Meddafore: Mr. Let 'em Know: Let 'Em Know: Shannon Swain

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Let 'Em Know: Shannon Swain

Let ‘em Know: Shannon Swain

Saying she has soul is an understatement and telling you that her voice will resonate deep inside of you and touch on emotions you didn’t even know you have does not even come close to explaining how listening to Shannon Swain will make you feel. She will not be boxed in and confined to one genre of music. Hip-hop, R&B, house, drum & bass, even dubstep and beyond, She can do it all and do it in such a way you become instantly hooked as a fan. She’s the voice at the beginning of every Meddafore mixtape reminding you that "Forever Fam's in here" and I could go on for years telling you more about her, but check the interview and she’ll let you know!

Name: Shannon Swain

Where are you from?

Born in New Brunswick, NJ....raised in Lancaster County, PA

How long have you been singing?

There are cassette tape recordings of me singing from the age of 3! I had one of those little Playskool recorders with the mic on the side and I'd run around the house singing Elvis songs hahaha so ill...I have to find those tapes...

How long have you been releasing music?

First time I recorded a song in a studio, I was 14. First release came out in 2004 - Ben Sage (D&B producer/DJ from Canada) remixed a song I did with the1Shanti called "Let Me Down".

What makes you different or stand out from everyone else?

I'm not confined to one genre of music. My singing style and voice has a consistent style, but I have the ability to bring that to any genre brought to the table. But honestly, I don't really spend a lot of time comparing myself to others. I'm aware of and enjoy others, but it's also important for me to be SELF-aware...it helps me work to be better today than I was yesterday. I listen to a lot of different genres and singers and I learn a lot and pull inspiration from them, but I don't compare myself to anyone really because I'm not trying to copy anyone.

Who are your inspirations?

I'm inspired by so many, but a few specifics off the top of my head...I've always been hugely inspired by jazz standard songbirds like Billie Holiday, Julie London, Stacey London. Crazy ass Amy Winehouse, Sia, Janelle Monae, Beyonce, Aaliyah, Lauryn Hill! Her Miseducation album is my favorite album of all time ever.

Do you think living in Philly and NYC has affected your style?

Yeah, I think each city affects me in different ways. Philly brings out my sultry, soulful roots. New York inspires a more aggressive, raw side of my singing.

What are your current projects?

I recently finished up a few songs with one of the most talented dudes and great friend out of Cali, Atlantic Connection, that will be dropping sometime this year on his label Westbay Recordings. I was also super lucky to work with Mikix The Cat (Paris, France) on an EP that just came out a few weeks ago called The Key...it's available on iTunes right meow! Go gittit!

And I'm currently working on a really fun poppy dance song with Popcop (UK), finishing up a hip hop collabo with our fam D1 (whattup, bwoy!), and a D&B smasher with the Burner Brothers.

What upcoming projects are you working on?

My upcoming to-do list is a little short at the moment as I'm getting life settled here in Philly, but mama's itchin to work, so this lull won't last long! I've also reconnected with our good dudes of Nod Records to get working on a special Deep House project. I'll def keep you posted as we develop!

What goals do you have for the future?

Over the last few years, I've been doing a lot dance music...but lately I've been feeling strong tugs on my R&B/Hip-Hop heart strings. So an immediate goal is to get back into that ASAP!

You've recorded R&B, hip-hop, drum & bass, house and dubstep tracks, do you have a favorite style?

You know, I don't know if I could pick a favorite style to sing on. In general, my current favorite genre is usually dependent on my mood...right now I'm really feeling any & everything with a deep bassline. But bottom line, without a doubt - R&B and Hip Hop is what I grew up on and will always have my heart. When I'm working in other genres, I always pull from that soulful flavor.

If you could change something about current music, what would it be?

There are a couple topics I'd like to touch on...I'ma try real hard to be a lady about this haha....and I'm sure you've heard this from so many people, but the internet and advancements in technology have been a blessing and a curse to music. We're able to offer and receive music instantaneously...but sometimes I wish it wasn't that easy. The music industry is no longer concerned with developing really great artists...it's like so many people are chasing after the instant gratification of playing the game of "Oh, you can KINDA sing/rap and you're so-and-so's friend? Ok, that's good enough, let's just make some catchy shit and see how many ringtones we can sell". It's wack. To me, quality > quantity. I don't care about who you know, are you interested in making good music? But don't get me wrong, there are some gems coming out lately that help me keep the faith :)

Who’s someone you’d like to collab with, that you haven’t yet:

When it comes to hometown fam, I'd love to do somethin with Reef, I don't think there's another dude in Philly with heart like him! And I really wanna get in the studio with Stress, he's a beast! Holler at your girl! And it's always been a dream to collab with Lauryn Hill.Oh! And Blaqstarr! He's the future! But like we've discussed, I'm down with pretty much every genre...so check the links below and hit me up if you wanna work!

You're always rocking ill gear and accessories and I know you've worked in the fashion industry too, how important do you think style is for an artist?

YOU BETTA WERK!! Haha for real tho, yeah you know, fashion can be a fun way to express your personality without having to use any words...so I think it's important for artists to use fashion to make a statement to differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack. But don't get it twisted - just because you might be able to buy the most expensive shit don't mean you've got style, that just means you have a big wallet and you know how to flip through the latest fashion mag. Style cannot be taught, style comes from the inside out.

Any style tips you want to give out?

BE YOU! Trying to copy others doesn't = style; it's boring! Don't be scared to try new shit, just do what's comfortable for you!

What do you want to be remembered for?

I wanna be remembered for being a singer that can reach through your chest, touch your heart and make you cry....and then turn around and make you throw your hands up and wild out with me!! I wanna be remembered for being a good woman who could never ever for even a minute live my life without music, but also a woman who will never ever for even a minute forget about the FUN in music! Let's go!!

Since you're into so many different genres, what are your Top 5 current favorite tracks?

In no particular order...but these songs have been getting a lot of play on my iPod:

Oh My Darling - Blaqstarr

Paradise - Mickey Factz

Be Good To Me - Sia

All I Want Is You (ft. J.Cole) - Miguel

You're Looking At Me - Stacey Kent

If someone wants to work with you, how should they contact you?

Facebook - www.facebook.com/shannon.swain or email sdotswain[at]gmail.com ......or yell really loud.