Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jerod “Swayyvo” Morton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jerod, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I remember 8 years ago I was notified I was going to be a dad. I began to ask myself was I ready and what I ultimately wanted to do with my life. I shut myself off from the world a few days and came to the realization that I was an artist. I wanted to do music and live from my art. I began analyzing the path I wanted to take and how I could make it happen. I knew I had to sacrifice if this is truly what I wanted. I began cutting my expenses, no cell phone, no car note, I left my house and moved in with a group of individuals who had the same desires I did. I knew I needed to invest in myself and couldn’t do it with all these bills: also quit my jobs and picked up residencies at restaurants playing saxophone. I went 3 years with no job, phone, or car. It was hard but every year I looked back and saw how far I came and knew I was onto something. I had little support but the support I had for myself was enough. I worked from being a nobody to the most familiar face my city ever had. I went from making songs and beats in a closet, to working out of some of the best studios and artists we all know. I’m back paying those same expenses but now I pay it off my passion.

Jerod, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started 17 years ago playing saxophone and writing poetry. That poetry became songs and I picked up making beats and playing piano along the way by ear. My mother being a poet herself, has had me on stages for as long as I can remember. I made each talent a service I could monetize. I play sax on songs for money and Gig around when it makes sense. I sell beats and engineer songs as well as consult artists for marketing. I now do commercials and sync licensing for tv shows and other media. I try to stay sharp on all of my talents because variety sets me apart. I’m most proud of the growing resume and growing support from people who don’t know me. I want people to know that it’s easy to see those who don’t support you and don’t believe in you how you do but you can let that distract you and keep you from doing what you were made to do. What’s for you is for you. I created the reality I dreamed about.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I love the idea! Web 3 is the future for ALL artists and it’s best to hop on this as early as you can. I have put out 3 NFTs so far and the people who by into it believe in the art so much they want to own it and they don’t even know what I look like. NFTs give fans a chance to support their favorite artists and also make money from it. The fans give value to the artist and not the labels. This is a big deal and should be taken advantage of.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is the lives you affect for the better. We have a responsibility as artists to nurture and inspire the next group of creatives growing up under us! There isn’t a better feeling than seeing young and old people take their art and passion seriously due to your inspiration. Seeing people sing my songs or kids wanting to play instruments, or adults go back and persue their passions inspire of feeling like they’re “too old” let’s me know I’m doing good work. It keeps me going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://unitedmasters.com/swayyvo
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swayyvo1/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/jerod.morton
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/swayyvo?lang=en

Image Credits
Nate Giordano
SimonWest
Casey Yoshida