Lalaa Collective: Bridging Musical Cultures with Afrobeat-Hip Hop Fusion

Frank Swisher, the Grammy-nominated producer behind Lalaa Collective, is crafting a revolutionary sound that blends Afrobeat, hip-hop, and pop to connect American audiences with the diaspora. Let's dive into the visionary's insights on his groundbreaking project.

The Lalaa Sound: A Fusion of Cultures

Swisher's approach to music is deeply rooted in his Midwest upbringing in Toledo, Ohio, specifically Stickney, where he was exposed to a rich musical tapestry including Motown, Ohio Funk, jazz, and influences from Detroit, Chicago, and New York. This diverse background allows him to draw from multiple genres, from country (Johnny Cash) to hip-hop (Jay Z), and even polka, reflecting his appreciation for good music.

Vision and Philosophy

Swisher describes himself as a Music Producer/Visionary/Hustlers, roles that converge in his creative process to innovate and stay relevant. His core belief is that people can be united through music, guiding his efforts to blend emerging musical trends with what American listeners already love.

> "I try to make it all work and come together. Right now I'm trying to blend the newest musical explosion into what Americans already love and know." - Frank Swisher

Lalaa Collective's talk about Lalaa Collective

Swisher's vision for Lalaa Collective is to bridge the gap between musical cultures. He's focused on creating Afrobeat hip-hop-pop records that resonate with both American listeners and the diaspora, driven by his intuition about what's coming in music.

Key Influences and Mentorship

Swisher was mentored by industry legends like Clyde Wasson (partner of Dick Griffey) and Manuel Seal alongside Eric B., who taught him to believe in his work, go for it, and work hard.

Production Style and Street Education

Swisher credits life as his biggest teacher ("School of Hard Knox"), shaping his production style to be improvisational and rhythmic, akin to James Brown. He emphasizes learning to improvise and ask for help.

Goals for Lalaa Collective

- Bridge musical cultures: Connect diverse audiences through fusion sounds.

- Create his own soundwave: Focused on the future, Swisher aims for originality and uniqueness.

- Message: "I'm here." Swisher seeks to convey presence and authenticity through his music.

Frank Swisher's debut single with Lalaa Collective, "Love Like a Bandit," embodies his mission of bridging cultures while staying true to his Midwest influences and veteran mentorship ¹.

Would you like to know more about Frank Swisher's musical journey or Lalaa Collective's upcoming projects?