Swivle

Swivle was conceived in 1997 when the then Southern Californian college student, Andy Struck, was frustrated with the hassles of getting a “band” together for practices and gigs.

Struck, a keyboard player from Montana, had already been sequencing and recording music on his own since 1993. With that under his belt, he turned to electronic music, where he could manipulate and control every aspect of the music, whether on stage or in the studio.

One day, while practicing a recently written song in his dorm room, Struck heard a knock at the door. A gentleman named Tim Trace said he had heard the bass through the door. He then introduced himself and told of how he loved electronic music, that he played the bass, and that he was well-versed in many styles, though mostly interested in funk and reggae.

For the next few years Trace and Struck wrote and performed at concerts and venues, both men armed with an arsenal of keyboards, guitars, and electronic equipment. Trace would play bass and keys, and Struck would play lead keys and sing.

Through the years many other performers have played live and recorded with Struck in place of Trace due to some personal commitments. Struck eventually started another career and stopped writing as much music, but rather began to DJ to supplement his musical needs in place of the large time commitment of a band. Struck played at many raves and clubs mostly in the Southern California area but also branched out to other states on occasion.

In 2004 Struck decided to start seriously writing music again under the name Swivle. That brings us to today, when Swivle will release its debut full length album (previously Swivle had released only singles), “Blood in the Dictionary.” Struck wrote, performed, and recorded all songs on the album (with the exception of “P.A. 7.10” the lyrics of which were written in a high school English class with friend Ben Haag).

Swivle also has plans for a tour, along with select CD release parties. Swivle plans on playing with a full band that is yet undisclosed, but will include: Struck-Singing, playing keys, and guitar; two guitar players; bass player (Trace at select venues); drummer; percussionist; and back-up vocalists.

Struck is quoted as saying, “I just want to make music and finally give the world a finished product, whether it is well received or not, it’s me.”

“Let’s go turn the key, jump back in the saddle. Life is what it seems, a constant up-hill battle.”