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Kick Back and Unwind with “Cigarettes” from SweetApple Wes
By Lydia Plantamura
A funky baseline and upbeat melodies set the stage for rhythmic rhymes by SweetApple Wes in his upcoming single, “Cigarettes.” The song triggers warm, nostalgic vibes with samples from the popular 90’s song, “How Bizarre,” by OMC. This alternative hip-hop track is a feel-good song about living in the moment. This one is pretty different from what SweetApple Wes usually does. While he typically writes about personal experiences and issues he is going through at the moment, this song is more of a daydream about living a normal life. It’s a track for letting go, kicking back, and having fun. It’s a carefree, imaginative kind of record about all the things we fantasize over while stuck at work, cooped up at home, or experiencing setbacks (thanks a lot, 2020!).
“I’ve spent the last two years being pretty closed off to the world, perfecting my craft, but the last few months, I’ve really yearned to get out and live life,” SweetApple Wes says. “This track portrays the things I envision and hope to be doing more of this year.”
With spring break vibes, fans are sure to play this record on repeat as they road trip to the beach this year.
“It’s not meant to be overthought or have any significant deep meaning,” SweetApple Wes explains. “It’s just a feel-good party vibe.”
The song, “Cigarettes,” is the lead single from his upcoming project. The visual for the track will begin filming in Miami, Florida at the end of the month, and the music video will be released sometime in March. Although he just released his first official project, Mostly 4 Millennialz, Volume 1, back in November, he is already finishing up his work on Volume 2. SweetApple Wes is also planning to release a collab mixtape with his DJ and co-producer. They have their own record label called, E.A.Z. Entertainment (short for East Atlanta Zoo). The project features the two artists rapping over beats they have been creating for the last six months. SweetApple Wes plans to release the mixtape sometime this spring before his next solo project, the anticipated Mostly 4 Millenialz, Vol. 2.
Based in East Atlanta, SweetApple Wes blends 70s era soul with a new school style. His music is often introspective and thought-provoking. He’s been playing drums, guitar, bass, and writing lyrics for 18 years; been writing raps for ten years; and making beats, producing, and engineering for three years. SweetApple Wes started learning the fundamentals when he was young. Growing up, he played in the Symphonic band for 6 years as 1st chair Tuba player. He took lessons for 2 years from Ted Nugent’s drummer Cliff Davies. He also took bass lessons for a year and has taught himself to write lyrics, create original songs, and make beats. SweetApple Wes gained his producing and engineer skills from a strong discipline with tutorials on YouTube.
“I do just about everything myself, from making beats, writing all the lyrics, recording, mixing, and mastering myself. Most artists are too overwhelmed by that amount of work, so I think my work ethic sets me apart.”
At first, the violent household he grew up in is what provoked him to write his thoughts down since he didn’t have anyone to talk to. As a young teenager, bands such as Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Blink 182, Third Eye Blind, and The White Stripes inspired him to make music playing in bands. T.I. was his first hip-hop influence, however, it was watching the movie “Notorious” about Biggie Smallz which inspired him to start sharing his own story of struggling and hustling, distilling it down in the form of rhymes over old school drum loops and samples from soul records. Over the years, his own life experiences and diverse influences of music have helped him find his own sound.
“The moment I started playing drums with my neighbor on guitar, and the feeling it gave me releasing all the rage and sadness I had pent up from my childhood, it set in stone my want to play music as a career. As I grew up I found my pleasure in being able to relate to my peers and the hopefulness of being able to inspire them to get through their struggles as well and pursue their dreams instead of taking the ‘safe’ route of a normal job.”
As an independent artist, he has already seen rapid growth in his career. His audience is expanding, and SweetApple Wes is gaining popularity. He recently accumulated over 100k listeners in a single month on Spotify. He is proud of his creative circle, a small group of close friends all working together to help bring the music to life. SweetApple Wes is making waves in the music scene and the industry is taking notice.
“Interviewing on podcasts and radio shows have always been a dream of mine,” SweetApple Wes explains, “and getting to finally do it has been amazing.”
Releasing a single for distribution on a major label is another milestone accomplishment for the artist and “Cigarettes,” is being released with Sony Music, Orchard, Wealth Nation, and EAZ Entertainment. SweetApple Wes doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. With many new projects in the pipeline, he will continue to impress audiences with his lyrical account of real-life stories.
“I don’t use gimmicks or ride trends. I am constantly trying to push the envelope, helping hip-hop and music evolve to the next level.”
“Cigarettes” will be streaming on all major platforms on February 12th, 2021.
Find more of his music on Soundcloud and his YouTube channel.
