Who is Qwanah? Please tell us a bit about yourself and your music.

Qwanah is one of many alter egos I use. It’s a tribute to my roots, the last Comanche Chief – the great Quanah Parker. My music is inspired by a wide range of things but mostly Lyfe. I’m pretty sure I am an HSP, so a lot of my music has an emotional vibe, even if it’s a club tune. I think it’s a beautiful thing to dance in the club to “club music” that brings you into your emotions. I also make music together with my friend Leo Smith under the name 2DEEP. We do everything from deep house, tropical club music, neo cumbia beats, hip hop — it’s all soulful stuff. Period.

We are launching Unlimited – a flexible pricing plan to suit every artist’s creative process. Unlimited allows you to release as many tracks as you want for a fixed price, from $4.99/month. We got the chance to talk more about creativity with Record Union artist Qwanah.

We also know that you have your own label, Coco. What is the biggest challenge of having an independent label?

Well, yes, I started the concept a lil’ while back… Coco’s Special Order. A night club and independent record label. Can you call it a label if you haven’t released anything official yet? I had planned on releasing my own music last year, then came Corona and other lame excuses. It’s difficult releasing your own stuff when you are a perfectionist… that’s why I also want to release other people’s music as well, so if you have some good shit and want it released – let’s talk. People ask me what kind of music I will release. I’m an eclectic man with a broad scope. If it sounds good, I don’t care what you call the genre. I want Coco’s Special Order to be that record label. You don’t know what the next release will sound like, but if it has the “Coco’s stamp” you just know that it will be sick. Coco is the boss, and she needs to approve everything. The world will witness Coco’s first release in 2021. Who and what will it be? Stay tuned.

Why did you start Coco?

I want to share my music taste with the world to make it a better place. It’s all love.

Tell us what a typical day looks like. (Working during night hours, juggling with another job on the side, early morning walks? What is crucial for you and your creativity?)

It’s not easy living off being a DJ/producer, so I juggle with a full-time job, which is cool cause it keeps me motivated to dive into my biggest hobby in my spare time. I need some sort of organized chaos to be creative at home. It can’t be too messy (believe it or not).

What inspires you the most?

Lyfe. Music. Friends

What does creative freedom mean to you?

Being able to express myself without any sort of boundaries or rules. I guess that’s what it means. But honestly, sometimes it’s good with limitations… 

As we know, working with creativity rarely goes in a straight line. What is your creative process like?

Make a cup of coffee — Burn incense — Listen to music that inspires me or evokes a feeling I want to re-create — Jam out — Have fun. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. Don’t force it. It will come when it’s meant to be. Everything is about timing.

Do you have any tips and tricks when feeling stuck in your work? (For example, have you ever had writer’s block, and if so, what did you do to get through it?)

Hmm…. Just leave it for the time being. Watch some old videos that inspire you, listen to music that is way different from what you will make. Go out and get fresh air. Dust it off and try again.

So, when you’re finally getting the creativity flowing, how do you know when a track is done? And how do you feel when you release it for others to listen?

I haven’t released anything yet, so I can’t give you any cool answers, but I’m sure it’s a gut feeling. You just know it.

Last but not least, what’s your next step? Do you have any projects in the pipeline?

The next steps are to finalize the mix and mastering for a few tracks that Leo (2DEEP) and I have in the pipeline. I’m also going through music that people have sent me; there is a lot of good music out there. Stay tuned on Coco’s Special Order social platforms for the latest info. 

Blessings – Qwanah