As we recently mentioned on the blog that this year we hoping to expand our music community reach. By giving music labels a chance to platform their stories and their music here at the realm. This is to give light to what goes behind running a label, some of benefits and also challenges. This insight would be helpful in aiding upcoming label owners and those who aspire to start a music label one day. Also to give a platform for labels to showcase their music in a 30 minute mix. One of the first label we meet this year is one from Pietermaritzburg; South Africa. Everyone meet Swift Avenue Recordings
- Greetings & welcome to “Meet Me Underground”, glad you could join us. Can you please introduce yourself & tell us how “Swift Avenue Recordings” was started and by whom?
SAR: Swift Avenue Recordings was started by Bongisipho Mazibuko and Sikelela Mchunu Originally known as SiQsole and Octavedeep, the representatives behind the Epic Roots Brand. Growing fond of the music scene, we saw another path that could also add value to the culture through networking, meeting other lads with great talent and musical understanding in all walks of life; this inspired us to establish the movement.
- Starting a label is no different from starting a business, what was some of your main aims and prospect you had in mind for Swift Avenue and how far are you with them?
SAR: Internet is the new wave when it comes to operating as a business but most importantly to also showcase good music to the masses with the support of upcoming dope artists, producers and Dj’s. Our Aim as independent label is to create a powerhouse for quality music. Honestly we are far from where we are headed, building a solid foundation is very important when it comes to evolving as a Label; Swift Avenue is moving a good direction.
- What makes Swift Avenue underground?
SAR: The label is diverse when it comes to music, run by youth we like to be relevant, unique and true to the culture.
- Does the label have a targeted sound it looks for or it releases anything as long as it’s music?
SAR: if it’s good and compliments the Label’s authenticity, content it is indeed a release. Deep House is the main Target.
- The label is more on the digital platforms; will we be seeing you guys cross over to physical releases soon?
SAR: It is always been dreams of ours to one day have music distributed on vinyl’s. The internet is one of the major lucrative tools in terms of reaching to the masses; we barely scratching the surface at the same time touch base with our roots.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzxLPIe-6fY
- One trait you believe upholds the vision of the label/s highly, making it truly different/original?
SAR: Unique, adding a different taste, break boundaries to be on the most creative level but relevant.
- Let’s talk about your recent release “Zulu Shoes & Henny”. The release is by whom and what was the inspiration behind the title of the EP and the music on the release?
SAR: Zulu Shoes & Henny EP is inspired by the old records from the Midnight Eez Hip Hop/Rap Album, two producers from New York City also the legendary ‘Diamonds from Sierra Leone’ hit single produced by the iconic Kanye West. These original songs were Chopped and sampled to create this piece, adding the original deep house texture for that exclusive feel, taking an international original Hip-hop song and turning it to a House beat, we’re pretty sure they must’ve been sippin on Hennessy when they created these dope Hip-hop songs, that’s how Zulu Shoes and Henny came about :).
Buy: Epic Roots – Zulu Shoes & Henny EP
- Is this the sound wants to take and move forward with it? Or anything that is new and out there is eligible for release under the label?
SAR: Yes; Swift Avenue is all about versatility and exploring into different sounds. Great minds out there are creative and daring.
- Half way into 2020 what are some of the labels goals & aims that were set and have you managed to achieve and what can we expect from you guys in the second half of the year?
SAR: We are proud to have fulfilled our goals and aims this first half; Swift Avenue is not only a label that hosts producers, artists but also focuses on showcasing incredible spinners all round. Second Half year has more to offer as we set to release other dope talents Locally, The capital City of Pietermaritzburg has many creatives that need to share good music on the Swift Avenue Platform spreading the vibes to the world.
- Where can people send in the demos [If the label is taking any]
SAR: For Demos email: EpicRootspmb@gmail.com.
- Thank you for being part of our “Meet The Label” segment, where can people get in contact [Socially] with the label?
SAR: You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
- Please give us a walkthrough the “Labels Showcase” mix?
SAR: We thank you for the Opportunity. More Life More Love!!
Download: Meet The Label Guest Mix By Swift Avenue Recordings