Dwynell Roland performs in The Current's studio
by Andrea Swensson and Cecilia Johnson
June 12, 2018
Dwynell Roland went through a lot between the releases of his project The Popular Nobody and latest album Young Roland. Two years and a break-up marked the gap — but the rapper has some great music to show for it. Using beats by 11 different producers, Roland made an album that shifts through all sorts of moods.
In the last couple of years, Roland has broken out of his comfort zone at concerts. "I was very nervous opening up for Har Mar Superstar," he says, as the only rapper on the bill. But the crowd got into his set. Rock the Garden turned out similarly; "It was empty at first, and just like that, it was filled with people."
It's no easy task to win over a crowd unfamiliar with your music, but Roland has a few tricks. "I try to be myself as much as possible," he says. "I try to have fun and try to be in the other person's shoes. Like, if I were at this concert right now, what would I want to see?"
Roland also tells Swensson about his signature giggle. Prince had his scream, she said, and Miguel has a "whoop!" "It's funny that you say that," he responds. "DJ Fundo's always like, 'Eh homie, do that laugh!' I'm like, 'This one?'" He laughs.
Even when Roland and Swensson are talking about serious topics like dark times and fame, the session is a delight. Listen via the audio player above.
More Video
https://youtu.be/20soo7ZmIxA
Songs Performed
"Control It"
"Down"
"GO"
All songs from Dwynell Roland's 2018 album Young Roland.
Hosted by Andrea Swensson
Produced by Jesse Wiza
Engineered by John Miller
Visuals by Nate Ryan
Web feature by Cecilia Johnson
External Links
Dwynell Roland - Facebook
Dwynell Roland - Twitter
