Shwayze Gives Sounds Of Summer A New Twist And Cisco Adler A New Lease
A close friend of mine turned me onto a new band, Shwayze.
Straight out of Malibu, Shwayze is as breezy as their name. Picture Ben Harper crashing an Everlast party. Quirky, fun and escapist music that puts the sunny into summer. Their self-titled debut (Suretone/Geffen) drops August 19, and the band, featuring Whitestarr’s Cisco Adler (son of famous producer Lou Adler) and hip-hop artist Shwayze, are like coffee in cream, blending the perfect mixture of mellow rhythms, modern beats and great songwriting.
According to the band’s website, Adler co-wrote, produced and lent lead and backing vocals to all the songs. Like the featured single “Buzzin’” the songs have a natural swing to them that make you unconsciously sway and smile. The first time I heard “Buzzin” I knew it was an immediate hit, and then I discovered “Corona and Lime” and I was hooked. On the song, not the beverage. Although…..that’s also a winning combination. (Here’s a link to the live version, couldn’t find the MP3).
The band doesn’t seem to mind their slackeresque label, and even offer their own description. Shwayze (real name Aaron Smith) refers to himself as “the only black kid in Malibu” and offers this by way of definition of their sound:
“It’s a new West Coast sound, it’s California chill, West Coast stoner music.” Case in point? “Don’t Be Shy.” “It’s about Malibu being like an endless summer. Cisco came up with the hook and the ‘da-don-don, da-don-don-don’t be shy’ part. I came up with the verses about a couple of chicks I was into. It’s about wanting summer to come back, waiting for the sun and kicking it on the beach.”
Adler, who discovered Shwayze and has virtually left his past behind, including his old band Whitestarr, has a lot to look forward to. Once stalked by the tabloids due to a failed relationship with actress Mischa Barton, Adler was plagued with bad press, including some unflattering and candid photos (Google if you must know) which made their way around celeb blogs. Needless to say, Shwayze may be Adler’s new lease on life and a escape from the trailer parks of Malibu.
What makes Shwayze work is they aren’t trying to be anything more than what they are: fun, light and good times. I predict “Buzzin” will be a hit, with hopefully many more to follow.
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holy shit, i just saw a guy rapping on the fanboy.
a sure sign of the apocalypse.
Hey, and with that we welcome newest contributor, Dawn “Fangirl” Olsen.
I endorse the writing… haven’t watched the video yet. 