(December 2, 2019) Over the past half decade, Portland, Oregon has become one of the most intriguing soul music cities, boasting such up-and-coming talents as Tahirah Memory, Ronnie Wright, Tyrone Hendrix, Jarrod Lawson, and, more recently, multi-instrumentalist, Swatkins.
Swatkins has been known to many as the keyboardist for hot-as-fire singer Allen Stone, but he has also fashioned a career for his own music, which we first discovered with his Positive Agenda EP. His brand of feel-good funk, often highlighted by his use of the talkbox, recalls some of the great soul and funk from the past, and brings it all up to date.
(December 2, 2019) Over the past half decade, Portland, Oregon has become one of the most intriguing soul music cities, boasting such up-and-coming talents as Tahirah Memory, Ronnie Wright, Tyrone Hendrix, Jarrod Lawson, and, more recently, multi-instrumentalist, Swatkins.
Swatkins has been known to many as the keyboardist for hot-as-fire singer Allen Stone, but he has also fashioned a career for his own music, which we first discovered with his Positive Agenda EP. His brand of feel-good funk, often highlighted by his use of the talkbox, recalls some of the great soul and funk from the past, and brings it all up to date.
On his newest single on the Color Red label, Swatkins puts together a killer band of Michaelangelo Carubba (Turkuaz), Michael Elson (Excellent Gentlemen), Craig Brodhead (Turkuaz), Andre Zapata (Allen Stone), Moorea Masa (Moorea Masa & The Mood), Jans Ingber (formerly of The Motet), and the horns from Huntertones to create a sound reminiscent of classic Tower of Power. “Gotta Give It Away (If You’re Gonna Keep It)” is feel good funk from start to finish, and it is getting us smiling broadly.
We think SoulTrackers are going to love this song. So, we’re proud to present the World Premiere of “Gotta Give It Away.” Check it out below and welcome back this Rip City star back to SoulTracks.
By Chris Rizik
World Premiere!
Swatkins – “Gotta Give It Away (If You’re Gonna Keep It)”