In celebration of the powerfully evocative new anthem Freedom Fighters, it was a pleasure to talk in depth with songwriter and artist 2 Swift about the inception of the track.
We cover the value of collaboration, the political depth of the writing, the role of the artist, and plenty more. Here’s how it went.
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2 Swift – excited to talk with you! For those who don’t know, where are you based, and how long have you been making music?
I am currently living in Canada, not far from the famous Metal Works music studio, which prompted me to pick up the mic again. I grew up in Sydney Australia and lived in the US for 10 years before moving to Canada. I started in the late 80’s early 90’s recording out of the iconic Australian NuTown Studio. I later joined a group First Degree and then later Groove 21/20 releasing a few singles.
Huge congrats for the release of the mighty Freedom Fighter, a beautiful fusion of genres and a powerful anthem. Tell me about the making of this one, what came first in terms of the songwriting and music, and what does the song represent?
This was a song that came out of passion, I penned the lyrics 25 years ago and recorded a demo with a friend, a flat mate, and fellow ex-band member Steve Mulligan. I was very upset and angry at the time in what I was hearing and seeing coming out of occupied Palestine.
With recent events in Gaza, I brought the song out of hibernation. I only had to edit a couple of lines to modernize it and collaborate with some artists to bring it to life again.
How did you come to collaborate with The Epoch House, and what did this collaboration bring out in you and your musicality that differed to the solo approach?
I wanted the chorus to be big, a choir. When I discovered them online, I felt their sound was perfect. I am happy they agreed to collaborate with me as I feel they add elements to the song that I could have never done alone.
How important is it for you to address and tackle political and topical issues as a contemporary artist?
“Sometimes words are not enough. The avalanche of human suffering that we are seeing cannot be described in words alone. Music makes you feel, music touches us more deeply than words alone. It is why I have always loved rap and hip-hop, you can say a lot in a song.”
Do you have plans to perform live much in the coming months, and if so, what can fans expect from that – and where can they catch you playing?
Not anytime soon, maybe next year. I am currently working on the album, so expect to hear me release more songs in the coming months. Distribution is so much different than it was in the 90’s, I won’t wait to complete the album, I will simply release the singles as they are completed to make up the album. When I do perform live, I plan to work with a small band, maybe even acoustic in small setting with a video backdrop to add to the songs messaging.
How will you follow a huge single like this – what’s your plan of action creatively?
I am working on the next 7-8 songs right now, they all explore different themes and emotions, they are not all political. I tend to write about things, places and times that have moved me. So, if I feel passionate about something, the words the lyrics and tunes come to me. I then look for artists to collaborate with to bring them to life.
Is there anything else we should know?
Yes, please keep talking about Palestine. We need to be courageous enough to speak up and push for the changes we need to see. As soon as it is safe my family and I will do what we can to assist with any aid, be it water, food, medicine, whatever we can do to help ease some suffering. Please share the music and the message.
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