Antwan Wiggins better known under his stage name Awon has been part of the Hip-Hop scene for over a decade and is the founder of Don’t Sleep Records.
From being the founder of Don’t Sleep Records to being promoted on some of the biggest music platforms today Awon has created quite a great discography under his name. This is our interview with him.
Hi, how are you?
Peace I’m doing well, how about yourself?
I’m very good thank you! So, what made you go into Hip-Hop?
Being born in the right place, at the right time. New York City was something in the 80s and that energy was driven by Hip Hop, at least for me. Having young parents helped too, my parents were very hip.
How did you come up with the name Awon?
I was going through a bunch of changes and stupid names and my cousin Jay Swift came up with it. It’s my name dropping the n and the t. We flipped the a to an O because it seems like A Won like winning.
What is your source of inspiration when making music?
Life, oldies, my experiences, my family, just living. I would like to add that I feed off the creative energy of others as well. So when someone makes dope art it makes me want to create.
Outside music do you have a hobby that you like to escape to?
I love my vinyl, digging in the crates, reading, cooking, and spending time with my family.
Describe yourself in one word.
Authentic
Describe your music in one word.
Soulful
If you could collaborate with any artist ever dead or alive who would it be and why?
Sun-Ra because he inspired most of my heroes. He was the original Afro futurist in my opinion.
Many artists try and get signed to a major record label however most don’t succeed and never find happiness in their work as they constantly follow trends to fit in. What advice would you give to them?
As my wife would say authenticity speaks. I would also ask would they like their legacy to be clouded by someone else’s shadow they stood in?
If you could give any advice for any aspiring musicians out there what would it be?
Stay the course, do not lose sight of your vision
What is your definition of culture?
A way of life we subscribe to.
To find out more about Awon and his latest music follow him on Facebook here.
