Gnotes

Artist/Band Profile: Gnotes is a multi-instrumentalist producer and underground MC based in Boston. Lyrically taut and musically sound, Rhymes and Beats is a focused introduction to his unique style of bohemian hip-hop.

Torn between boom-bap breaks and distorted electric guitars, Gnotes brings together his diverse talents as a poet and musician for the new album Rhymes and Beats. Rooted in live instrumentation and progressive lyricism, Rhymes and Beats is a 21st century outernational hip-hop record with a tinge of nostalgia for 90s grunge and golden era rap.

With beats made of bangers&mash, Rhymes and Beats features ten riddims self-produced by Gnotes, plus four exceptional tracks contributed by J.Ferra, Organizer, Scroll and Boogie Cy. Content on either side of the blurry border between electronic and organic music, Gnotes pushes further the expanding boundaries of hip-hop, alongside similarly adventurous artists such as Mark Ronson, k-os, Gnarls Barkley, and Beck.

Deliberate like a judge, but funky like an ol' batcha collered shirts, Gnotes sharpened his fangs freestyling in the global cipher while touring abroad in Cuba, Italy, and Brazil. After being recruited to play college football in Boston, Gnotes refined his flow performing on-stage at live shows with Devin the Dude, Louis Logic, Glue, and CunninLynguists.

With rhymes like razor blades, Gnotes cuts to the point with a sincere passion and progressive political focus akin to MCs such as Immortal Technique, Sage Francis, and Brother Ali. This is hip-hop with a purpose: "Seeking a change in position / against the same evil forces that keep history in repetition." Featuring deft guest appearances from Afro DZ ak, Elemental Zazen, Kabir, DJ Special Blend, and Noni Kai (of the Eclectic Collective), Rhymes and Beats boasts a sharp, subtle lyricism that deserves to be read along with (*see lyrics below).

Shaped and designed by executive producer Canyon Cody, Rhymes and Beats is an impressive demonstra

Similar Artists: Blue Scholars, Sage Francis, Beck, Gnarls Barkley, Immortal Technique, Atmosphere, The Streets,

Reviews: The Weekly Dig published a glowing review of Gnotes' new record, which Chris Faraone describes as "a local should-have for all imaginative hip-hop fans who repel cornball rap with the same zeal that they loathe the bling boys." Read the full review.

"Gnotes mixes different styles, delivers masterpiece with Rhymes and Beats... Gnotes blends lush production and thoughtful lyrics to form some of the best hip-hop in the world."
-- Ben Conant @ The Equinox

"Rhymes and Beats is a series of songs that exposes the diligent work of a man that raps like he's been waiting for this album his whole life... Few are shining brighter than gNotes right now."
-- PM Masterson @ Audiversity

"Musically it is innovative and pleasing, [with] care and effort put into virtually every bar in every verse, in each and every song - you can tell that Gnotes burns with a passion to be the best that he can be"
-- Jesal 'Jay Soul' Padania @ RapReviews

"With flowing lyrics that mirror Beck, and drumbeats that parallel Quest Love, Gnotes brings together revolutionary ideas and a revolutionary feel to his music."
-- Matt Fulone @ Le Provocateur

"When bohemian indie rapper Gnotes album Rhymes and Beats drops Oct. 9, it will unleash his unique style and sound that won't be found anywhere in the mainstream rap world."
-- Evan Tanguy @ Scottsdale College Campus News

"The strong guitar riffs and enjoyable trumpets on 'Samba Tryst' make the track stand out as one of my favorites... gNotes is an acquired taste, but Rhymes and Beats is one of the more unique albums I've heard recently. "
-- Justin Pacheco @ University of Rhode Island

"It's not quite like any other hip hop record I've heard before. The instrumentals are more vibrant and alive than a lot of albums these days. There are clearly a wide range of musical influences at play here, and it makes for a unique sound."
-- Adam Snider at Ink Slinger

"His flow is controlled but with a certain, appealing looseness, his lyrics are informed, bordering on the didactic, and his beats are well constructed and melodic, easy to follow without being boring, proving that he's able to keep up with any of the bigger indie names out there."
-- Marisa Brown @ All Music Guide

Regarding the album release show: "Not only did gNotes dazzle the crowd with his lyrical prowess, but he showed his diverse musical talents rocking the guitar with Elemental Zazen. All in all, gNotes proved himself to be a multi-talented, multi-faceted musician worth leaving your house on a crappy-ass rainy night."
-- Jess Pye @ Planetary Group.

"Gnotes seems to be truly interested in expanding the art, so check for this one for something a little different."
-- Jonah Flicker @ Lost at Sea

"It's all a mix of samples and live instrumentation, which blend seamlessly and force neck muscles to contract and heads to bob."
-- What It Is @ TreeBeats

"His Northwest roots are evident throughout the album, from the underlying political message in his lyrics (not unlike Seattle's Blue Scholars) to the beats, often built around guitar samples, that he produces."
-- Fresh @ 33Jones

"Gnotes - also known as Sean Dwyer - has matured into a fine emcee and producer of cerebral, melodious hip-hop."
-- Michael O'Brien @ The Heights (Boston College)

"In his third solo outing, Rhymes and Beats, the enlightened rapper also known as Sean Dwyer reaches beyond poetic rap and backpack boundaries... Don't just buy the new gNotes disc. Watch Boston rap's new intellectual pride kick it live." 80108 Media

"Similar to Immortal Technique and Sage Francis [...] something to spice up the indie scene."
-- Shastud @ Ear It Now

"It's got a classic sound — on-point rhymes, punchy flows, and hints of vinyl dust and well-worn samples amidst tasteful live licks."
-- Wayne Marshall @ Wayne and Wax
*full disclosure: wayne = gnawledge bredren

"gNotes' combination of lyrics and real instrumentation places him amongst the bohemian MCs like Mos Def, Madvillan, or RJD2."
-- AJ Meyer @ HipHoosier

Influences: Funk, Brazilian, Grunge, Jazz