Albeit sharing the same area code as multi-millionaire Hollywood actors, Malibu resident Shwayze was raised in its trailer park community, and his only steady income came via his handyman grandfather. If he wasn't fixing light bulbs, the laid-back teenager was out on the sunny beaches, embracing life with the babes & booze. 3 years later, things haven't changed much - except the rapper now has a full-time job in music, and it's only fit for a self-titled debut to pay homage to an all-day-and-into-the-night party lifestyle. Along for the ride are his mates DJ Skeet Skeet, a "cool ass dude on the 1's and 2's", and wingman Cisco Adler, who sings and co-wrote all the songs on the album - ridiculously catchy and overspilling with the warmth of an endless summer (Listen to first single "Buzzin"). The Renaissance man himself popped by in the midst of Warped Tour to chat about the new record, which comes out in August.

On first listen, "Buzzin'" sounds uncannily like something from Gym Class Heroes. What do you make of this comparison?

I just recently met Gym Class on Warped Tour. We've been compared to them a lot. We definitely weren't going for that, but I'm not mad at the comparison because I like them.

How was it like when you met Cisco?

I met Cisco in Malibu randomly at a party where I drunkenly asked him to make music together. I heard he made music, and at the time I was desperate to make music with someone because I wasn't doing much. So he went, "Stop asking me when you're drunk!" I asked him a few times at different parties, and he said, "If you're really serious about making music, just come over when you're not partying." Then we made our first track.

Let's talk more about the record. Was it easy to make? How long did the songwriting and recording process take?

We made the whole record on a whim. After our first track together, I kinda slept on the couch and even offered to intern because I liked all the music he was working on. So over a time of seven months, we made 50 or so songs. When we got signed, we already had our album recorded. It was really organic - I bet you can hear that when you listen to the record.

Which are your personal favorite tracks off the album?

'Flashlight', because it's the only feature on the record with Dave Navarro, 'Lost My Mind' because it's different, and I don't think you would normally hear a rapper sing to that kind of a track! Also, 'Corona and Lime', which is our next single. It wasn't supposed to come to me [actually], it was supposed to go to another artist, but he rejected it so I got to use it. That was one of the last songs that made it to the record.

What can the listeners expect, then?

Since the listeners like 'Buzzin', I'm excited for them to hear the rest of the record. It's laid back, feel-good music - it's summer in a bottle!

What are your personal expectations for this album?

We're just having fun with it when we were making the songs...obviously it's always been a dream of mine, so I hope it does well. I'm constantly thinking about the next step. I just want to touch people, I want them to be hyped and like the music. I think it will do well!

The lyrics are mostly laid-back and not taking things too seriously. Is that reflective of your life perspective?

Yeah it is. At the time when I was making the record, I was broke and sleeping on the couch. It was the best summer of my life even though I didn't have any money. That's my attitude: positivity and to have fun with any situation, and that kinda sums up Shwayze. I live by the Ws - weed and women.

What is your stand on music downloading? Does it hurt or help artists by having wider access to people?

I think downloading is good. I don't think I would have so many fans right now if it wasn't for downloading right now. People download, and L'il Wayne is the perfect example. His records been out for a long time and he sold a million units in the first week.

How much of growing up in Malibu influences you in your music?

Living in Malibu, I grew up on all kinds of different music -from rock n' roll to punk- and got into hip hop later. Plus Malibu's really chill, maybe that's where I get my laid back demeanor.

What has been the biggest change in life ever since your music career took off?

Everything is pretty much the same. I mean, I still hang with the same group of friends and at the same spots when I'm home. The biggest change is my schedule. I don't think a lot of people realize how much actually goes into being an artist from press, to tour and our reality show, but I love it and I'm excited when I go to work every day. So NO complaints!

Who are your favorite musicians of all time?

Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, Outkast, The Rolling Stones, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, 2pac, Rage Against The Machine, A Tribe called Quest.

Performing at this year's Warped Tour...it should be exciting for you.

Warped Tour is amazing. It's also my first tour ever! It's great for us because there are a lot of bands we may have not had the chance to meet and we're collaborating. And our fans love it! The crowd has been great.

How do festivals like Warped compare to playing in your hometown?

Well, I always love playing home shows, but out on a tour like this, people get to see all their favorite bands in one day so they're hyped! You know how it is in Hollywood, where everyone's too cool. But at these shows, kids are dancing for 10 hrs straight in the heat! I love it.

Are you hanging out a lot with fellow musicians at Warped? Who are you looking forward to see?

Yes. We just had a basketball game with the dudes from 3OH!3. My jump shot was a little off so they beat us! Fools are wack. Katy Perry is the ish! Just saw this group Beat Union today they're dope as well. The tour is still young. I'm sure I'll be seeing a lot of new bands.

What are your plans for the rest of 2008?

Finish the Warped Tour and put out more music! [IM]

"Shwayze" hits stores August 19.

Vote for SHWAYZE to play 10 minutes longer on Warped Tour! Click here to vote now and add them as your friend!

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