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Before hip hop, there was R&B. Upcoming artist Pink Sweat$ is pioneering a new velocity in R&B and encouraging an appetite from fans for something different.

It’s commendable when entertainers aren’t afraid to take the road less traveled. Throughout history, we’ve witnessed some of the greatest breakthroughs in music, by way of ingenious artists who relentlessly break new ground. Some of the most prolific entertainers in the world like Prince and Michael Jackson went against the grain; and without question, their unique take on music inarguably made them legendary.

Singer-songwriter Pink Sweat$ has racked up millions of streams, created a dominating presence on the most coveted playlists, and has ushered in a very loyal following by giving fans something new to explore; making them fall in love with R&B all over again. With chill-acoustic ballads that offer a fresh new perspective and experience on R&B, complemented by uniquely prodigious vocal textures, the Philly native is without question, headed in the right direction. We caught up with Pink Sweat$ to talk about his most recent bodies of work through his Volume 1 and Volume 2 EP’s, as well as touring, #PinkGang, collaborating with other Philadelphia artists, and even Fashion Nova.

How did you come up with the name Pink Sweat$ and what inspired the pink vibes?

I first got the name from this [time] I was studio bumming. Just spending all of my time at the studio by myself wearing the same pair of pink sweats. One day someone couldn’t remember my name but wanted to know where I was. He asked, “Where is pink sweats?” That’s how it first started.

You’re originally from Philly , home to some of the greatest musicians in history. Do you have any future plans to collaborate with any of your hometown artists?

Most definitely. I haven’t really done any collaborations up to this point [because] I really wanted to concentrate on building my own identity. But you can expect some beautiful [music coming].

You recently dropped your Volume 2 EP, a very cool compliment to your Volume 1 EP. Was there a reason you decided to release them separately, as opposed to a full-length album?

I consider myself a singer/songwriter first and foremost and the [Volume] series allows me to strip everything back and showcase that. With that said, I never want to limit myself creatively… I’ve been working hard and collaborating with a lot of tremendously talented people to put my first full-length album together. I want it to be a masterpiece… Some of the album records are songs [that] I think the world needs.

How would you describe the feel of the Volume 2 EP in comparison to the Volume 1 project?

Volume 2 had a little more bounce to it [because] of the percussion. The guitars were a bit more left of center. More eccentricity on the project as a whole.

Who are some of the producers that you worked with on this project?

I [didn’t] really work with producers on the Volume series. I really vocal produced the whole thing, and other than that it’s just guitars and hand percussion. I worked a lot with my boy Doc Daniel during the time I was doing Volume 2. He and I wrote the “Body Ain’t Me” record in like 5 minutes. We hit a vibe and from there it was easy. He perfected that guitar riff and I went back and cut my final vocal later.

Let’s talk about “Coke & Henny” Part 2. Are Coke and Henny the answer to relationship woes?

Definitely not. For me, Part 1 and Part 2 show both sides of a relationship. Part 1 is the night. Part 2 is the hangover. Part 2 [is] definitely not the answer.

Why “Coke & Henny” though?

Classic drink fits any occasion. My M.D., Kenny, drinks Henny like water at my shows. Most talented dude I know, so maybe that’s the recipe.

Will you be promoting any other singles from the EP?

“Body Ain’t Me” is one of my favorite records. I definitely plan on doing some more promotional work on that one. To be honest, I still have work to do on Volume 1, there’s just not enough time in the day to get it all done. Can’t hold up the release of music just [because] I haven’t finished servicing the old stuff.

How would you describe your sound?

My sound is just me. I like making every genre, and I try to incorporate different elements of each into my songs. What always stays constant throughout is my voice and writing style.

When did you discover your passion for making music?

I first decided to pursue a career as a songwriter when I realized [that freestyle came more naturally] then writing came to me. I remember the first time I did it I was at the studio to be the demo vocalist for a song. They were taking a long time to finish writing the verses and so I jumped in the booth and rattled off some ideas. When I came out the whole room was freaking out, and I knew I had found my calling.

Who were some of your earlier influences, who did you listen to growing up?

Maroon 5, Avril Lavigne, Bobby McFerrin, Kirk Franklin. I couldn’t listen to a whole lot of secular music in my house, so I didn’t get exposure to a lot of music until later in life.

How did you connect with J. Erving and Human Re Sources?

The first people to support my music was a company called Indify. They knew J and connected the dots.

What’s the musical legacy or imprint that you’d like to leave with the world?

I want to make classic music. I think if people are so emotionally moved by my music that they are inclined to get married to it, that’s the legacy I want. I just want to spread love.

Will you be touring anytime soon?

Yes, most definitely. I go back on tour Sept. 7 of this year and have a ton of festivals I’ll be hitting along the way.

Will we see you aligning with any brands anytime soon or in the future? I’m just saying a Pink Sweat$ line from Fashion Nova Men’s may be the move.

If they want to do something, give them my number. Fashion Nova is the wave.

Are you currently in the lab working on more music? If so, are you planning on dropping anything next year, or would it be sooner?

I’m working on a lot of things right now. I’ve got an album on the way Volume 3. I’ve got all sorts of music that I can’t wait for the world to hear.

When you’re not making music, what are you doing in your spare time?

I’m always making music. I’ve only taken one vacation in the last three years, and even then, I had to put a record down. Music isn’t a job it’s my life… It’s just who I am.

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