With a name that inspires a smile as it rolls off the tongue, Shwayze (pronounced: “Shway-zee”), first burst on to the indie-rap scene in the summer of 2008, with writing partner, Cisco Adler, and their massive single, “Buzzin,” off their debut self-titled album.
The laid-back summer anthem would go on to hit #46 on the Billboard charts, and inspire an MTV reality TV show (aptly titled, “Buzzin”) about the duo’s endless summer lifestyle.
Shwayze, (real name Aaron Smith) continued to work with Adler, releasing three more albums as a duo, “Let it Beat” (2009), “Island in the Sun” (2011), and “Shwayzed and Confused” (2012).
While all the albums were well received, Shwayze would go solo on his next project, “Shwayze Summer,” (2013). Citing his and Adler’s need for a “musical break,” Shwayze makes it clear they remain on good terms.
Since then, the Malibu native hasn’t wasted any time. A new EP, fittingly entitled, “King of the Summer,” is about to drop in mid-July and he performs at The Catalyst Club on Saturday, July 18.
Where did the name “Shwayze” come from?
SHWAYZE: Cisco Adler, my former partner and I, came up with it while we were trying to think of a name after our first few singles. Cisco just threw it out there. We said it a few times and it stuck. This was back in the MySpace days, when I would put my songs up for direct download on my personal, Aaron Smith, profile. When I changed the name on there to Shwayze, it took off along with the music. It was weird in the beginning because all my friends would hit me up like, “Your name is Shwayze now?!” and made fun of me a little. After awhile it became normal and now it just feels like my name.
Your music is synonymous with that endless summer vibe, so you are usually out touring during the season. Do you ever wish you could just sit back and relax?
SHWAYZE: I actually look forward to it. Every time the summer season gets close all my social media sites and fan base start blowing up, asking me when the new music is coming out, which is a great feeling. Also, I can’t even call what I do work. When I get up I’m always in a great mood. It’s even more fun since I own my label. My team is a great group of people that i enjoy being around all the time. In the beginning, I was only an artist. Now I am on the business side, where I can be creative as well. It keeps me busy and makes my career that much more enjoyable.
Your next solo project, “King of the Summer,” is set to be released soon. Has your approach to songwriting changed since you started your solo career?
SHWAYZE: I think when any artist has a few albums out, the fans usually go for the old stuff. But, as an artist, you are constantly trying to grow and better yourself. Lately, I’ve found you have to find a balance between making yourself happy and making your fans happy. I knew that fans would be bummed and that some people would hate on the first album without Cisco Adler. My first solo album, “Shwayze Summer,” was half-and-half of what I did before and new experimental stuff. I was stoked that it did well. The track, “Love Is Overrated,” was a huge college hit. It was incredible to tour all the campuses playing the album. For “King of the Summer,” I wanted to keep that “summer” feeling but make it more dance-y and upbeat. I’ll also follow this release with more new material in the fall, followed by something insanely fun for next summer, so keep an eye out.
On “King of The Summer” you collaborate with talented artists including, Paul Couture, Atrele, and Richard Wynne.
SHWAYZE: The people I chose for this album were pretty much family. Couture is someone I’ve been working with for a long time. He has produced a lot of great things for me in the past. I kept it all in-house as far as producers and collaborations for this project. When I work with someone else, I’m all about vibe. I would never put someone on a track without having met them to make sure we mesh. As far as new music, I enjoy the new Kendrick album. To be honest, I don’t listen to a lot of new music. When I’m not making my own, I’m listening to old stuff like Bob Marley and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. I’ve recently got back on Spotify to help me catch up on new stuff.
How has having a kid changed you?
SHWAYZE: Having a kid changes the way you think, period. If it doesn’t, there might be something wrong. As far as touring goes, I still love it but I don’t like to tour as long because I don’t like to be away from my son for weeks at a time. From the moment I had him, I have tried to figure out a way to play shows and come home. We have a system now where I play shows in chunks so I can fly home and spend time with my son. I’m also more mindful of my body. No more full bottles of Patrón with my buddies after the shows. I want to be healthy. I want to be here training him and beating him in basketball until he is 18.
As an artist who represents summer, there’s no better place to be in July than Santa Cruz.
SHWAYZE: I got a lot of love for Santa Cruz. The first time I played the Catalyst I was in the Atrium and we sold it out. The next time, we pre-sold out the show and I was like, “1000 tickets?” I didn’t remember it being that big and you guys helped me sell it out, so I’m definitely looking forward to playing there again.
Info: Shwayze, with Sam Johnson, 2 The League of DEUX. 9 p.m. Saturday, July 18. The Catalyst Club Main Stage. Tickets: $15/$18. Photo: Shwayze via Facebook. Credit: @SirNeave.
