SWAVEOH | ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Vermont isn’t what comes to mind when you think of the music industry, but these two growing artists are making waves: Swaveoh, a Chicago-born rapper raised in Vermont, and the one and only David Chief. Their conversation is a window into the local music scene, its challenges, and the dreams driving them forward.
Swaveoh, or Sway, brings a melodic trap style to the table, blending the storytelling of his Chicago roots with influences from underground icons like Lil Uzi Vert. At 29, his music reflects a journey shaped by adoption and a love for genre-bending sounds.
Chief, on the other hand, crafts the backbone of tracks with 808-heavy beats, creating the perfect synergy for their seamless creative process. Together, they boast an impressive ability to produce songs fast, often building tracks within days.
A large part of our conversation gravitated towards the music scene here in Vermont. Currently, Vermont isn’t known for its music scene, but Sway and Chief see potential in its diversity. They shout out local acts like Mari while pointing to an untapped reservoir of funk, melodic, and trap artists. “It’s about collaboration,” says Sway, “but we need more cohesion.” They highlight the challenges of oversaturation in local shows and the hesitance among artists to work together.
The duo emphasizes the importance of stepping outside Vermont’s borders. “Networking is key,” Chief explains, advocating for building connections beyond the state. Live performances, they believe, are a powerful tool—not just for exposure but for building relationships and avoiding the distractions of online drama.
Looking forward, Sway and Chief are gearing up for new releases. A mixtape or album is in the works, alongside collaborations with local talent like Devin Dutch Master. Their focus remains on growing their fanbase through performances and laying the groundwork for professional teams to help expand their reach.
For these two, Vermont’s music scene might be small, but it’s a canvas. And with their drive, it’s only a matter of time before their melodic trap reaches far beyond the state lines.
