Today we’d like to introduce you to Detrich Swain.
Detrich, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My journey started in a small town named Windsor, NC where I was born and raised. As a young adult throughout my prime adult years I lived in Raleigh NC. And for the last nine years I have currently resided in Savannah GA. I met my wife in Raleigh NC where she attended college and I was a local. She is originally from Savannah GA so we eventually moved there and bought a house. We have four children ranging in ages of 21, 15, 14 and 7. While working at one of the leading companies in the area I decided to pursue a higher education because my job offered tuition reimbursement. Wanting to be an example for my children and also wanting to better myself and my family’s living conditions I took classes at the local University of Phoenix campus and eventually switching to online classes. While working every day and working long shifts, I would do classwork when I got home and on weekends. Sometimes going 24 hours between work and school and never sleeping. The hard work paid off because at 37 years old I graduated and received my BS in Business Management and also went on to graduate again and receive my (MBA) Masters in Business Administration This past October at age 39. While on job I met a coworker by the name of “Jeremy Hagan” During conversation we realized we both had a great love for music and we both wrote music so we started recording together.
We were both tired of the 9-5 lifestyle so we started taking our music more serious and wanted to become entrepreneurs. Out of this love of music and drive to be better and want more in life, we started our own label titled “Black Creative Mind” We are a brotherhood who wants to be a positive inspiration for people. We have done school drives In the community with plans to do more events in the future. We are so much more than music. I want to inspire people to chase their dreams no matter how colossal it may seem. I also want to inspire people to never let age be an excuse or deterrent to not do something or to never feel it’s too late to achieve goals and dreams. Myself for example, I am a father and husband and worked everyday while pursuing my Bachelors and Masters. I also make music and striving to be a successful entrepreneur with our own record label. I have done interviews, performed at shows, and sold our own clothing merchandise. I am constantly recording songs and I have music on SoundCloud and mostly all other major streaming services. I have a YouTube page and business page as well on FB. All under the name “Detrich Swain” or my moniker “DEE D$B” You can also find me on IG @bcm_deedub. I will be releasing a mixtape very soon and shooting a music video as well. I will be 40 years of age this coming March and these are the things I am accomplishing at this age and others can do the same. If you truly believe it in your heart, speak it, pray about it and put God first, you will start to see your dreams manifest themselves into a reality. It’s an honor for me to be able to do this interview with you because it’s a part of all of the things I have worked hard at and asked God for.
To focus on my music for a bit. I have had a love of music from the womb, I believe. I started writing rap songs around the age of 12 or 13. I believe music is one of the most powerful tools in the world to reach people and unite people of different backgrounds and walks of life. I believe music is a great vessel for race relations around the globe. Words are powerful in written and spoken form. I feel there isn’t really a lot of people making age appropriate rap music for my age group so I want to fill that void. I try to make the music I would want to listen too. A lot of new music is missing the spirituality and soul it use to have. The storytelling, the inspiration and the knowledge that so many love. My music has all of that. I also want to be like a big brother or father figure for the younger ones and give them some food for thought and pass along some jewels to them. You know, something positive to help raise the next generation. I feel God has called on me to do this through my music, so that’s why I’m here. I pray God gives me the opportunity and platform to help others and give back, to be a blessing of sorts.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. The hassles of trying to balance work, school and home life is hard, but that’s why it’s called a grind. The transition from worker to entrepreneurship is tough. It’s times you’ll feel like giving up or questioning yourself, like is it worth it? It’s times you’ll be broke and struggling with bills. Even those that love you will start to look at you like this ain’t working lol but you gotta be strong and stay the course and pray. Your hard work and sacrifices will pay off. If it was simple, then everyone would be doing it. The road won’t be easy, but I promise you it will be worth it.
Black Creative Mind – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Our Business “Black Creative Mind” is a record label and a positive movement but most of all, it is a brotherhood. We make music, sell merchandise, write books promote education and try to give back to the community. We specialize in music and we’re known for positivity and throwing the three’s up. What I mean by that is, when you see us throw up three fingers, it represents love, peace and integrity. What I am most proud of as a company is seeing what we had as an idea and vision starting to manifest itself into reality. I and my partner had faith enough to leave the comforts of our 9-5’s to chase our dreams and that alone takes a lot of courage and I am proud of that. I believe what sets us apart from others is that we always keep God first in all we do. Our personal lives and stories give our music the substance that people want to hear. I think conversing with us is just as interesting as our music. Our music isn’t the same radio cookie cutter music you’re use too. Our lyrics and words have meaning and we have a brand name and logo that people can gravitate towards. We inspire people from young to old and we give hope and belief.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of my career so far has been being able to speak and give my story and testimony on platforms such as this one. And having people tell me they feel my lyrics and to keep pushing. These moments make it all feel worth it.
Pricing:
- •Black Creative Mind T’s $25
- •Black Creative Mind wristbands $5
Contact Info:
- Email: swaindetrich80@gmail.com
- Instagram: @bcm_deedub
- Facebook: Detrich Swain
- Twitter: @DeeDub18
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiEfhW5dvtkhmLktXSFnU7Q
Image Credit:
Trinity Swain
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