HCM. How did you come by your stage name?
SwagStar Beats. This is going to be a funny and stupid explanation to some but fuck it. I was listening to one of J.Atty’s songs when I first started writing and recording in 2010 and he said “Star Vision” in one of his adlibs. If anyone remembers the trend in music during that time, the term “Swag” was being used obsessively. Needless to say…that’s when the name “SwagStar” was developed. As I got older and released that my main focus was the production and making beats, I simply added “Beats” to the end.
HCM. When did you discover your love for music and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
SwagStar Beats. I discovered my love for music as a teenager listening to primarily rock. During my high school years, I developed an interest in creative writing and poetry that made me discover a love for hip-hop and rap music. Being the slightly anti-social person I used to be, I didn’t feel I had the talent or comfort-ability to even pursue it. It was a conversation I had with a friend of mine from Battle Creek, Michigan named J.Atty that gave me the energy and motivation to give it a try. Rest his soul. Ever since that moment, there was no turning back. After a decade of learning the business and craft, along with periodic setbacks, I’ve finally found a place and style that I’m satisfied with, both as an artist and producer.
HCM. On your current/upcoming album… How did you come up with the concept for this project?
SwagStar Beats. My latest album titled “Elevate” screams persistence. I talk about struggles in life and how I’ve overcome them to develop a better sense of mind. I also talk about self-worth and how I learned to value myself and not be taken advantage of.
With this industry, there is always a lot of taking, and too many people aren’t willing to give. That’s why I take time and develop relationships with everyone I work with. In order to receive value from something…you must first show that you are valuable in the first place.
HCM. What are some of your greatest challenges as an artist, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
SwagStar Beats. One of the biggest challenges for me is to remain grounded and not give in to what certain people think I should be or any stereotype that gets thrown my way.
My greatest attribute when it comes to work ethic is simple; I treat each and every artist I work with like an asset. I want that artist and myself to grow with both of our investments. I’ll never see music as a quick cash grab… That would be tarnishing why I even started in the first place.
HCM. What are your plans for the near future?
SwagStar Beats. Continue to grow and develop relationships with dope creatives. Traveling and showing my daughter the world as she continues to grow would be dope too.
HCM. Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shout outs?
SwagStar Beats. I’d like to give a shout out to J.Atty because without him I would have never had the courage to get started. Salute to all the Indiana artists putting in work for the Hoosier state. Much love to everyone I’ve worked with including Crafted, Ed Money 2.0, Sauce, and JayMadeIt, and many more. Most of all thanks to my Grandmother above for always believing in me no matter what I put her through along with my daughter for pushing me to be stronger and value myself every day I’m on this earth.
For bookings and more details, contact SwagStar Beats via email: swagstarbeats@gmail.com
Connect with SwagStar Beats via social media:
Beat Store | Instagram | Facebook | Elevate on DistroKid
Listen to the Elevate album here:
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