What’s your stage name and where are you from?
My stage name is Swabski. I was born in California but spent most of my childhood in Texas. I’m Korean American, and my journey has taken me through different parts of the world—I’ve lived in China and Hong Kong before settling in Vancouver, Canada, where I’ve been for the last ten years.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
My stage name, Swabski, was inspired by the Japanese concept of Wabi Sabi, which is all about finding balance in life. It teaches that while there is beauty in the world, there is also hardship—things like disease and death. But without death, life wouldn’t exist. It’s about seeing perfection in imperfection and recognizing the positive within the negative.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
I love exploring different genres, and right now, I’m focused on diving deeper into alt-pop and drum and bass for my next project. With every place I’ve lived, I’ve witnessed how love can unite people, and I want my music—along with the videos I edit and direct myself—to reflect that.
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
“Ride With Me” was one of the first songs I recorded in the studio, and it holds a special place for me. It was also the first song I made a music video for, which I directed myself.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
Through my music, I aim to give people hope in this chaotic world. As the world becomes more globalized, I want to help build a cohesive international community.
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
I dealt with multiple lung injuries that made it impossible for me to make music or perform. It was a tough period, but I found the strength within myself to keep believing in my passion for music.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with Kendrick Lamar because he is the GOAT in hip hop. His music knows no boundaries.
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
In the next year, I hope to see my music gain recognition and expand my audience.
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
The next big step for me is to put out a project that truly reflects who I am and helps me connect with my audience.
We occasionally feature artists on our Bird of Paradise Podcast for in-depth discussions. Would this be something you’re interested in exploring?
Absolutely, I’d be happy to join.
Are there any other promotional opportunities you’re looking for to boost your visibility?
I’m particularly interested in any playlist opportunities that could help boost my visibility.
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
Spotify – got a brand new song coming out Oct. 11!!! I’ll do all my Open Verse challenges on TikTok.
What is the best way to contact you if fans want to give feedback or if other artists/producers want to collaborate?
Email: swabskimusic@gmail.com or hit me up on Instagram, @swabski.
