Messieurs Swank shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Messieurs, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. When was the last time you felt true joy?
Every time I see that light bulb go off in one of my sons, where I see that they have come to a new level of understanding, or discovered something that the did not previously know, or that they have a new experience and they share it with me, I feel true joy. For one, I have 3 sons and fatherhood is my most important responsibility at the moment, so I take a keen interest in their development. Secondly, it’s always gratifying when I’m there to witness these moments or they trust me enough to come and share or discuss these things with me. It means we have a healthy and sound relationship and that brings me joy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Messieurs Swank, a DJ, producer, and songwriter, and the founder of the music creative collective Tape Pop. At the heart of what I do is crafting music that feels intentional, cinematic, and culture-driven. I also run SDC Labs Media, which allows me to take on broader creative opportunities, from custom compositions for brands and visual media to collaborative projects with artists. My work sits at the intersection of storytelling, sound, and style, and I’m always focused on building experiences that move people and create connection.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
One of my earliest memories of feeling powerful comes from my mother. She had my siblings and me performing from a young age, whether it was in front of family at home or on stage in the plays she wrote and directed. She wanted us to build confidence early, and because of that, I grew up feeling more comfortable performing for a room full of strangers than in small, personal settings. Those moments taught me the power of expression and how sharing your talent can move people. That feeling has stayed with me ever since.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Fear has been a big theme in my life lately. I’ve been having a lot of conversations about not just feeling fear, but really examining it, asking where it comes from and whether it’s even valid.
Growing up performing, as I mentioned earlier, I learned early what it felt like to have attention on me. The beautiful side of connecting with people, and the pressure of being seen. I’ve always wanted to make an impact and do meaningful work, but somewhere along the way I realized I was afraid of that attention. I’m naturally introverted, but my talent and my style tend to draw eyes. That’s not inherently bad, but in a world where attention is its own currency, it can feel overwhelming.
What I’m learning now is that purpose doesn’t require the absence of fear. I can do the work I’m called to do with the fear, and still move with intention, authenticity, and grace.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
I think fads are the things that catch our attention quickly. They create a lot of noise and conversation, but they don’t sit with us. They don’t change us. A foundational shift can look the same on the surface, but the difference is you feel it, deeply. It stirs something in your spirit, your emotions, your thinking. Sometimes it’s just an image, a moment, or a few words, but once you encounter it, you’re not quite the same. Foundational shifts move us. They push us to act, to reconsider, to evolve. That’s how I tell the difference.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I showed up with intention. That I used my gifts to inspire, uplift, and help create spaces where people felt seen and connected. I want the story to be that I moved with heart, stayed true to who I am, and helped others feel empowered to do the same in their own way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.swanklifestyle.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/messieursswank
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quentinohenry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MessieursSwankLifestyle/
- Other: https://sdclabs.co/
https://tapepopmusic.com/
Image Credits
Shakela Johnson, Willie J, Social One
