SWAYLÓ represents a dynamic movement and a mission-driven initiative. Drawing inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of New Mexico and Southern Africa, SWAYLÓ incorporates ancient traditions into an immersive music and art experience called Intentions.
Photo credit: SWAYLÓ – Official
Intentions is more than just music; it’s a transformative journey that fosters connection, encourages self-expression, and unleashes the limitless power of creativity and imagination. Combining genres like tech house, deep house, world music, tribal rhythms, trap, and hyphy hip-hop instrumentals, SWAYLÓ’s productions transcend boundaries and transport listeners to a realm where the magic of nature comes to life.
From festivals to renowned clubs worldwide, SWAYLÓ’s music has captivated audiences and left a lasting impression on listeners’ hearts. His recent releases, ‘PSYCHEDELIC GIRLS’ and ‘BREATHE IT’ showcase his unwavering dedication to pushing boundaries and creating a fresh sonic experience.
In an exclusive interview with EG, SWAYLÓ expresses his excitement about his releases and provides a glimpse into his exciting plans for the future.
EG: Hi, SWAYLÓ! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you right now?
SWAYLÓ: Thanks for having me! I have been going through some positive transformation and growth lately and releasing a lot of music on my label, Ancient Future Present, which has been a lot of fun! I am going to enjoy the rest of the year and look forward to an incredible new year. I’m currently in LA, producing in the studio, doing a couple of sessions, working on new merchandise, organizing some shows, and heading to spend the holidays in Hawaii.
EG: First of all, congratulations on the release of your brand new single, ‘PSYCHEDELIC GIRLS’! You must be excited to finally share this one. What has the initial reception been like so far? Do you remember the first time you played this one live?
SWAYLÓ: I was looking to create a new world, a psychedelic world, something fun for the listeners and fans out there. I felt good about this one, and I think the reception has been something different, which I don’t mind, and hopefully, that stands out to people at the end of the day. I also just dropped ‘BREATHE IT’, which I created to remind people to be present, breathe, and tune into their senses! Our senses can help guide us in being and living in the moment.
EG: We know that every project is different, but… What is your production process usually like? Do you have “blueprints” you like to follow for different aspects of a track?
SWAYLÓ: I definitely have my unique process, cookbooks, and go-to ingredients! I have a few instruments and sounds I like to incorporate into almost all of my productions. For me, a major part of writing music is the first steps, where I like to find my intention of what I am going to create and bring through. I ask to be a vessel or channel for source energy to flow through me and that I may create music that inspires love, peace, and light for the listeners!
EG: And ‘PSYCHEDELIC GIRLS’ is out now via your own newly launched imprint/event series Ancient Future Present. What can we expect from Ancient Future Present shortly? Why did you feel the need to create Ancient Future Present?
SWAYLÓ: Most importantly, a community curating a movement for people to tune in, connect, be present, and eventually, a platform for artists to share their music and express themselves. I’m really excited to build a label and curate events, merchandise, and more down the road.
“I ask to be a vessel or channel for source energy to flow through me and that I may create music that inspires love, peace, and light for the listeners!”
EG: You are the former talent buyer at C3 Presents, then Meow Wolf, and the current Entertainment Director at Las Vegas’ renowned AREA15 event space. How do you apply this to what you do as SWAYLÓ?
SWAYLÓ: It has inspired me in different ways, for which I am grateful. I am passionate about creating, curating, producing, and executing events and experiences. That is where I see the most benefit in my experience as a promoter and booker. With that, I am exceptionally focused on growing my artist project and taking it to the next level. However, it is important for me also to keep the two aspects separate, to not cross wires, and to maintain the respect of my teams.
EG: Speaking about live events… How do you feel about the rise of these huge LED screens and cinematic visuals? Do they enhance the narrative, or are they just taking too much attention away from the music?
SWAYLÓ: I love it, for me, it’s all about a multi-sensory experience. I am a very visual person and love to make visual art, so I’m thrilled to see this aspect rising and excited to bring my visuals to the platform. I’ve been working hard to develop 3D animations and other next-level visuals.
EG: The incorporation of AI in electronic music seems to be on the rise, whether it is in the music, the album covers, or beyond. Do you have a particular stance on this?
SWAYLÓ: I think it is important to learn about AI and ways to use it, but it also scares me. I see how it can help speed up the process and create efficiencies. I also think there is an aspect that is disingenuous and inauthentic. It doesn’t have as much soul, spirit, and energy in it.
EG: Finally, can you provide some insights into what’s next for SWAYLÓ? What’s in store for 2024? Where can your fans catch you next?
SWAYLÓ: I’ve got some major plans, including CRSSD Proper on the first day of the year, Envision, EDC Mexico City, Electric Forest, and a couple of others in the works! I’m excited to play more shows this year, continue building my label, always work on music, develop more merch, and produce some ANCIENT FUTURE PRESENT experiences and curated events! I’m really passionate about what we are doing and stoked to take it to the next level.
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Noah! We wish you all the best for the future. Take care!
SWAYLÓ: Appreciate y’all greatly! Let’s rock – Sway –
SWAYLÓ’s ‘PSYCHEDELIC GIRLS’ is out now via Ancient Future Present. Stream and download here.
Follow SWAYLÓ: Spotify | Instagram | Soundcloud
