John McSwain

Los Angeles, California

MFA, Fine Art, Parsons School of Design
BFA, Creative Photography, University of Florida

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Let’s get the confusing stuff out of the way:
My name’s John McSwain, my company’s name is Vacations and my Artist/DJ name is Vacations.
I typically go by John or McSwain but you’re welcome to call me Vacations if you enjoy that.
I don’t believe in bios in the third person.

I am a Video Editor, Director, Composer, Musician, Sound Designer, Mixer, DJ, Podcaster and Writer
-I’ve been an editor for 20 years, mainly commercial work but I started on sizzles and live concerts and have cut a number of music videos and documentary things as well.
-I’ve been freelance my entire career, and have done longer stints in some offices here and there. I do like being on my own but am open to joining your team for long-term projects.
-I’ve directed a number of projects from music videos to documentaries to educational series. It’s not really my goal, my passion, but I do it when the feeling is right.
-I’ve been a composer for the last 6+ years, same kind of deal as editing- mostly commercial but with some documentary work as well. I truly love it, even more than editing now.
-I offer sound design and mixing on certain projects if it makes sense for me. On some projects I’ll do it all.
-I’ve been a DJ for 15+ years. I got started in the clubs in NYC. These days I really only do my monthly party in LA, Sade Night, which just turned 10 and has traveled to many cities and countries. Sade Night is probably the thing I’ll be remembered for, which is fine, but I do offer more, I swear.
-I produce two podcasts, one of which I host and is about editing and the other I only edit and is about books.
-I’ve written a number of articles in my career but only really feel like spotlighting this one about corals. I’m launching a substack soon for album reviews.

As an Editor/Composer/DJ combo I offer a unique perspective and skill set. I’m guided by rhythms and lean into them in the footage + I pride myself on my music taste and can create or locate the perfect track for an edit.

I am available for hire. Please write me for rates and availability.
I typically work remotely, though my LA office can accommodate your team.
I can be available for in-person edits with clients at your space (LA local but available for travel if needed)

Here’s a selection of agencies & production companies I've worked for/with:

Anomaly, Artclass, Art Machine, Athletics, BBDO, BYT, Decon, Excuse My French, Facebook, First Ave Machine, Gretel, Good Co, Google Creative Labs, Hush, Joan, Juniper Jones, Lightning Orchard, Magic Leap, Magnetic, Mass Appeal, MFG, Milk, Mirada, Modern Arts, Mutiny, ODD, Scholar, Set, 72 & Sunny, Shine & Polish, Sid Lee, Special Guest, TBWA/Chiat/Day, Trailer Park, Unreasonable, Vice, Voyager, Ways & Means, Work-Order.

contact: vacationscanhelp @ gmail.com

@vacationsonline

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New York Times on Sade Night turning 10
Clio Entertainment Awards 2023 Bronze - Xbox Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty - The Power of Jade
Tangerine Reef - Pitchfork
Tangerine Reef - Washington Post
Coral City - Work: Untitled Interview
Complex Magazine - More Love EP
Complex Magazine - OVO Mix 52
NY Magazine, Best of New York - 2014