Indianapolis artist SWANNY.95 is unapologetically underground
After amassing 2 million plus streams with his hip-hop duo Grey Lamb, touring the country as an opener for artists like DRAM, Waka Flocka Flame, and hip-hop/pop star Bryce Vine, SWANNY.95 is making his solo debut. His sound and aesthetic is reminiscent of early 90s boom bap, but utilizes modern production techniques in order to bring it to the present. Clever punchlines almost make his deep and sometimes dark subject matter feel light and approachable, a characteristic of his music he hopes encourage listeners to face some of their own vulnerabilities.
Soak up the underground vibes with the music video for his song “TOTEM” from his debut album “PRIMAL” coming August 6!
SWANNY.95 Interview
Who are the band members and what do they play?
SWANNY.95 (writer, vocals, production, mixing)
How and where did you get together?
I’ve been making music by myself in my bedroom for 10 years
What are your main influences?
For lyrics and vocal performance, I site Kendrick Lamar, Wale, Anthony Kiedis (Red Hot Chili Peppers), and Ben Gibbard (Death Cab For Cutie) For music production, I site J Dilla, Kanye West, Jon Bellion, Toro y Moi, and the entirety of 90s boom bap culture
Have you played any notable gigs, festivals or other events? Likewise radio or TV appearances?
Notable live shows: Opened for DRAM, Waka Flocka Flame, and hip-hop/pop star Bryce Vine, multiple midwest US college ‘festivals’, Chreece Hip Hop festival, local radio (Indianapolis, IN) Notable online coverage: Elevator, Rap City, NUVO (local blog…Indianapolis, IN)
Do you have any favourable quotes from previous reviews of the band that you’d be happy to share?
“SWANNY.95 combines lush melodies, boom bap drums, and lo-fi elements to create a frame for his raw introspective vocals that tackle universal human concepts like building relationships, following your passions, and being honest with one’s self about their vulnerabilities.” -Elevator Music Blog
Where was the album recorded and who was involved in its production?
In my apartment in Indianapolis, IN I was the only one involved in the production of all 7 tracks
Is there a particular ethos behind the album or any particular music styles or events that inspired it?
Since I graduated from college, I’ve been in a constant identity crisis. I’ve always been a musician at heart, but for so many years I’ve had to “be realistic” and “think about stability for my future”. I’ve realized that success can come from any avenue as long as repetitions of hard practice, focus, and heart precede it.
Can you briefly describe what the album is about?
The album PRIMAL is all about getting to the essence of one’s feelings and behaviors. Let’s break things down from the noisy complicated ideas and thoughts of modern society all the way back to the simple concepts; who are we? what are we each meant to do? how are we meant to face our shortcomings, improve upon them, and then grow into our full potential.
Were there any notable or amusing happenings surrounding the recording/production of the album?
Every song has actual recorded audio from my iPhone of local city noise (Indianapolis, IN). Whether it’s a car alarm that I turned into a riser for a transition, or an ambulance siren tucked in the back of the mix to provide ambience, my city’s fingerprints are all over the production of this album.
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