Today we’d like to introduce you to Swizzle.
Swizzle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I spent most of my childhood being fascinated with music. Before I could even pronounce the words correctly, I would recite my favorite songs on the radio from my car seat. My father noticed that more than anything I enjoyed hip-hop. I enjoyed everything from R&B to heavy metal, but nothing quite hit my soul the way hip-hop did. I began writing my first raps at the age of eleven. However, It would be at least a year into my writing that I would actually share with my friends at school. I was really motivated one summer while watching Fight Klub battles on MTV2 to finally show the world what I had been working on. The response was always the same as I received props for my wittiness and punchlines. A year or two after my debut, I started battling at lunch and PE class. The art of putting words together, displaying my presence and delivery only drove me to fall deeper in love with he hip-hop culture. Up until the age of 17, I had never recorded a single track. It wasn’t till my older cousin, Ayeaux Thee Gawd, took interest in my potential and asked me to record a song with him. If my memory serves me correct, I knocked out my verse on the first take and the room went crazy! I imagined the feeling could be compared to a shark tasting blood for the first time. It was such an adrenaline rush. At that moment, I knew music was in my DNA and would one day become a career path.
During my first year of playing college football, I used some of my financial aid money to purchase my first microphone and recording software. Best investment I ever made. I would spend days and nights on my cheap USB mic recording verses and experimenting with sounds. Through trial and error I started to develop and find my own style. During my stay in North Dakota for athletics, I would set up my microphone in the dorms and lay down tracks every week. I quickly developed a reputation at my school for making music and the reception was humbling. This would ultimately lead to me receiving my stage name “Swizzle” which was given to me for always having a cool or suave demeanor.
When I came back to California from school, I decided to take music more seriously. I linked back up with my cousin Ayeaux, the man that put me on my very first track, and we started plotting on creating a team. N.C.G would be the name we built around. “No Chase Gang” would be a rule of life that we played by. So many people spend their whole lives chasing a dream, money or a love interest but ultimately never get reach their goal. N.C.G is our code to never chase something, but rather go claim it! The world is yours if you out your mind and effort towards it. With that being said, I purchased a camera, printed up merch, booked studio time, participated in battles and cyphers in an attempt to snatch my respect in the music industry. Currently, N.C.G holds a roster of four artists: Ayeaux Thee Gawd, Kassh, Doonie and myself. All talented musicians who thrive in their own lane. Last year we made noise by performing shows, releasing music/music videos, participating in song challenges and accumulating totaling over 25 features for the year. The momentum doesn’t stop there as we are already on track to double out success from last year. As president of N.C.G, I appreciate anyone who lends me their eyes and ears for even a brief moment to allow me to showcase my talent. Follow our journey into 2020 as we plan on breaking barriers to new heights. #NCG
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing about the music business is easy. Everything from scheduling to writer’s block and budget can all be so stressful. One of the biggest obstacles I’ve had to face would have to be reaching new listeners. With music being such an accessible career to start pursuing, there is tons of skepticism when you tell a stranger you are a musician. People nowadays treat music like fast food as they are always craving for the next hot single or new wave. Making yourself standout without compromising your integrity can prove to be difficult, but I will always stay true to myself and slowly but surely I am growing my fan base.
N.C.G – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
N.C.G is more of a music collective as opposed to a group. We have featured a handful of songs together but we are all solo artists at the end of the day. What separates us from other groups and what I believe to be our biggest strength is our chemistry. No two members have the same sound, however we compliment each other on every song. This is due to the fact that we have known each other for so many years and hold an actual bond in real life. The foundation of this company is built on solid comradery.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
When it’s all said and done, I want my name to be synonymous with the music greats. I won’t be fully satisfied with my career until that day happens. Until then, I will build off the small wins. My measure of success is based on mental and financial stability as well as influence. If I can accomplish all three through my love of music then I have done myself a service.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Z28Ram6mRF2lQUK0BPJVT?si=TM7EEyqOS22gRc1cGSj3Dg
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.instagram.com/ncg_swizz/%3Fhl%3Den&ved=2ahUKEwin4sni1u_nAhWHop4KHclvB6QQjjgwAHoECAYQAg&usg=AOvVaw3GQ_EPvdXqs3FFRxmHvqXv
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DdotSwan?s=09
- Other: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/no-games-feat-kamoshun-single/1431866997
Image Credit:
IG: @_ShotbyDan_
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