This next artist has performed at countless notable venues including, the Rock and Roll Hotel, Ultrabar, and SOBs New York. Although he’s been patient all his life, after releasing his debut album in 2018, he's acquiring success fast! The DMV AUX presents to you, the diverse optimistic Hip-Hop artist, Swiezo.
Swiezo was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, but moved to Mitchellville, Maryland, at the age of two. There he lived with his mother and grandmother experiencing the best of both worlds due to it being a rural but urban area. “It was just fun, really fun. I remember my grandmother making waffles on Sundays, and my mother attending my basketball tournaments, being crazy supportive,” he stated.
Swiezo growing up was always interested in music and the arts. As a young child, he participated in many musicals - one of the roles being the scarecrow from ‘The Wiz,' gospel plays, and more. However, he didn’t start taking music seriously until 2018 after releasing his astonishing debut album, ‘Apocalypse Out Loud.’
As he matured and embarked on adulthood, Swiezo was hit with many challenges like dropping out of college to pursue acting, homelessness, psychiatric facilities, and the death of his grandmother. However, regardless of his downfalls, he persevered and came out on top! “Even though I went through a lot, I’m not the type to give up, I fight until the end. My coaches would always tell me, 'Don’t be good, be great!'" he stated.
His name “Swiezo," comes from the West Slavic language, Polish - meaning “Freshly” in English. For him, this name signifies a revitalized beginning and the start of a new musical journey.
A few well-known artists that assisted in his growth and as a source of inspiration was Drake, Trippie Redd, Damon Dash, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Tyler the Creator, the late XXXTentacion, and many more! “I pull inspiration from countless people, but overall I’m inspired by the game and the grind,” he stated.
Although he has many inspirations, Swiezo continues to originate his lane, generating fun-filled positive music for all. “There're many things going on in the world, in addition to everyday struggles, but I want my audience to listen to my music and get in touch with their inner child; I want everyone to endure happiness,” Swiezo stated.
I then asked how he continues to create positive music with the intrusion of his own struggles. He then made it clear that he’s “Trying to push the community forward, not backward,” as an artist, he refuses to be that guy to setback the community and would rather be an innovator. Yes, some days are tougher than others for him, but he stated: “Somebody must do it, and I will.”
Regarding Swiezo musical style, you can expect a taste of all genres, including his own, GoGo-Pop-Rock! One characteristic that differentiates his from others is his extremely versatile sound. He stated, “I have yet to put out a project where there isn’t plenty of different sounds on it.”
As our conversation proceeded, we discussed how he came to find interest in metal and rock. “I used to go to the mall and hear various metal and rock songs in stores like Hot Topic. Then one day, I just went on YouTube and started discovering countless bands and new music; needless to say, I ended up graduating from YouTube University,” he stated and laughed.
In light of the DMV music scene, Swiezo feels as though it's better than ever! “I think the DMV is a powerhouse in the industry because we have so many artists and genres,” he stated. Swiezo also doesn’t shy away from collaborating with different local artists like Kelow LaTesha and Montez Brénard.
As a collective, Swiezo with Jewelry Boy curated his very first headlining circus-themed festival/showcase, SWIEZOLAND. SWIEZOLAND was established in early 2019 and debuted in three installments. I’m happy to say all three shows sold out and created a tremendous buzz in the city!
Aside from music, Swiezo is passionate about family, acting, directing, photography, and basketball. “I used to have a triple-double,” he commented.
Two years from now, Swiezo stated it’s going to be a year of straight vibes, and one for the history books. He has goals to keep pushing the brand, perform at Coachella, attend awards, release more music, and further fascinating goals.
When it comes to advice for aspiring artists, he would tell them to keep going. He stated, “That’s probably the answer they expected me to say, but honestly keep everything organized and have everything ready. Distribute yourself, have your copyrights, and most importantly, have a team!” If you don’t know where to start, Swiezo stated to begin by creating content and networking! “You may can't afford it, but still keep writing. By the time you get there, you will have countless albums ready to release.”
Read more about Swiezo with a closer look below.
What’s one of your biggest pet peeves?
When I’m cooking up in the studio, and then all of a sudden, my computer crashes.
It makes me mad, but my music is so positive, I end up calming down.
Drive-thru's as well! Every time I stop to get food, my order is never right!
If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
If I didn’t have to sleep, I would use the extra time to travel, cook up more music, or go into imagination land, I don’t know! (He laughed)
I would travel to Saturn, or just space in general! I’m curious because there may just be beautiful life out there, we have no idea about!
What’s one thing you wish you didn’t have to pay for?
I wish I didn’t have to pay for life [living expenses]!
I wish I didn’t have to pay for houses on land we don’t even own, an extra cup of sauce for a $30.00 meal I just purchased, and especially water!
Would you rather Win $50,000 or let your best friend win $500,000?
I would let my best friend win $500,000 because that’s way more than 50K.
The first thing I will do is build an in-home studio. I would also invest in stocks concerning baby/infant goods and services.
Would you rather be an extreme couponer or an antique hoarder?
I would take my chances of being an antique hoarder. I could collect an item that just may be valued at 1.5 million dollars, rather than getting two dollars off an item.
If you're having a bad day, what is something you often do to turn things around?
I will play a game of basketball, watch cartoons like Adventure Time, South Park, Family Guy, etc. and walk around.
Magnified Topic of the Week: Swiezo anticipated album “SWIEZOLAND”
“Swiezoland is a timestamp in changing the narrative for new music. It’s a refreshing balance of different sounds from past, present, and future,” Sweizo stated.
Swiezo released his debut album “Apocalypse Out Loud” in 2018, which was no doubt a grand opening to his artistry. However, this next project is unlike many and is inspired by the hard work he put into 2019. From headlining his own show, creating a unique experience for others, to putting Swiezoland on the map!
Expect to hear various unique solo songs and songs he has previewed at previous shows, like ‘Chuckie Finster,’ ‘W,’ and ‘‘That’s a Bet’ feat. Kelow Latesha. “I made more than 13 songs, but I felt like these captured the moment,” he stated.
SWIEZOLAND is set to release on October 31st, 2019.
Until then, check out Swiezo music on all streaming platforms and click play to listen/watch the music video for Swiezo’s song ‘RARELXRD’ seen below!