SAME DIFFERENCE W/ DC YOUNG FLY, KARLOUS MILLER , & SWAE LEE
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Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖Swae Lee's debut solo album, 'Same Difference', is set to release on April 3rd, featuring 16 songs.
- ❖He describes himself as a 'vibe curator,' focusing on creating diverse sounds for a wide audience.
- ❖The hit song 'Unforgettable' was initially recorded in Swae Lee's home studio and evolved through collaborations with Wizkid, Jeremih, and French Montana.
- ❖The music video for 'Unforgettable' was shot in Uganda, leading to French Montana's team bringing some local children to America for new opportunities.
- ❖Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi (Rae Sremmurd) are biological brothers who committed to making music together since age 13.
- ❖His songwriting process emphasizes originality, avoiding repetition, and providing a unique 'voice and sound' even when writing for other artists.
- ❖Swae Lee has achieved diamond record status and multiple Grammy nominations.
- ❖He encountered Dr. Dre and Beyoncé early in his career, describing Beyoncé's presence as having an 'aura' and 'angels behind that shit'.
Bottom Line
The creation of 'Unforgettable' highlights an organic, multi-stage collaboration process that began with a bedroom recording, evolved through Twitter outreach to Wizkid, and gained commercial momentum through Jeremih connecting it to French Montana, who then invested heavily in its global rollout.
This demonstrates that major hits can emerge from unconventional beginnings and require a blend of artistic vision, networking, and strategic business investment to reach their full potential.
Artists should explore diverse channels for collaboration and be open to unexpected pathways for their music, understanding that a strong business partner can amplify an already compelling track.
Swae Lee's experience filming 'Unforgettable' in Uganda deeply impacted his perspective, making him appreciate his own resources and highlighting the joy of people with minimal possessions. This led to French Montana's team sponsoring Ugandan children to move to America, where they now dance on tours and make music.
Music videos can transcend mere promotion, becoming platforms for cultural exchange and direct philanthropic action, creating lasting social impact beyond entertainment.
Artists and labels can integrate social impact initiatives directly into their content creation and promotional strategies, aligning their brand with meaningful causes and fostering global connections.
Swae Lee's approach to songwriting for other artists involves playing his own completed songs and having them 're-sing' or match his style, rather than tailoring lyrics to their specific persona. He sees himself as providing a 'different voice and sound' that artists want to adopt.
This contrarian method challenges the traditional ghostwriting model, where writers meticulously craft content to fit another artist's image. Instead, Swae Lee offers a distinct, pre-packaged 'vibe' that artists can integrate, leveraging his unique artistic identity.
Songwriters and producers can brand their unique sonic and lyrical styles as a distinct product, offering 'signature' tracks for artists to adapt, rather than solely providing custom-tailored material. This positions them as creative forces rather than mere facilitators.
Lessons
- Aspiring artists should focus on developing a unique 'voice and sound' that stands out, as Swae Lee emphasizes not repeating what others have said.
- Leverage all available platforms, including social media (like Twitter for Wizkid), to initiate collaborations and get your music heard by key industry players.
- Be prepared for a long grind; Swae Lee and his brother spent a year living in a basement, making 20+ songs before their breakthrough, highlighting the importance of sustained effort and dedication.
Notable Moments
Swae Lee recounts his initial encounter with Dr. Dre at a Jimmy Iovine party, where Dre welcomed him to the game, making him realize the 'realness' of his burgeoning career.
This moment signifies a powerful validation from an industry titan, marking a transition from aspiring artist to recognized talent within the music elite.
Swae Lee describes maintaining composure while recording 'Formation' in the same room as Beyoncé, noting her 'aura' and feeling 'angels behind that shit'.
It illustrates the immense presence and legendary status of certain artists, and the challenge of professionalism even when star-struck, providing a relatable human element to celebrity interactions.
Quotes
"I knew I was gonna be successful, but like [I] didn't know what that was. [I] ain't know like songs be bigger than Michael Jackson songs."
"I don't try to repeat something somebody else said like that's one of my rules. I don't repeat [stuff] other people said."
"She over there. She over there. Yeah. Glowing and [stuff] I'm like, 'Yo, [stuff] Angels behind that shit.' I'm like, 'Shit, this [stuff] crazy.'"
Q&A
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