Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy J.
Tracy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia and was raised as the oldest of six kids. Church is a huge part of my musical background. Back in the day, we were fortunate enough to have music classes in public school, which also gave me a great start to my world of music. Instead of playing football, like my little brothers, I opted to do chorus, marching band, and symphonic band in school.
After high school, I went to Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma and earned a B.A. in Music Technology. During undergrad at ORU, I started releasing music as an artist and worked on some projects with other artists. While I was in Tulsa, I sang and played keys in a few groups and also had the privilege of touring with ORU’s Gospel Choir, which was founded by Carlton Pearson back in the 70’s.
I left Tulsa for Los Angeles, after college, and began working as a Music Director at a church. For about six years, I put my artistry on hold and later earned a master’s degree in Music Industry Administration from California State University Northridge. Going back to school was a huge turning point. I learned “the business” and how the music industry works.
In 2018 I got back to my artistry, as an R&B artist, and released a single entitled, “Save Me.” I followed it up with my first EP entitled, “This Could Be.” There’s nothing like the feeling of seeing your musical vision come together. I currently teach at a college in Los Angeles, work in television production from time-to-time, and spend time collaborating with other artists and songwriters.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Look, lol, being an artist is not easy. Especially, when you are on the independent artist route. This is an amazing time in history for independent artists, now having the ability to easily distribute their own music with all of the music distribution and marketing platforms we have available online. It is also a challenge to break through the noise because anyone can distribute music. It really takes A LOT of sweat equity, mastering relationships, and noticing a good opportunity when you see it.
Two of the best things independent artists can do are to genuinely support and work with other artists and read books like, “All You Need to Know About the Music Business,” by Donald Passman.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
I LOVE music and realized that my path, is my path. It is fun being able to create and share the art that’s on the inside of you. I feel that collaboration with others brings me inspiration, and in many ways, has renewed my passion for music.
Often, I collaborate through songwriting sessions with my writing camp. I get to write and produce with my super-talented friends. My business, Swearingen Creative (swearingencreative.com) also allows me to work with others using my music skills and other areas of expertise.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Lately, I’ve been doing more shows in Los Angeles and plan to do many more. I’m looking forward to releasing new music and sharing other parts of my artistic abilities.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tracyj.com
- Email: swearingencreative@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/tracyjmusic
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/tracyjmusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/tracyjmusic
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Xwolg3WIuk4zMHfCg0n6a?si=Mi4Ru9ZRR06bYE7AopPwww
Image Credit:
EJ Lewis | (elizalewis16@gmail.com) https://www.instagram.com/now_thatsmy_ej
Jerry Ledesma | https://www.instagram.com/gerald_dark0/
Tracy Swearingen | http://swearingencreative.com
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