Interview with DJ & Producer Swanny River
When did you first realize your talent as a musician?
I first realized my talent in Jr. High school. I Dj’d in our school lunch room for prom. That’s where I got the name Swan and girl that liked me said "wow when you scratch records you look graceful like a swan". lol up to this day I don’t know what that means.. But I kept the name Swan. And later changed it to Swanny River.. Cause I wanted a first and last name.
Who were your musical influences growing up?
My musical influences grown up were this crew that used to come out and play music in the park behind my building in Brownsville Brooklyn. the crew was the dance masters disco. my hero was Dj scooter love.. wow the dude could mix sum music.. and Dj grand master flash , Afrika Bambatta , Kool Herc , Titto Puente , just to name a few. All these people are my music hero’s.
What motivated you to get in this side of the music business?
My motivation is the love of music and all its sounds and the many things that come with it.. my first love and only love is hip hop.. i can't express how much i love it. i live it , eat it, learn from it it keep me sane when live is getting crazy. i just sit back put on my phones and listen to a great old school song like anything Dr. Dre , anything just Blaze or a Grand Master Flash & the Furious 5 (the message).
Have you been presented the opportunity to work for any major or major independent labels?
No never had the opportunity. That’s why i have my own S.R.M.G. (Swanny River Music Group) feat. Splash T , Pkash , Billy hood , Chosin & my music son Montez Love. These people right here give me life.. But if ever the opportunity comes I would love to..
What’s the mood when Swanny River is in the studio?
When I’m in the studio.... it’s all business. i would make my artist work double time on a track.. meaning.. if i don’t like it. it don’t go. if the song don’t work it gets trashed. music is everything to me. and i know what i like to hear and what it should sound like. i been doing this for a long time. longer than any of my artist ages.. so I’m tough on them. Cause I want to see them shine like the stars they are.
What obstacles if any have you had thus far as a producer in the LGBT community?
Honestly I haven’t really faced any obstacles. Cause when i came in to the LGBT community as a producer people embraced my and thanks to my brother from another mother Dj baker (Dadoo-dirty show) & rapper shorty roc.. they brought me in. and the rest is history.
What advice would you give upcoming LGBT artists?
My advice to up & coming rappers producers etc. etc... know your craft. just because to can rhymes words or bang on a drum machine don’t make you a rap star.. no way. you have to know where it came from master it and make it your own.. and then apply it to what you want to do. And then you’re a star.. And if any of them need my help.. Just look for me..
Last but not least, Raynbow Affair wants to know…What’s your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?!” moment…
when I’m on Dadoo-dirty show and they get me started on certain rappers I don’t like.. I go off!! lol thank you Dj baker... lol.
You can catch full music review of Swanny River in the Raynbow Affair Magazine.
You Can Reach Swanny at the following social media and websites;
Twitter:
Personal Facebook:
Bandcamp:
www.srmusicgroup1.bandcamp.com
Soundcloud:
www.soundcloud.com/swannyriver
Soundcloud Producer Beats:
http://soundcloud.com/swanny433
Reverbnation:
www.reverbnation.com/swannyriver01
Every Saturdays you can find Swanny at www.alldigitalradio.com from 8pm to 10pm (est.) with his radio show “Rollin with Swanny”.