Chicago Techno Artist AFTR has decided to release “Humboldt Swagger (Wanna Go Down)” from the “MAY” EP, which is set to be released on July 15th, 2020. With a truly Chicago name, “Humboldt Swagger (Wanna Go Down)” is a techno-house masterpiece of the sights and sounds coming out of the great city. Featuring Chicago House Artist, Pepper Gomez, on vocals, AFTR’s “Humboldt Swagger” entices the listeners with house infused sounds that Pepper Gomez established for herself decades ago. Framed by a driving rhythm that will thrill the dancers and listeners alike, the lyrics are a double entendre, based on Pepper Gomez’ poetry, urging people to look deeper.
The groudbreaking video for “Humboldt Swagger (Wanna Go Down)” was created by ACRONYM and is an in your face creation of beauty zooming in on the newest additions to the Wake Up! Music Models – the Voluptuous Vixens. As they dance to the sounds of the techno-house, they showcase that all sizes are beautiful. They also move us through the lyrics reminding us that we must also look deeper. This combination is sexy and so needed in this world where the lines between real and illusion blur. These ladies bring it and bring it hard. You will be mesmerized and captivated by their beauty as they frame AFTR’s “Humboldt Swagger (Wanna Go Down)”.
Wake Up! Music wanted to create something with ACRONYM that would counter the endless messages reinforcing a one size fits all beauty which has resulted in most women feeling unhappy with some aspect of their bodies. Pepper Gomez says, “Don’t wait even one more day to love every bit of yourself. When you love yourself, it is easy to love others!”
With AFTR keeping you dancing, the Models keeping you inspired and excited, it is clear that “Humboldt Swagger” will be another Chicago Nu-tune destined for greatness! We decided to catch up with AFTR for an interview..
What inspired you to get into music?
You know that’s always an interesting question. I don’t know. I think I’ve always had a love for music. As far back as I can remember, music was important to me. When I was a kid, I remember waking up on Sunday mornings to my mother dancing to a disco. I’m sure you can imagine that is a happy memory. I also remember my dad listening to tropical music and those moments brought me a lot of joy. So I guess I was always surrounded by music at home. Those experiences affect you. I also feel that I was called by music – in my own time of course, but a definite calling. I can’t remember not being into music. I’m actually somewhat shy but find that music is a great way to express myself and so many things.
How would you describe your music?
They call me Chicago Techno. Right, before my AFTR project which wasn’t that long ago when I first started producing, my style was more House influenced. I was heavily influenced by underground producers such as Vince Melo, Ed Nine, and Paul Johnson. Now I’m primarily producing Techno. Even the current single, “Humboldt Swagger (Wanna Go Down) started off as a techno track. Then I invited House singer Pepper Gomez to lay down some vocals and well, she’s House, so it is now a Techno House track. It’s hard to come from Chicago and not have some House in your work. This to me, is a beautiful thing. We love our Windy City and the sounds coming out of it!
What would you say is your recording and song writing style?
I can actually say that it just happens. I’m sure you’ve heard this from artists before. I can be watching tv and bam or a night out with great music and come home with an idea. Or sit with some other musicians and have some brain storms. One thing about Wake Up! Music, my current label, that I really like as a label is that they are all about Nu Music. So that’s what I want to keep doing – making Nu Music especially in the Techno genre. But if you want to speak technically, I like to start with the rhythm, the beats and then create from there. The four on the floor is crucial.
Where would you like to see your music career in 5 years time?
Well, in 5 years if I’m not playing festivals and living off of making music, I’ll be at my 9-5 lol Many musicians work their art and their other job so that they can keep doing music. I’m sure you can imagine how hard we work to do our art. It’s been great to see the response to my music and my current track, “Humboldt Swagger (Wanna Go Down)” is really taking off. That’s like mad encouragement to just keep on keeping on. We do it for the love of the music – that’s for sure. The goal and hope is that we can ONLY do music.
Where can music fans listen to your music?
For starters through my label – Wake Up! Music Group –
www.wakeupmusicgroup.com
@wakeupmusicgrp
www.youtube.com/c/wakeupmusicgroup
Web: http://www.aftrmuzik.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/alonefortheride/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/aftr_muzik/
