Well back in the Wisconsin springtime on May 22nd, sometime in the 70s a new artist was born. Bradley Jacobson came into the world kicking and screaming to be heard. A dream of being a rock star was integrated the minute a copy of Blondie's "Parallel Lines" hit his little Disney record player. But first he had to grow up. The winds of North central Wisconsin, the smells of Mosinee to be exact were what fuelled his desire to hit the salt packed roads and head to LA. An opening act for Josie Cotton and the idea of being the ultimate Valley Boy kept him going through taunts and teases by the local boys who were always so jealous of Bradley's obvious talent and good looks.

Finally a day of discovery was bound when Brad packed up his VW and headed to Minneapolis to be a 90's version of Mary Tyler Moore. One frost bite too many had that VW headed to the mountains of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho where the dreams of making music finally happened when Brad hooked up with Patrick English and his electronic band Orange Television. Shortly after Brad created Swivek; a way to take that cold bitterness, the fun loving blonde head, the dreams of grandeur and put them to a tune. After recording two albums with Patrick, Brad packed up and finally made it to Los Angeles. Unfortunately, Josie Cotton no longer needed an opening act.

But the need for Swivek was already engrained and Brad continued recording. First, the poppy "MEXICAN GODS", then the 70s New York rock influenced "BRUISED" and a compilation of all with "MONDO BLONDO 03:99", which was going to be the end of Swivek. But the bug hit Brad once again.

In December 2004, Swivek found new faith in their DIY ways and decided to continue on - "HAPPINESS IS HARD" became the album Swivek had been trying to create for the first five years of recording. A combination of electronics, rock guitars and new wave mentality, a surprise love for the single "Debbie Doesn't" based on an actual encounter with Miss Harry edged the album into more common ground. Another single for a cover of Lisa Hartman's "Where The Boys Are" kept the momentum. Luckily, Patrick and Brad kept in touch and Patrick created Flexible Records as a way for Swivek and other independent bands to get out to the internet masses.

2005 found Brad bitter and pissy over the state of the world and the electro punk "ARMY FATIGUE" was the result, with another surprise hit in the downloadable single "Get Up On It" - a call to arms for everyone who wants and deserves their equal rights.

September 2006 found Brad working faster and better than ever to create what the rocking energy inspired album "DARKNESS + LIGHT" and finally this October (2007) found us heading INTO THE BLUE with the brand new album. Download it here!

SWIVEK is gearing up for a brand new album coming fall 2009!!!!

Now that you know us, and you know Brad - go listen to some tunes!

Photography by Luther Orrick