1 2 WATCH: Sweeney

North London’s Sweeney reveals himself to be an exciting addition to the UK rap scene with his debut mixtape ‘F.T.B.W.C’. 

A strong spitter, comfortable on an eclectic array of instrumentals, Sweeney carries a vital and authentic essence within his narration, with his vivid tales of triumphs and tribulations dripping in startling sentiment and introspective musings. 

Sweeney’s immaculate flow, effortless delivery and intelligent wordplay are showcased in abundance on his much welcomed debut mixtape. His messages are condensed and precise; never too preachy or self righteous, Sweeney upholds his raw and intriguing persona throughout the charismatic collection of cuts.  

I caught up with the man himself to discuss the new EP and his vibrant sound.

Who is influencing you at the moment? 

I would say the artists from my area and around myself at the moment in truth; D.L.K, C36 & ADAS to name a few. 

I work closely with all of those guys so shout out to them. Years have passed now and it’s like I have my own world of music I kinda stay in. It’s good because I feel like the music that comes out is always different from the last song so it’s unpredictable and exciting. 

That doesn’t mean I don’t see what goes on in the rest of the UK music scene but I like to take inspiration from my own space these days I feel like there’s enough to choose from and still so much more to gain from it!

Your sound is so grounded in realism and authenticity. When did you start writing and how have you used it as an outlet of expression? 

Thanks, I feel like that’s what I aim for which is good to hear. I started writing just before I left year 6 primary school. I used to watch my brother make a recording booth with a mattress and a bed sheet. Stitching together small songs off of free music software online with his friends. It was cool to me, I would try to make my own lyrics to join in but I was always skeptical about it, and didn’t think I was good enough so I didn’t get on the mic. I would just tear the page out the book and write again.

How do you feel about the release of your tape? 

I’ve been working on F.T.B.W.C (From The Bottom We Climb) since 2015 really and truly. I’m excited, relieved and somewhat still in shock that it’s finally out! It’s going to be weird not having it as a demo on my phone and to see other people listening! That’s still a funny feeling to me after having files of unreleased songs for years it feels like the secrets out! 

I feel like this will always be a major benchmark in my music career for me personally because I’m letting go of things I held quite personal and close to me growing up. The release of my debut EP ‘Rent Due Raps’ (#RDR), which came out this Halloween just gone, and ‘F.T.B.W.C’ is me showing people that I’m a wide ranged artist who doesn’t belong in one space or genre. I just believe that I try to deliver good music and something relatable to everyone.

And from this point on I’m doing a whole lot more.. Before this it was just a few singles. I’m trying to show I’m serious about what I’m doing.

What are the main themes and concepts behind the project? 

Togetherness, ‘F.T.B.W.C’ is some of my story, but it’s for the people. I know people that have gone through different struggles from myself and even worse off situations, but this music is something they can all relate too. It’s not about who’s had it worst off or the specifics it’s the feelings, emotions we have all been through no matter what walk of life you’re from. I’ve tried to bottle the various emotions you feel throughout the day into these songs. Why it’s called From The Bottom We Climb!

It’s about the ups and downs, highs and lows in life and embracing it. So long as you feel like you can get up again and face life from listening to this, it’s served it’s purpose.

What is next for you?

MORE MUSIC VIDEOS! I want to release some visual aspects for this project sometime early 2022 and I’ve got a few interesting ideas on the table. Restrictions are backing off a bit, I’ve got my debut headliner in Shoreditch at the Old Blue (21st November) which is due to be a vibe! But I want more so shout me haha! Other than that #RDR2 is on the cards as well so more music for you coming up stay tuned and I’m always very interested and trying to produce an exclusive NFT series of projects! 

So don’t blink there’s a lot more where that came from!