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24. The Artist’s Mindset: Self-Doubt, Delusion, and the Drive to Keep Creating with mcgwn
Ep.024: In this episode, I chop it up with Maryland-based rapper and genre-blending artist mcgwn: someone who, at just 18, has already crafted a sound and visual identity that feels polished, intentional, and full of promise. We talk about his debut EP I’ll Be Here All Summer, the beachside nostalgia that inspired it, and why he’s not interested in chasing clout. Instead, mcgwn is building something with depth, consistency, and long-term vision. He opens up about the pressures of being a young artist in a content-driven world, the irrational fears that come with creativity, and the power of having a team that truly believes in your growth.
We Chat About:
- How in my range came together and why visual storytelling matters
- Making a cohesive project vs. dropping random singles
- Why his EP i’ll be here all summer feels like a full album
- The fear of “losing the sauce” and how he works through it
- Recording vs. performing—and why he loves the studio most
- Building an authentic brand and why visual identity matters
- Advice for artists struggling with self-doubt or creative burnout
- Why his ultimate dream is to develop other artists under his own label
- The balance between confidence and humility in an artist’s journey
About mcgwn:
Hailing from Maryland, 18-year-old mcgwn is a genre-blending artist and writer, creating a sound that is as youthful as it is uniquely his. With roots in rap and a flair for experimentation, his style seamlessly pairs with diverse instrumentation, ushering a refreshing depth to modern hip hop and R&B.
Connect with mcgwn:
Instagram: @mcgwn_
Spotify: mcgwn on Spotify
Apple Music: mcgwn on Apple Music
Other Resources:
Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX
“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBg
Check out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/
Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484
Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/
Julian on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417
Check out Julian’s book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RL
Music Mentioned in this Episode:
Songs:
- In My Range (ft. Grange)
- Nothing at All
- Goodbyes – Post Malone ft. Young Thug
- Havana (Remix) – Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug
Albums & Projects:
- I’ll Be Here All Summer – mcgwn
Artists & Bands:
- Young Thug
- Kendrick Lamar
- J. Cole
- Drake
- Nas
- Migos
- Run DMC
- Fred again..
- Mike Dean
- Kanye West
- Camila Cabello
- Post Malone
- Phish
View all episodes
By Julian JonesEp.024: In this episode, I chop it up with Maryland-based rapper and genre-blending artist mcgwn: someone who, at just 18, has already crafted a sound and visual identity that feels polished, intentional, and full of promise. We talk about his debut EP I’ll Be Here All Summer, the beachside nostalgia that inspired it, and why he’s not interested in chasing clout. Instead, mcgwn is building something with depth, consistency, and long-term vision. He opens up about the pressures of being a young artist in a content-driven world, the irrational fears that come with creativity, and the power of having a team that truly believes in your growth.
We Chat About:
- How in my range came together and why visual storytelling matters
- Making a cohesive project vs. dropping random singles
- Why his EP i’ll be here all summer feels like a full album
- The fear of “losing the sauce” and how he works through it
- Recording vs. performing—and why he loves the studio most
- Building an authentic brand and why visual identity matters
- Advice for artists struggling with self-doubt or creative burnout
- Why his ultimate dream is to develop other artists under his own label
- The balance between confidence and humility in an artist’s journey
About mcgwn:
Hailing from Maryland, 18-year-old mcgwn is a genre-blending artist and writer, creating a sound that is as youthful as it is uniquely his. With roots in rap and a flair for experimentation, his style seamlessly pairs with diverse instrumentation, ushering a refreshing depth to modern hip hop and R&B.
Connect with mcgwn:
Instagram: @mcgwn_
Spotify: mcgwn on Spotify
Apple Music: mcgwn on Apple Music
Other Resources:
Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX
“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBg
Check out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/
Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484
Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/
Julian on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417
Check out Julian’s book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RL
Music Mentioned in this Episode:
Songs:
- In My Range (ft. Grange)
- Nothing at All
- Goodbyes – Post Malone ft. Young Thug
- Havana (Remix) – Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug
Albums & Projects:
- I’ll Be Here All Summer – mcgwn
Artists & Bands:
- Young Thug
- Kendrick Lamar
- J. Cole
- Drake
- Nas
- Migos
- Run DMC
- Fred again..
- Mike Dean
- Kanye West
- Camila Cabello
- Post Malone
- Phish