We talk about his start writing rhymes on a family caravan holiday, his early releases under the alias Spida Lee, and how that journey evolved into the Seek The Northerner persona. Seek gives insight into the founding of Northentic Records, a label and platform created out of frustration with the industry’s gatekeeping and a deep belief in DIY principles. This conversation dives into what it really takes to be an artist for life—juggling fatherhood, music, events, and a full-time job while never compromising on values. Seek opens up about helping build platforms for others, including Grimee Quick and the early days of Killer Tapes. We talk about his own projects too—from lo-fi boom bap to rich collaborations—and how his lyrical content always reflects lived experience. He doesn’t bite his tongue on the topic of artist entitlement, sustainability in the scene, and why artists need to be held accountable for their own development. With honesty and dry Northern humour, Seek drops knowledge on how to build something real—and how to stick around long enough to see it grow. If you're into raw UK hip-hop, independent music, or the business of building culture without selling out, this one’s essential viewing.

Key moments:

00:00:56 – How did Seek The Northerner first start writing raps on a caravan holiday?

00:03:22 – What inspired the transition from Spida Lee to Seek The Northerner?

00:04:50 – Why did he create No Authentic Records, and what’s its purpose?

00:06:45 – How does Seek juggle being an artist, producer, label head, and father?

00:08:13 – What does the name “Seek The Northerner” really represent?

00:09:32 – What’s the story behind Grimee Quick and the birth of Killer Tapes?

00:12:14 – Why does Seek think infrastructure is missing in UK hip-hop?

00:13:27 – Why do some artists avoid accountability—and how does he address that?

00:15:12 – How did his experience in marketing and design influence his music grind?

00:17:30 – Why doesn’t he rely on social media virality to validate his work? 00:20:46 – What is Seek’s advice to artists about consistency and patience?

00:22:41 – How does Seek choose collaborators or artists to support on his label?

00:24:38 – What motivates him to continue building platforms when others give up?

00:27:00 – How does he define “authentic” music—and why does that matter?

00:30:10 – What’s the biggest challenge in running a label without industry backing?

00:33:22 – Why is artist development a lost art—and how does Seek approach it?

00:36:00 – What role does honesty play in maintaining long-term collaborations?

00:39:12 – Why are some artists afraid to hear the truth about their work?

00:41:55 – What has Seek learned about emotional intelligence through music?

00:45:30 – What’s his take on the differences between southern and northern UK rap energy?

00:48:44 – Why does he think “delusion” is one of the biggest obstacles in music today?

00:51:10 – How has being a father changed his creative and professional decisions?

00:54:05 – What are his long-term goals for Northentic Records and legacy building?