QWYK
Charlotte, North Carolina, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2017
Music
Press
QWYK makes his debut on The Slice with a solid introductory track titled "Nobody". Over a vibrant trap backdrop, QWYK delivers his verses in double time as he breaks free from all the personal restraints and doubts lurking in his mind. "Nobody" is taken from his new EP 'where there isn't'. A project that deals with transition and self-development. He further adds that the project is his take on the space between; a demonstration of transitioning from where he wasn't to where he wants to go. - EARMILK
In they year of 2009, QWYK had his first performance. Since then, digital artist and rapper , QWYK has been honing his craft. Reeling in his sound and visual inspiration from many eclectic influences and philosophies, Daniel Di Salvo gave himself a unique name that uses and acronym which stands for “Question What You Know”.
Using many sounds and instrumentals, QWYK seems to be drawing inspiration from late 90s hip hop in his track, “This//that”. The track is only a minute long with various bits that are placed cohesively on top of each other while QWYK flawlessly raps his verses. While having a nostalgic sound, QWYK has a sound that seems to walk along the lines of chill hop with the aid of the epiano and 8-bit sound effects. The track itself is very eclectic and Avant garde which is a breath of fresh air to hear and see a music artist create something new and genuine. Lyrically, QWYK seems to be talking about another person or even maybe himself. QWYK is definitely passionate about his craft and work and it can be heard through the music that he creates.Overall,QWYK hopes to make new waves in his genre with embracing his individuality and creativity, which he is definitely accomplishing.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced so far as a musical artist?
Fighting the urge to fall into whats trendy or what I think people might want or respond to best. And timing. Making sure everything is in order before jumping the gun and releasing something prematurely.
Who or what are your biggest musical inspirations?
Mos Def and Big L are the two that really made me look into rap as real art - they made me really start to put the pen to the pad. More current guys are JID, Buddy, Boogie, Duckwrth, etc. And Trent the Hooligan, bro if you happen to see this, let's make something.
What was the inspiration behind the instrumental sounds of “this//that”?
I plead the fifth
What are lyrics about in “this//that”?
Basically a really elaborate way to say that possibilities are endless. The lyrics alternate back forth comparing likenesses to complete opposites and the track concludes with a melancholy outro: "this, that and the third," meaning it could be one of two extremes or anywhere in between.
How do you personally maintain your individuality while staying true to your genre of music?
Focusing on what a particular moment felt like and trying to maximize that moment into an entire experience. Reminding myself that only I can tell my story.
What's next for you?
Im releasing a couple more singles I have in the vault, and then an 8 track project. Im blowing up in the next year, watch. - Buzz Music
Discography
where there isn't - EP (2019)
this//that - single (2019)
stand.UP - single (2019)
sleep. - single (2018)
Photos
Bio
Charlotte, North Carolina born emcee and visual artist Daniel Di Salvo gave himself the moniker QWYK (as an acronym), standing for Question What You Know — a constant reminder that truths are not absolute, but instead; malleable by circumstance.
Throughout the mid 2010’s QWYK released several well received projects — including a segment of weekly releases — as part of an NC hip hop duo, garnering exposure and performance experience at national venues, and sharing the stage with notable acts. The need for visuals to accompany the musical aspect of their art pushed QWYK to return to college, to formally study graphic design and photography; here he earned himself acceptance into multiple gallery shows and publications. Aligning himself with the Cypher Univercity movement, QWYK spearheaded the App and AVL Cyphers and attended habitually, “spending hours rapping, every week [Wednesday], for years.”
After the break up of the duo at the start of 2017, QWYK took a hiatus to focus on authenticity and reinventing himself as a solo artist. Through the next year and a half, he started writing from scratch with a new mentality, and opening for a range of musical performers up and down the east coast. He began to quietly record and release singles late in 2018, and dropping snippets and releasing ambiguous clues of art and music — stating he wants art to be special. “Certain pieces need to be found, certain ones need to be elusive.” Now, in the most complete version of himself, the state he refers to as “confused//liberated” QWYK has released his first solo project, entitled: where there isn’t.
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