Upcoming 100: How long have you been in the music industry and has music always been a part of your life?
Zawles: I was introduced to the music industry in 2008. Music has always been a part of my life, to me music is life and life is music.
Upcoming 100: Was there a specific moment in your life when you thought, “Music is what I want to do”
Zawles: Yes. In 2008, I made up my mind and said ‘This is what I am doing, no more dreaming.’
Upcoming 100: What inspires you (or your music)?
Zawles: The need to motivate, inspire, entertain and provoke thought in people. I want to talk to the people, entertain and also be the voice of those who are unheard.
Upcoming 100: Who’s on your iTunes playlist?
Zawles: For Hiphop right now I have Myself, Lil Baby, YG, Black Thought, Burna Boy, H.E.R., Tee Grizzley, Meek Mill, Nas, Da Baby, Anderson Paak, Joyner Lucas, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, The Weekend, NLE Choppa, Moneybagg Yo, Pop Smoke, Future, Trouble, Quavo, Offset, Rhapsody, Roddy Rich, 2pac, Eminem. The list is much longer, I have a playlist for different genres, categories and moods.
Upcoming 100: How did the idea for your single “Loose Woke” come about?
https://youtu.be/HsznAuIsoFw
Zawles: The song ‘Loose Woke’ came from a poem I had in my head entitled ‘Loose’. The poem was a chant for black people’s liberation from the injustices they faced worldwide for centuries. I heard a beat that matched it perfectly so I made it into a song adding a third verse based on current events started in the world in 2020. I sent the song to my friend ‘Oba Dig’ in Long Beach California. He added a poem he wrote to the end of the song. The final name for the final song then became ‘Loose Woke’
Upcoming 100: There are thousands of artists trying to do what you are doing, what do you think gives you an advantage to break into mainstream America?
Zawles: The winner attitude I have developed from taking so many losses and yet thriving through it all.
Upcoming 100: What are your thoughts on the evolution of artists and music today?
Zawles: I think much of the evolution of music today is combined with the evolution of technology. The artists, I believe, should stay true to their artistry and rely less on technology for their creative process.
Upcoming 100: Do you have other passions in life? Do you believe passion is an essential part of success?
Zawles: I have many passions which all combine to one purpose. I’ve always wanted to know my purpose. I found it by showing gratitude for everything and finding one common thread to everything I’m passionate about. Yes, I do believe passion is an essential part of success.
Upcoming 100: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in his or her career who doesn't even have a studio to record but would love to do what you are doing now?
Zawles: Keep writing and keep performing your lyrics and songs out loud so when you get in the studio, you’ll already have your own sound. Then visualize where you want to be in this industry, make a plan on how you’re going to get there right from where you stand now, then get started on that plan.
Upcoming 100: Where can potential fans find out more about you?
Zawles: My website www.Zawles.com. Here you will find my music library, biography, official links to social networks, some updates on what’s going on now and what’s coming next.
