Lyrics & The Lab: Sevell

Silk, Song & Soul- Sevell’s smooth sound puts rhythm in rotation.

Meet Sevell. A calculated crooner with a high degree for silky smooth melody. Laced with a voice of velvet, strapped with style and “lover boy” charm. This Midwestern musician might pack a serious threat to the charts… and your lady’s heart. I talk with the singer about his origins and passion behind his craft.

Anchorage, AK born artist Anthony S. Crawford Jr. aka “Sevell”, moved to “The Gateway City” (St. Louis) at the young age of two. Raised in a “musical military” family, Sevell learned firsthand the dynamics and balance of art and order. This skillset prepared the singer for his mission of sonic sound and soulful exploits.

During his childhood, Crawford spent his weekends knocking out house chores to good music in the air. “My parents had all of the good cds and tapes. From Luther Vandross to Silk, Jodeci, and all of those guys.”, recalls Sevell.“I remember The Temptations movie came out when I was about six years old. I think I watched it about 10 times back-to-back. It was just so dope to me. It really inspired me to start singing.”

The 32 yr. old artist credits his father and grandfather as good singers as well. “My dad was a marine and also a singer himself. He’d be in there washing the dishes and in there singing.”, he laughs. “I also got inspiration from a lot of the music I grew up listening to. I grew up in the church and school choir as well.” The Hazelwood Central alum also credits his late grandfather (Charles R. Williams Sr.) as his role model and “rock of the family”. Williams was a funeral home owner and the first black elected mayor of Charleston, Missouri.

During his college years at Southeast Missouri State (SEMO), Sevell suffered an ACL injury during sports. “I ran track and was a hurdler. Unfortunately, I tore my ACL, but music was always in the background.”, he explains. “After that I began to focus more on music. Doing covers and singing at events.” Shortly before the COVID epidemic, the songwriter began recording his music. In March of 2021, Sevell released his debut EP titled Connections on streaming platforms. “I have a great support system. From my parents to my friends, they all encouraged me to pour more into my music.”

Sevell- “Run to Rescue”

In September 2021, the producer followed up with the single Losses, featuring Bezel Marciano. “I write about love and relationships.” says the artist. “I also talk about being on a new level and self-improvement. Staying true to your journey.” In February of 2023, Sevell released his second EP You Love it Here. The singer also released singles Altitude and his latest, Day and Night. He also featured on Qartier Q’s Off & On and Love You by Trey WTF. His single Day and Night is also nominated for “2024 R&B Song of The Year” for the 2025 St. Louis Arts & Entertainment Awards.

As of late, Sevell is currently working on his fourth studio project. “I’m looking at probably a six song EP or album that will be released sometime in the middle of this year.”, he confirms. “I have a few shows lined up. I’m also working on a project with Kinfolk and Them. I just did a Motown Tribute concert and a feature for The Core in St. Louis.” The crooner is also looking forward to touring abroad and more collaborations. This blazing artist is easily a hot pick off the R&B/Soul menu, serving us SMOOTH!