A few days ago HCM caught up with up-and-coming hip-hop producer Gwado for a little interview to tell us about his latest project and how he began his career in music. As a native of Puerto Rico, Gwado aims to display his talents of blending tracks while staying true to his heritage. He also has plans to establish a coalition of beatmakers to bring some of the dopest sounds to hip-hop lovers everywhere. Check out his interview to learn more about Gwado.
GWADO INTERVIEW
HCM. How did you come by your stage name?
Gwado. A small town in Puerto Rico called Aguada, that’s where I was raised for about 4 years. I substituted the “A” on the end and finessed it my own way. Pretty much just keeping in touch with my roots.
HCM. When did you discover your love for music and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
Gwado. I always loved music, which I blame my parents for that. My mother is Puerto Rican and she would always listen to old-school bachata, merengue, salsa, and reggaetón, I believe that’s where I got my rhythm from. My pops on the other hand, which was American, listened to lots of old-school hip hop like Biggie Smalls, Tupac, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre. Throughout high school, I used to make music and on top of that, I was an artist myself. My friends always wanted to record with me because of the way I mixed my tracks. After putting 2 & 2 together, I decided to start charging for my skills. Ever since then, I’ve been treating music as a career.
HCM. To what or whom do you accredit your sense of style?
Gwado. See the previous question hahaha.
HCM. On your current/upcoming album… How did you come up with the concept for this project?
Gwado. To be honest, there wasn’t really a concept behind the song. When Jack and I work together I usually play a pack of beats that I think he would like, he’ll start humming a melody then he’ll hop in the booth and record.
HCM. What are some of your greatest challenges as an artist, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
Gwado. One of the greatest challenges I think most individuals face as artists, is being “Independent”. I’m grateful for the team I have behind me, but “getting your music heard” can be an uphill battle without the proper capital. My greatest attribute would be my humbleness and my professional mindset. No matter who I’m with or where I go, being banal isn’t in my core structure. To stand the test of time in this industry, I will always be the same Gwado. Being that I’ve seen plenty of people act like the “man” in certain situation, I never want to come off as arrogant or self-absorbed. I never want to be that type.
HCM. What impression would you like listeners to be left with after hearing your music?
Gwado. Wow… This guy’s good.
HCM. What are your plans for the near future?
Gwado. I’ve been slowly building up a team of solid producers called “Beat Smvgglers”. Having talented individuals that help, create, and build as one is what I’m working for! I’m also working on guides for producers/engineers to show them the ways/techniques I use to create my music. Nowadays everyone is wanting to be involved in music in some way shape or form. I want to give helpful information to anyone that’s in love with this art. I believe that would be a good thing for the culture.
HCM. Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shout-outs?
Gwado. God first, without him NONE of this would be possible. I want to thank my family for always supporting anything I do. R.I.P. my pops, I’m forever grateful for what he has done to help me get where I am today. I want to thank/shout out my team! The ones that started and are still helping me get a step closer to accomplishing my goals. A deadly weapon in my Arsenal is my manager. He is the reason I’m able to keep all of this flowing. The amount of work and ideas I have is stressful, so having him to keep everything balanced is a blessing. Also having him love the work I put out is a major blessing.
For more information about Gwado, contact him via email at
Connect with Gwado on Social Media
Twitter | Instagram | Beat Store
Check out the latest from Gwado, Elevator (feat. Jack Juan) here…
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