Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Boyd Sweeney. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Boyd, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Yes I have. I am lucky to be living my dream of being a full time musician and music educator. I obtained a degree in music education at CSU-Pueblo in 2013 and began teaching band, choir, and general music at Pikes Peak School of Expeditionary Learning that same year. I also teach at The Colorado Springs Conservatory and have been there for the past 4 years.
Teaching is my day job, but I also am incredibly grateful to have a consistent and thriving career as a musician. We can call that the night shift, lol.I would saw that, my career as a musician has been a slow, but stead journey to where I am now. One of the major keys to my success lies in filling a much needed void for live bands in Colorado Springs in the swing dance scene. There are two swing bands that I have founded, led, and manage here in Colorado Springs. Our flagship band, The Moldy Figs, has been in the scene for the past 7 years and is the premier swing dance band in all of Southern Colorado. Our newest group, Katie Hale and the P-47s, is quickly earning a great reputation and loyal following, thanks in large part, to our incredible vocalist, Katie Hale. These two groups are joined by some of the finest musicians in the state and have had a huge part in growing the swing dance community, especially in Colorado Springs.
When I first started gigging in Colorado Springs, I was only playing 2 or 3 shows a month. It was this way for awhile. But then I was able to connect with some of the best jazz musicians in town and become close friends with many of them. I have a philosophy of always treating the musicians that work with me with respect, honestly, and appreciation. This has carried me and my clarinet further than I could have hoped for. Nowadays my bandmates and I perform anywhere from 15-17 shows each month at some truly wonderful venues.

Boyd, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I got into swing music originally by just hearing it all the time at my grandparent’s house. I Grandfather was born in 1912 and he and my Grandma were very much products of WWII, the greatest generation, and the swing era. I picked up my first clarinet when I was in 6th grade (given to me by an aunt) and just sort of never stopped playing. I originally studied classical music and music for concert bands. Mozart and Carl Maria Von Weber were my boys! But swing is where my heart has always belonged, so I officially made the switch around a decade ago and began focusing solely on performing swing music of the 1930s and 40s. Both bands, The Moldy Figs and Katie Hale and The P-47s provide fun, energetic music for local jazz venues, weddings, private parties, and of course, swing dances. We are different than the other bands in Southern Colorado due to the fact that we are the only professional band that focusses strictly on swing music events and dances. Our ability (and luck) of cornering the market in our city has given us a professional advantage that I will never take for granted. It has allowed us to stand out while we play in a very niche market, while also making us a household name for swing dancers throughout Colorado.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The fact that I get to share the music I love with people who truly hold a passion for swing music and dance.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Believe it or not, my first foray into the world of professional music was as a lead guitarist for several metal, prog rock, and experimental shred bands. I ‘pivoted’ in a pretty extreme way by making the switch from electric guitar to the clarinet. But the heart wants, what the heart wants.

Contact Info:

• Website: moldyfigsswing.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/boydsweeneyjazz

Image Credits
The Loft Tedx Colorado Springs