything For A Reason, his journey is a testament to the power of creativity, connection and staying true to your purpose. In this interview, Corey reflects on his influences, his creative process, and the advice he would give to students hoping to build a career in music.

How did you first get started making music, and what inspired you to pursue it seriously?

I’ve been making music professionally as ‘Superlative’ for about 10 years. Prior to this I was a drummer in a Jazz band at school as well as a budding music producer.

I think every person is born with the license to create, despite the barriers placed upon us.

I realised I could have a proper go at this professionally when the people around me were also enjoying the stuff I was producing. I believe I would have continued to make music regardless of whether I decided to professionally release as an artist or not.

Growing up between Wigan and Wolverhampton, how did those environments influence your taste in music and the artist you’ve become today?

I believe more than anything, that it’s your parents, siblings, peers and culture that shape your sound and ethics.

With me, Wolverhampton really allowed me to be comfortable being different. We had an array of genre’s floating about the house, from bashment to old school US trap and a variety in between. I don’t think I can really pinpoint my influences as I continue to find myself more as an artist as I’ve matured and have new life experiences.

During your time studying Electronic Production and Performance at Spirit, was there a moment when you felt your confidence as an artist really grow?

I don’t think I’d have ever made DnB without coming to Spirit. My peers in my year were obsessed with it and despite liking DnB prior, I think it just re-influenced me to actually produce some music in that light. The DnB tunes are now some of my biggest releases.

I was already a performing artist before coming to uni, but I think the course allowed me the time to test things out and express myself away from the industry and without prejudice.

I really got to try out techniques through uni that I have kept with me through the whole process.

How did your time at Spirit Studios help prepare you for the music industry?

I was already performing and navigating the music industry prior to joining. I think being at Spirit really allowed me the 3 years to explore my sound and also the time freedom to navigate without the external pressures of income.

You work across rapping, production, and songwriting. Which part of the creative process do you enjoy the most?

I’d say it’s an amalgamation of the three. I think the creative process is really cathartic. I feel like it’s a necessity for every human to express themselves creatively as you learn a lot about yourself. But ultimately, I love the whole process.

Performing in front of a crowd is probably the moment for me when I get to see the efforts of my work come to fruition.

What’s one album or artist that has had a big influence on your sound?

This answer changes so often. So I prefer to just say who I’m messing with most at the minute. Right now I’m really into music by Finn Askew and Lamb. My all time greats will forever be Kanye West, Amy Winehouse and Skepta.

My new project “Everything For A Reason” touches on a variety of style that are influenced by music throughout my journey so far.

What piece of equipment or software do you rely on the most when creating music?

I’m a PC guy, so just my PC and Ableton is all I need. I do have a Minilogue XD and an 808 Clone as well as some E-drums, but if I’m honest I find hardware such a headache. But it’s amazing when it’s working.

What has been your biggest career highlight so far?

I have had the pleasure of performing alongside an Artist called OneDa at Glastonbury 2024/2025 and SXSW Texas.

But my more personal achievements are, I raised £5000 via crowdfunder to make my most recent project “Everything for a Reason.”

This is such a career highlight for me as it set the precedent for other independent artists like myself to not have to rely on funding bids to create what they want. The power of community was enough to reach the goal and see the project through to completion and for that especially, I’m proud to call that whole process a career highlight.

Music can be a challenging industry at times, what keeps you motivated and inspired to keep creating?

You’re right. The music industry is tough. Everyday some big shot is telling you their method is what you need to succeed. People also try to shape you to their image of you. I’m headstrong and I’m lucky enough to have a support system around me that can keep me grounded.

I think it’s really important to have a life outside of music, because not everyday is great. Some people might not like me saying this, but a lot of these industry dons aren’t your friend. As long as you are honest with yourself about why you make music or why you want to get into the industry and you hold on to that, you will always be able to reassure yourself that the decisions you make or have made will be with that ‘why’ in mind.

I only make music when I want to express myself. I don’t always think about the end goal.

Mr Scruff said to me it’s important to keep it fun, and I’ve always kept that with me.

What advice would you give to Spirit students who want to build a career as an artist or producer?

Start now.

Equipment doesn’t matter. People might have the same lens, but we capture completely different things. You need to love the stuff you work on. If you love it, almost everything else is opinion. Be a good person. You see the same people on the way in as you do on the way out. CONNECT IN ALL DIRECTIONS. Everybody aims upwards in regards to collaborations and features, but you never know who is around you that is just as talented as you, that will also help you both grow together.

Where can we find your work?

Website: sprhub.com/superlative

Instagram: @official_superlative

YouTube: @superlativeuk

Photo Credit – Simone Trumpet