Swarvy

Los Angeles resident Swarvy is a prolific beatmaker and multi-instrumentalist whose work encompasses abstract hip-hop as well as jazzy funk. A frequent collaborator with close friend Mndsgn (Ringgo Ancheta), Swarvy has additionally produced, played on, or mastered releases by Busdriver, Quelle Chris, Makaya McCraven, Ras G, and numerous others. He's released albums with rappers and singers like Pink Siifu, Suzi Analogue, and Lojii, while his extensive solo discography ranges from fractured beat collages like 2015's Stunts series to the smooth, hazy funk of 2020's Sunny Days Blue. Born Mark Sweeney and originally based in the Philadelphia area, the musician began releasing digital albums and EPs in 2011, including a collaboration with fellow beatmaker Sir Froderick as the duo SWEENeYFROD. Mndsgn, who lived in nearby New Jersey at the time, booked Swarvy for a show, and the two became fast friends. In 2014, Swarvy collaborated with producer/vocalist Suzi Analogue on a full-length cassette titled Love Affairz V.1, released by her label Never Normal. Swarvy's first vinyl LP, Scotch, was issued by Swiss label Feelin' Music. Shortly after, Swarvy moved to Los Angeles, sharing a home with Mndsgn and rapper Zeroh. Beat tape Superfoods appeared on Rap Vacation in 2015, and Stunts, Vols. 1-4, a double LP compiling a series of digital releases, was issued in early 2016. Twothousandnine, with rapper Pink Siifu, was released by New Math Records, and Leaving Records issued Swarvy's Elderberry, which included guest appearances by Kiefer and Josh Hey. Swarvy and rapper Lojii teamed up for the full-length Due Rent, which came out on Fresh Selects in 2017. Paxico Records then released Swarvy's instrumental LP Bop as well as 2018's Anti-Anxiety, which included guest appearances by Koreatown Oddity, Jeremiah Jae, Zeroh, and others. Swarvy and Versis (another guest on Anti-Anxiety) formed the rap duo Tokayo, who released their self-titled debut on Akashik Records the same year. Swarvy continued issuing his ongoing series of Blends releases, including 2018's Raw Daybreaks Vol. 2 (with Liv.e) and 2020's Due Rent [Blends] (with Lojii). Sunny Days Blue, a short LP of atmospheric funk tunes sung by Swarvy himself, was released by Black Focus Records in 2020. ~ Paul Simpson