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 mattersMaking a cohesive project vs. dropping random singlesWhy his EP i’ll be here all summer feels like a full albumThe fear of “losing the sauce” and how he works through itRecording vs. performing—and why he loves the studio mostBuilding an authentic brand and why visual identity mattersAdvice for artists struggling with self-doubt or creative burnoutWhy his ultimate dream is to develop other artists under his own labelThe balance between confidence and humility in an artist’s journeyAbout 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 SpotifyApple Music: mcgwn on Apple MusicOther 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=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBgCheck out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/Julian on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417Check out Julian’s book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RLMusic Mentioned in this Episode:Songs:In My Range (ft. Grange)Nothing at AllGoodbyes – Post Malone ft. Young ThugHavana (Remix) – Camila Cabello ft. Young ThugAlbums & Projects:I’ll Be Here All Summer – mcgwnArtists & Bands:Young ThugKendrick LamarJ. ColeDrakeNasMigosRun DMCFred again..Mike DeanKanye WestCamila CabelloPost MalonePhish