Interview: Tech-Pop Artist SWATS Discusses His New Music Video "Opaque"
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“My solo work branches out into themes like relationships and emotions, infusing elements of Jazz, Pop and EDM into Hip-hop, so it’s a bit more laid back and technical. Years ago I called my style Tech-hop. What I create today is still in that same vein.”
Congratulations on the release of your new music video "Opaque". Regarding the song itself, who produced it and what initially inspired you to create it?
Thank you; I'm very excited about the track and the video. The song was produced by a phenomenal talent that goes by Sighost. I've been a fan of his work for a while and jumped at the opportunity to work with him.
Mixing and mastering was handled at the renowned Black Pearl Studios by the one and only Dhurl with some personal touches added by me. I'd wanted to create a song that catered to dancers and movers for some time now and “Opaque” became that track.
It was inspired by wanderlust, freedom and adventure. I have a great friend who travels often and her Instagram page is full of snapshots from those adventures. She's also the model on the cover art for the song. I wrote “Opaque” asking myself, "what would that freedom sound like?" It then grew into what it is today: a sonic representation of one's innermost desire to be fully transparent about how they feel; to no longer have to be opaque.
With "Opaque" now released, what is next for you musically? Also, will "Opaque" be featured on an upcoming EP or album?
“Opaque” was actually a surprise single which I wrote just prior to releasing my first solo album, "Reclamation" in February of this year. I could have added it to “Reclamation”, but it seemed special on its own.
It’s vibe was unique with a Spring/Summer type of feel. I'm currently working on a couple other projects that I'll keep under wraps for the moment. I will say that I've been toying with the idea of adding “Opaque” to a larger body of work.
You are not just an artist, you are an actor as well. Tell us about some of the on-camera work you have done and your goals as an actor in the future.
After graduating college with a BA in Drama, my professional acting career began around 2005 when I was a featured extra in a National Lampoon film and another named Junebug. I've since been a stand-in for an NFL player while racing a Corvette, filmed Verizon commercials, tailored training videos for various companies, and landed quite a few voice acting roles including voicing 2 characters in an on-going popular podcast called Into the Portal.
I've been represented by the Charlotte-based JTA since 2005. It's thanks to their hard work and support that I've been able to audition for these great opportunities. A goal of mine is to be featured in a film where I can showcase my skill as a martial artist. Either way, I plan to continue acting as long as possible whether the opportunities arise as print, voiceovers, stage or on-screen. It's a passion.
How would you say that the music you create as a solo artist is different from that of your band GameBreax?
At the surface level, I'd say our GameBreax music tends to lean more toward a dynamic Hip-hop meets Rock, larger-than-life vibe that is very heavily influenced by video games. Live shows are meant to rock your face off.
My solo work branches out into themes like relationships and emotions, infusing elements of Jazz, Pop and EDM into Hip-hop, so it's a bit more laid back and technical. Years ago I called my style Tech-hop. What I create today is still in that same vein.
Would you say that there is one song from your solo or band's catalog that most represents you as an artist? If so, which song?
I'd say "WATTS Up Danger" probably fills that spot. The song was written for and featured on Rooster Teeth's Death Battle web series. In the song I had the honor of portraying Miles Morales (Spider-Man) and was able to showcase quick-fire lyricism, use of harmonies and a multitude of double entendres.
There's one line in the track where I'm literally saying 5 things at once and it's been really satisfying to see people's reactions online when they start to uncover those hidden gems.
If you could create the soundtrack for any video game, which one would you select?
I'm a Fighting Game enthusiast first and foremost. I've had dreams come true writing for The King of Fighters and Streets of Rage franchises. If I were to pick something in a non-related genre, I'd love to partner with Rocket League. I've been really impressed by their catalog of sounds.
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