| Revision as of 09:52, 8 April 2024 editCatb2006 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users68,652 editsNo edit summary← Previous edit | Latest revision as of 20:24, 10 January 2025 edit undoCitation bot (talk | contribs)Bots5,439,695 edits Altered title. Added date. | Use this bot. Report bugs. | Suggested by Dominic3203 | Category:Pages with duplicate reference names | #UCB_Category 644/757 | ||
| (48 intermediate revisions by 15 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| {{Short description|Scottish indie rock band}} | {{Short description|Scottish indie rock band}} | ||
| {{good article}} | |||
| {{about|the band|the ''Bluey'' episode|Swim School (Bluey)}} | |||
| {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}} | ||
| {{Use British English|date=April 2024}} | {{Use British English|date=April 2024}} | ||
| {{Infobox musical artist | {{Infobox musical artist | ||
| | name = Swim School | | name = Swim School | ||
| | image = Swim |
| image = Swim School in 2024.png | ||
| | |
| landscape = yes | ||
| | |
| caption = Swim School on stage in ], 2024 | ||
| | |
| origin = ], Scotland | ||
| | alias = | |||
| | genre = {{hlist|]|]}} | | genre = {{hlist|]|]}} | ||
| | years_active = |
| years_active = 2018–present | ||
| | label = ]<ref name=edlive>{{Cite web |title=Edinburgh music map launched to showcase the best venues and hotspots in the capital |url=https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/best-in-edinburgh/gigs-clubs/edinburgh-music-map-launched-showcase-24448237 |date=10 July 2022 |first=Jacob |last=Farr |access-date=1 April 2024 |website=Edinburgh Live}}</ref> | |||
| | |
| label = ] | ||
| | |
| website = | ||
| * Alice Johnson | | current_members = * Alice Johnson | ||
| * Lewis Bunting | * Lewis Bunting | ||
| * Billy McMahon | * Billy McMahon | ||
| | past_members = | | past_members = * Matt Mitchell | ||
| * Matt Mitchell | |||
| * Nairn Milne | * Nairn Milne | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| '''Swim School''' are<!-- Correct collective term for British English, do not change! --> a Scottish |
'''Swim School''' (stylised in ]) are<!-- Correct collective term for British English, do not change! --> a Scottish ] band. Formed in late 2018 in ], the band initially comprised Alice Johnson, Lewis Bunting, Matt Mitchell, and Nairn Milne; Mitchell and Milne later left the band, while Billy McMahon joined in June 2020. They have released the ] ''Volume 1'', ''Making Sense of It All'', and ''Duality'' and the ] ''Seeing It Now'' and have supported ] on their ] tour. The band have frequently cited ] and ] as influences and their works are generally categorised as ]. | ||
| ==History== | ==History== | ||
| Swim School were formed in late 2018 in Edinburgh.<ref name=":0" /> Initially comprising Alice Johnson, Lewis Bunting, Matt Mitchell, and Nairn Milne,<ref name=":7" /> they released their debut single, "Sway", in February 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-03-13 |title=Edinburgh-native Swim School debut the joyous single 'Sway' |url=https://studentnewspaper.org/edinburgh-native-swim-school-debut-the-joyous-single-sway/ |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=The Student}}</ref> Their debut performance was in ],<ref name=":3" /> took place in March 2019, and was a support slot for Indigo Velvet, another Edinburgh-based band.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Under the Radar: swim school |url=https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/under-the-radar-swim-school-1421601 |access-date=3 April 2024 |website=The Scotsman|date=21 March 2019 }}</ref> In October 2020, Johnson stated that their set had been marred by a "40-something stranger" heckling ] abuse at Johnson before and during the performance, prompting her to struggle to hold back tears while performing and to break down after leaving.<ref name=":3">{{cite web |title=Swim School's Alice Johnson will continue to battle sexism in the music industry |url=https://www.alloaadvertiser.com/news/weekender/18781930.swim-schools-alice-johnson-will-continue-battle-sexism-music-industry/ |date=9 October 2020 |access-date=1 April 2024 |website=]}}</ref> They released their second single, "Take You There", the following June.<ref name=":7" /> Swim School spent around a year gigging until the ] caused the band to concentrate on writing. Indigo Velvet's guitarist Billy McMahon was invited to join the band in June 2020 after a period of him assisting with ].<ref name="utr">{{Cite web |last=Von Pip |first=Andy |date=25 June 2021 |title=Swim School on Expanding Their Sound During Lockdown and Their Upcoming Debut EP |url=https://www.undertheradarmag.com/interviews/swim_school_on_expanding_their_sound_during_lockdown_and_their_upcoming_deb |access-date=1 April 2024 |website=]}}</ref>]]]The band released an EP, ''Volume 1'', in 2021,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-06 |title=Swim School play 'Independent Venue Week' gig at unusual location |url=https://www.brightonandhovenews.org/2023/02/06/swim-school-play-independent-venue-week-gig-at-unusual-location/ |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=Brighton and Hove News |language=en-US}}</ref> and then the single "Let Me Inside Your Head" that March.<ref name="alt" /> By May, Milne had left the band. That month, they released the single "Outside", their first without Milne{{efn|{{unbulleted list citebundle|For "Outside" being released in May 2021, see <ref name=":6" />.|For Milne leaving, see <ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-21 |title=Band Of The Week // SWIM SCHOOL |url=https://giggoer.com/2021/08/21/band-of-the-week-swim-school/ |access-date=2024-04-19 |website=GIG GOER |language=en-GB}}</ref>.}}}} and performed a cover version of ]'s "]"<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 May 2021 |title=BBC Introducing in Scotland, Swim School in Session |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000w5yy |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=BBC Radio Scotland |language=en-GB}}</ref> for a BBC live session.<ref name="utr" /> "Outside" was written about cutting toxic people out of their lives,<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Edinburgh's swim school release heavyweight angst-anthem "Outside" |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/new-music/song-of-the-day/swim-school-outside |access-date=4 April 2024 |website=The Line of Best Fit}}</ref><ref name="skinny" /> while "Love Story" was added after the band decided to incorporate a cover into the set and rummaged through some ] playlists.<ref name="utr" /> The following month, they released "Anyway" and announced their second EP, ''Making Sense of It All'', which comprised tracks about Johnson's mental state over lockdown<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=swim school thrash out their vulnerable side on "Anyway" {{!}} Best Fit |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/new-music/discovery/swim-school-anyway |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=The Line of Best Fit |language=en-US}}</ref> and was released in August 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Swim School establish themselves as bold, brash, and bright on Making Sense Of It All |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/swim-school-making-sense-of-it-all |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=The Line of Best Fit |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="skinny">{{Cite web |last=Sefton |first=Max |date=16 December 2021 |title=Swim School @ The Mash House: live review - The Skinny |url=https://www.theskinny.co.uk/music/live-music/reviews/swim-school-the-mash-house-edinburgh-11-dec |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=The Skinny |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| ===2018-2020: Formation and early performances=== | |||
| Swim School were formed in late 2018;<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Under the Radar: swim school |url=https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/under-the-radar-swim-school-1421601 |access-date=3 April 2024 |website=The Scotsman}}</ref> Alice Johnson and Lewis Bunting met through their shared music course in college,<ref name="utr" /> on which Johnson was the only woman.<ref name=":3" /> Johnson told Bodega Social Club in May 2020 that she and Bunting had been a member of "a few" bands as part of their course, and that these bands had played cover versions.<ref name=":5" /> Bunting later introduced Johnson to Matt Mitchell, who knew him from school;<ref name="utr">{{Cite web |last=Von Pip |first=Andy |date=25 June 2021 |title=Swim School on Expanding Their Sound During Lockdown and Their Upcoming Debut EP |url=https://www.undertheradarmag.com/interviews/swim_school_on_expanding_their_sound_during_lockdown_and_their_upcoming_deb |access-date=1 April 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Bunting and Mitchell had previously been in bands,<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2021-05-10 |title=Who TF are swim school? |url=http://cloutcloutclout.com/features/who-tf/swim-school/ |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=Clout |language=en-GB}}</ref> including one together. Nairn Milne later joined the band, who knew Bunting and Mitchell through a friend.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Keirl |first=Sam |date=2020-05-15 |title=Interview: swim school |url=https://www.bodeganottingham.com/blog/swim-school-interview/ |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=The Bodega |language=en}}</ref> The band's debut single, "Sway", was released in February 2019,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-03-13 |title=Edinburgh-native Swim School debut the joyous single ‘Sway’ |url=https://studentnewspaper.org/edinburgh-native-swim-school-debut-the-joyous-single-sway/ |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=The Student}}</ref> with a second single, "Take You There", released the following June.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=2020-02-23 |title=Swim School |url=https://www.sneakypetes.co.uk/2020/02/22/swim-school/ |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=Sneaky Pete's |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| ⚫ | After releasing ''Making Sense of It All'', Swim School spent a period gigging.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |title=Swim School GET ANGRY TO KICK AGAINST THE SEXIST PRICKS WITH THEIR NEW RIGHTEOUS RAGER 'DELIRIOUS': "I'D HAD ENOUGH" |url=https://readdork.com/features/swim-school-interview-feb23/ |date=1 February 2023 |access-date=1 April 2024 |first=Sam |last=Taylor |website=]}}</ref> By June 2022, the band were signed to ];<ref name="edlive">{{Cite web |title=Edinburgh music map launched to showcase the best venues and hotspots in the capital |url=https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/best-in-edinburgh/gigs-clubs/edinburgh-music-map-launched-showcase-24448237 |date=10 July 2022 |first=Jacob |last=Farr |access-date=1 April 2024 |website=Edinburgh Live}}</ref> by that November, the band comprised Johnson, Bunting, and McMahon.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Corrine |first=Brianna |date=2023-11-28 |title=A Conversation with Swim School: "At the end of the day, you're inspired by people." |url=https://atwoodmagazine.com/swsc-swim-school-interview-2023-music-feature/ |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=Atwood Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> That month, they released the single "Kill You",<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Holden |first=Finlay |date=2022-11-16 |title=Edinburgh indie-rock trio swim school have returned with their vulnerable new single, 'kill you' |url=https://readdork.com/news/edinburgh-indie-rock-trio-swim-school-have-returned-with-their-vulnerable-new-single-kill-you/ |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=Dork |language=en-US}}</ref> which Johnson had written the previous February<ref name=":1" /> about being comfortable enough in a relationship to show quirks.<ref name=":2" /> In February 2023, they announced their second EP ''Duality''<ref name=":1" /> and released the single "Delirious".<ref name=":9" /> ''Duality'', which had been recorded at Narcissus Studios in ] and produced by Iain Berryman, took its title from the fact that it comprised love songs and angry songs,<ref name=":1" /> while Johnson wrote "Delirious" in a fit of rage after suffering from constant ] from sound engineers during festival season.<ref name=":9">{{cite web |title=Swim School's "Delirious" teaches how to bat lashes and give the finger |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/tracks/swim-school-delirious |date=1 February 2023 |first=Steve |last=Forstneger |access-date=1 April 2024 |website=]}}</ref> A further single, "Don't Leave Me Behind", was released in April 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Sam |date=2023-04-05 |title=swim school have released a new single, and confirmed a London headline show |url=https://readdork.com/news/swim-school-single-sont-leave-me-behind/ |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=Dork |language=en-US}}</ref> with ''Duality'' released in June 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Swim School - Duality EP |url=https://readdork.com/albums/swim-school-duality-ep/ |access-date=4 April 2024 |website=Dork|date=June 2023 }}</ref> | ||
| {{quote box|"When I was on that stage that night, without any real experience performing in a band, I was probably the most nervous and most insecure I had ever been. I had never sung in front of anyone before. And just to add to my nerves and the pressure, there was this incredibly sexist guy right at the front saying these horrible, horrible things and shouting throughout. I was young; I had no idea how to deal with it. I didn't know what to do – do I kick him out or what? In the end I just stayed quiet. I played the whole set but at some points I was holding back the tears. I was proud of myself for that." | |||
| | source = Johnson in 2020<ref name=":3" /> | |||
| | width = 300px | |||
| }} | |||
| Their debut performance was in ],<ref name=":3" /> took place in March 2019, and was a support slot for Indigo Velvet, another Edinburgh-based band.<ref name=":0" /> Johnson told the ] in October 2020 that their set had been marred by a "40-something stranger" heckling ] abuse at Johnson before and during the performance, prompting her to struggle to hold back tears while performing and to break down after leaving.<ref name=":3">{{cite web |title=Swim School's Alice Johnson will continue to battle sexism in the music industry |url=https://www.alloaadvertiser.com/news/weekender/18781930.swim-schools-alice-johnson-will-continue-battle-sexism-music-industry/ |date=9 October 2020 |access-date=1 April 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Swim School spent around a year gigging; the ] caused the band to concentrate on writing. They met up again after the first lockdown, and invited Indigo Velvet's guitarist Billy McMahon along; after a period of him assisting with ], he was invited to join the band properly in June 2020.<ref name="utr" /> | |||
| Two weeks after ''Duality'' was released, the band re-released that album's track "Bored", a more positive derivative of "Delirious", in an attempt to surprise their fans.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Swim School {{!}} English {{!}} Metal Magazine |url=https://metalmagazine.eu/en/post/swim-school |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=metalmagazine.eu |language=en}}</ref> The band supported ] on their ] tour in November 2023<ref>{{Cite web |last=tessbowen |date=2023-11-20 |title=Live Review: Inhaler rock Barras |url=https://brignews.com/2023/11/20/live-review-inhaler-rock-barras/ |access-date=2024-04-08 |website=Brig Newspaper |language=en-US}}</ref> and were featured on ]'s "Hype List 2024"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-26 |title=Swim School certainly 'Making Sense Of It All' |url=https://www.brightonandhovenews.org/2024/04/26/swim-school-certainly-making-sense-of-it-all/ |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=Brighton and Hove News |language=en-US}}</ref> the month after.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 December 2023 |title=INTRODUCING THE BUMPER END-OF-YEAR DOUBLE ISSUE OF DORK, FEATURING OUR ANNUAL NEW MUSIC EXTRAVAGANZA, THE HYPE LIST |url=https://readdork.com/news/dork-december-2023-january-2024-hype-list/ |access-date=1 April 2024 |website=]}}</ref> In January 2024, the band released "Give Me A Reason Why",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Robin |date=2024-01-10 |title=swim school's 'Give Me A Reason Why' Is An Illuminating Return {{!}} News |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/swim-schools-give-me-a-reason-why-is-an-illuminating-return/ |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=] |language=en-GB}}</ref> announced their "Seeing It Now" tour for April and May 2024,<ref name="tour">{{cite web |title=Swim School HAVE ANNOUNCED A HEADLINE UK TOUR |url=https://readdork.com/news/swim-school-headline-uk-tour/ |date=22 January 2024 |access-date=1 April 2024 |website=]}}</ref> and released their debut ], ''Seeing It Now''. The last of these featured a cover of ]' "Where Is My Mind" and a new version of their earlier track "See Red",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reeve |first=Adam |date=2024-04-17 |title=swim school talk all things Seeing It Now / Peeled Back |url=https://deadgoodmusic.blog/swim-school-talk-all-things-seeing-it-now-peeled-back/ |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=Dead Good Music |language=en-GB}}</ref> with physical copies also sporting a cover of their earlier track "Anyway".<ref>{{cite web |title=Swim School Have Released a New Mixtape EP, 'Seeing It Now' |url=https://readdork.com/news/swim-school-ep-seeing-it-now/ |date=17 April 2024 |access-date=17 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417190455/https://readdork.com/news/swim-school-ep-seeing-it-now/ |archive-date=17 April 2024 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
| === 2021-present: ''Volume 1'' and ''Making Sense of It All'' === | |||
| The band released an EP, ''Volume 1'', in 2021,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-06 |title=Swim School play ‘Independent Venue Week’ gig at unusual location |url=https://www.brightonandhovenews.org/2023/02/06/swim-school-play-independent-venue-week-gig-at-unusual-location/ |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=Brighton and Hove News |language=en-US}}</ref> and then the single "Let Me Inside Your Head" that March.<ref name="alt" /> They then released the single "Outside" in May 2021, which was written about cutting toxic people out of their lives; by the time of its release, Milne had left the band.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Edinburgh’s swim school release heavyweight angst-anthem “Outside” |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/new-music/song-of-the-day/swim-school-outside |access-date=4 April 2024 |website=The Line of Best Fit}}</ref> The following month, they released "Anyway" and announced their second EP, ''Making Sense of It All'', which comprised tracks about Johnson's mental state over lockdown,<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=swim school thrash out their vulnerable side on “Anyway” {{!}} Best Fit |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/new-music/discovery/swim-school-anyway |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=The Line of Best Fit |language=en-US}}</ref> and was released in August 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Swim School establish themselves as bold, brash, and bright on Making Sense Of It All |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/swim-school-making-sense-of-it-all |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=The Line of Best Fit |language=en-US}}</ref> After releasing ''Making Sense of It All'', Swim School spent a period gigging.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |title=Swim School GET ANGRY TO KICK AGAINST THE SEXIST PRICKS WITH THEIR NEW RIGHTEOUS RAGER ‘DELIRIOUS’: “I’D HAD ENOUGH” |url=https://readdork.com/features/swim-school-interview-feb23/ |date=1 February 2023 |access-date=1 April 2024 |first=Sam |last=Taylor |website=]}}</ref> | |||
| ===2022-present: ''Duality'' and subsequent singles=== | |||
| ⚫ | Swim School |
||
| == Artistry == | == Artistry == | ||
| ]]] | ], 2023]] | ||
| The band have frequently cited ] and ] as influences{{efn|{{unbulleted list citebundle|Wolf Alice in May 2020<ref name=":5"/> and May 2021,<ref name=":4"/> and Slowdive in May 2020<ref name=":5"/> and January 2024.<ref name="skinny"/>}}}} and have described themselves as a "]" version of the former.<ref name="dork2021"/> Johnson has stated that Wolf Alice's lead singer ] was her inspiration for being in a band<ref name="dork2021">{{cite web |title=Swim School: "BASICALLY, WE'RE TESCO VALUE WOLF ALICE" |url=https://readdork.com/features/swim-school-september-2021/ |first=Finlay |last=Holden |date=23 August 2021 |website=]}}</ref> and idolised ] and ] growing up,<ref name="skinny">{{Cite web |title=The Skinny On... Swim School Q&A |url=https://www.theskinny.co.uk/music/interviews/the-skinny-on-swim-school |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=www.theskinny.co.uk |language=en}}</ref> while Bunting has stated that he was a big ] fan growing up and wanted to be the band's ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Swim School on their debut EP, their love of Strymon pedals and opening up about mental health |url=https://guitar.com/features/interviews/swim-school-making-sense-of-it-all/ |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=Guitar.com {{!}} All Things Guitar |language=en-GB}}</ref> For their cover of Swift's "Love Story", Johnson was inspired by a ] take on ] she had seen on ].<ref name="utr" /> The band have also cited as influences ], ], ],<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Keirl |first=Sam |date=2020-05-15 |title=Interview: swim school |url=https://www.bodeganottingham.com/blog/swim-school-interview/ |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=The Bodega |language=en}}</ref> ], ], ], ], ],<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2021-05-10 |title=Who TF are swim school? |url=http://cloutcloutclout.com/features/who-tf/swim-school/ |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=Clout |language=en-GB}}</ref> ], and ].<ref name="skinny"/> Writing in July 2021, Sophie Williams of '']'' described the band's works as ],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Sophie |date=2021-07-22 |title=10 unmissable new acts to catch at festivals this summer |url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-radar/best-new-bands-festivals-summer-2021-2993479 |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref> while Johnson's vocals were described by '']'' in January 2024 as having a "]-esque delivery".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Women Rock! Day 2024: Female fronted bands to watch out for in 2024 |url=https://www.skiddle.com/news/all/Women-Rock-Day-2024-Female-fronted-bands-to-watch-out-for-in-2024/58539/ |date=4 January 2024 |access-date=1 April 2024 |website=Skiddle}}</ref> Finlay Holden of ] described ''Making Sense of It All'' as a mix of ], grunge, and ],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holden |first=Finlay |date=2021-08-11 |title=swim school - making sense of it all EP |url=https://readdork.com/albums/swim-school-making-sense-of-it-all-ep/ |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=Dork |language=en-US}}</ref> while Mala Mortensa of ] described "Let Me Inside Your Head"'s vibe as "expect from a ]-fronted version of ]"<ref name="alt">{{cite web |title=10 emerging Scottish bands who are innovating alternative music |url=https://www.altpress.com/emerging-scottish-alternative-bands/ |date=29 March 2021 |first=Mala |last=Mortensa |access-date=1 April 2024 |website=]}}</ref> and Andy Von Pip of ] noted that their rendition of "Love Story" "turned a sweet, romantic optimistic pop song into a heavy dystopian doom rocker".<ref name="utr" /> | |||
| The band used a May 2020 interview with Bodega Social Club in Nottingham to cite ], ], ], and ] as influences,<ref name=":5" /> a May 2021 ''Clout'' interview question of their "biggest influences" to mention ], Wolf Alice, ], ], ], ], and ],<ref name=":4" /> and a January 2024 interview with ] to cite ], ] and Slowdive. Johnson used the last of these to state that she had idolised ] and ] growing up, and described the pair as "two very strong and powerful women who never let men hold them back or tell them what to do".<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Skinny On... Swim School Q&A |url=https://www.theskinny.co.uk/music/interviews/the-skinny-on-swim-school |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=www.theskinny.co.uk |language=en}}</ref> In May 2021,<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 May 2021 |title=BBC Introducing in Scotland, Swim School in Session |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000w5yy |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=BBC Radio Scotland |language=en-GB}}</ref> the band performed a cover version of Swift's "]" for a BBC live session after deciding to incorporate a cover into the set and rummaging through some ] playlists, with Johnson having been inspired by a grungy take on ] she had seen on ]; the following month, Andy Von Pip of ] noted that their rendition "turned a sweet, romantic optimistic pop song into a heavy dystopian doom rocker".<ref name="utr" /> | |||
| Johnson additionally noted in a 2021 interview with '']'' that Wolf Alice's lead singer ] was her inspiration for being in a band, with Swim School using the interview to describe themselves as a "]" version of that band,<ref name="dork2021">{{cite web |title=Swim School: “BASICALLY, WE’RE TESCO VALUE WOLF ALICE” |url=https://readdork.com/features/swim-school-september-2021/ |first=Finlay |last=Holden |date=23 August 2021 |website=]}}</ref> and Bunting used an August 2021 interview with ] to note that he was a big ] fan growing up and wanted to be the band's ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Swim School on their debut EP, their love of Strymon pedals and opening up about mental health |url=https://guitar.com/features/interviews/swim-school-making-sense-of-it-all/ |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=Guitar.com {{!}} All Things Guitar |language=en-GB}}</ref> Writing in July 2021, '']'' described the band's works as ], while Mala Mortensa of ] described "Let Me Inside Your Head"'s vibe as "expect from a ]-fronted version of ]"<ref name="alt">{{cite web |title=10 emerging Scottish bands who are innovating alternative music |url=https://www.altpress.com/emerging-scottish-alternative-bands/ |date=29 March 2021 |first=Mala |last=Mortensa |access-date=1 April 2024 |website=]}}</ref> and ] described Johnson's vocals in January 2024 as having a "]-esque delivery".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Women Rock! Day 2024: Female fronted bands to watch out for in 2024 |url=https://www.skiddle.com/news/all/Women-Rock-Day-2024-Female-fronted-bands-to-watch-out-for-in-2024/58539/ |date=4 January 2024 |access-date=1 April 2024 |website=Skiddle}}</ref> | |||
| == Awards and accolades == | |||
| === Lists === | |||
| {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" | |||
| ⚫ | ! scope="col" |
||
| ! scope="col" |Listicle | |||
| ! scope="col" |Year{{efn|Indicates the year of ceremony. Each year is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.|name=year}} | |||
| ! scope="col" |Result | |||
| ! scope="col" class="unsortable" |Ref. | |||
| |- | |||
| !scope="rowgroup" |''Dork'' | |||
| |"Hype List 2024" | |||
| |2023 | |||
| |Placed | |||
| |<ref>{{Cite web |title=INTRODUCING THE BUMPER END-OF-YEAR DOUBLE ISSUE OF DORK, FEATURING OUR ANNUAL NEW MUSIC EXTRAVAGANZA, THE HYPE LIST |url=https://readdork.com/news/dork-december-2023-january-2024-hype-list/ |date=5 December 2023 |website=] |access-date=1 April 2024}}</ref> | |||
| |} | |||
| ==Discography== | ==Discography== | ||
| Line 103: | Line 77: | ||
| ! scope="col"| Year | ! scope="col"| Year | ||
| ! scope="col"| Album | ! scope="col"| Album | ||
| ⚫ | ! scope="col"| Video director(s) | ||
| !Ref. | |||
| !{{Abbr|Ref.|References}} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! scope="row"| "Sway" | ! scope="row"| "Sway" | ||
| | rowspan=2 | 2019 | | rowspan=2 | 2019 | ||
| | rowspan=2 | ''Volume 1'' | | rowspan=2 | ''Volume 1'' | ||
| | {{sdash}} | |||
| |<ref name=":7" /> | |||
| |<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=2020-02-23 |title=Swim School |url=https://www.sneakypetes.co.uk/2020/02/22/swim-school/ |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=Sneaky Pete's |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! scope="row"| "Take You There" | ! scope="row"| "Take You There" | ||
| | {{sdash}} | |||
| |<ref name=":7" /> | |<ref name=":7" /> | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| Line 116: | Line 93: | ||
| | rowspan=3 | 2021 | | rowspan=3 | 2021 | ||
| | rowspan=3 | ''Making Sense Of It All'' | | rowspan=3 | ''Making Sense Of It All'' | ||
| | {{sdash}} | |||
| |<ref name="alt" /> | |<ref name="alt" /> | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! scope="row"| "Outside" | ! scope="row"| "Outside" | ||
| | {{sdash}} | |||
| |<ref name=":6" /> | |<ref name=":6" /> | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! scope="row"| "Anyway" | ! scope="row"| "Anyway" | ||
| | {{sdash}} | |||
| |<ref name=":8" /> | |<ref name=":8" /> | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| Line 127: | Line 107: | ||
| | 2022 | | 2022 | ||
| | rowspan=3 | ''Duality'' | | rowspan=3 | ''Duality'' | ||
| | {{sdash}} | |||
| |<ref name="Spotify" /> | |<ref name="Spotify" /> | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! scope="row"| "Delirious" | ! scope="row"| "Delirious" | ||
| | rowspan=3 | 2023 | | rowspan=3 | 2023 | ||
| | {{sdash}} | |||
| |<ref name="Spotify" /> | |<ref name="Spotify" /> | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! scope="row"| "Don't Leave Me Behind" | ! scope="row"| "Don't Leave Me Behind" | ||
| | {{sdash}} | |||
| |<ref name="Spotify" /> | |<ref name="Spotify" /> | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! scope="row"| "Bored" | ! scope="row"| "Bored" | ||
| | {{Non-album single}} | | {{Non-album single}} | ||
| | Rory Barnes | |||
| |<ref name="Spotify" /> | |||
| |<ref name="Spotify" /><ref>{{cite web |title=swim school - BORED (Official Video) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3vVm97bQco |date=1 October 2023 |access-date=14 April 2024 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! scope="row"| "Give Me A Reason Why" | ! scope="row"| "Give Me A Reason Why" | ||
| | rowspan=2 | 2024 | | rowspan=2 | 2024 | ||
| | rowspan=2 | ''Seeing It Now'' | | rowspan=2 | ''Seeing It Now'' | ||
| | {{sdash}} | |||
| |<ref name="Spotify" /> | |<ref name="Spotify" /> | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! scope="row"| "To Grow" | ! scope="row"| "To Grow" | ||
| | Liam Beazley | |||
| |<ref name="Spotify" /> | |||
| |<ref name="Spotify" /><ref>{{cite web |title=swim school - To Grow (Official Video) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnuQP5OzkYc |date=27 March 2024 |access-date=14 April 2024 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
| |} | |} | ||
| Line 156: | Line 142: | ||
| === Supporting === | === Supporting === | ||
| * ] – Inselaffe Tour (2023; three shows)<ref name="lovejoy">{{Cite tweet |number=1626355877161623554 |user=livejoy |title=ALL SUPPORTS ANNOUNCED for Lovejoy Inselaffe Tour '23! |date=16 February 2023 |access-date=2 March 2024}}</ref> | * ] – Inselaffe Tour (2023; three shows)<ref name="lovejoy">{{Cite tweet |number=1626355877161623554 |user=livejoy |title=ALL SUPPORTS ANNOUNCED for Lovejoy Inselaffe Tour '23! |date=16 February 2023 |access-date=2 March 2024}}</ref> | ||
| * ] - I Love You, I'm Trying Tour (2023; seven shows)<ref>{{cite web |title=Grandson - Electric Ballroom |url=https://electricballroom.co.uk/grandson/ |website=Electric Ballroom |date=28 February 2023 |access-date=8 April 2024}}</ref> | |||
| * ] – Cuts & Bruises Tour (2023; two shows)<ref>{{cite tweet |title=Very happy to announce our supports for our upcoming European and UK tour dates! Remaining tickets here: https://inhaler.band/tour/ |number=1701626733651198382 |user=InhalerDublin |date=12 September 2023 |access-date=8 April 2024}}</ref> | |||
| * ] - December 2023 Tour (2023; ten shows)<ref>{{cite tweet|title=Delighted to welcome Fiona Lee aboard this December, alongside the wonderful @weareswimschool ❤️🔥 |number=1721931956546372059 |user=TheAmazons |date=7 November 2023 |access-date=8 April 2024}}</ref> | |||
| ==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
| Line 163: | Line 152: | ||
| {{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
| {{Authority control}} | |||
| ⚫ | ] | ||
| ⚫ | ] | ||
| ⚫ | ] | ||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ⚫ | ] | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| ] | ] | ||
Latest revision as of 20:24, 10 January 2025
Scottish indie rock bandThis article is about the band. For the Bluey episode, see Swim School (Bluey).
| Swim School | |
|---|---|
 Swim School on stage in London, 2024 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 2018–present |
| Labels | LAB Records |
| Members |
|
| Past members |
|
Swim School (stylised in lowercase) are a Scottish indie rock band. Formed in late 2018 in Edinburgh, the band initially comprised Alice Johnson, Lewis Bunting, Matt Mitchell, and Nairn Milne; Mitchell and Milne later left the band, while Billy McMahon joined in June 2020. They have released the EPs Volume 1, Making Sense of It All, and Duality and the mixtape Seeing It Now and have supported Inhaler on their Cuts & Bruises tour. The band have frequently cited Wolf Alice and Slowdive as influences and their works are generally categorised as indie.
History
Swim School were formed in late 2018 in Edinburgh. Initially comprising Alice Johnson, Lewis Bunting, Matt Mitchell, and Nairn Milne, they released their debut single, "Sway", in February 2019. Their debut performance was in Galashiels, took place in March 2019, and was a support slot for Indigo Velvet, another Edinburgh-based band. In October 2020, Johnson stated that their set had been marred by a "40-something stranger" heckling sexist abuse at Johnson before and during the performance, prompting her to struggle to hold back tears while performing and to break down after leaving. They released their second single, "Take You There", the following June. Swim School spent around a year gigging until the COVID-19 lockdown caused the band to concentrate on writing. Indigo Velvet's guitarist Billy McMahon was invited to join the band in June 2020 after a period of him assisting with live streams.
.jpg)
The band released an EP, Volume 1, in 2021, and then the single "Let Me Inside Your Head" that March. By May, Milne had left the band. That month, they released the single "Outside", their first without Milne and performed a cover version of Taylor Swift's "Love Story" for a BBC live session. "Outside" was written about cutting toxic people out of their lives, while "Love Story" was added after the band decided to incorporate a cover into the set and rummaged through some Spotify playlists. The following month, they released "Anyway" and announced their second EP, Making Sense of It All, which comprised tracks about Johnson's mental state over lockdown and was released in August 2021.
After releasing Making Sense of It All, Swim School spent a period gigging. By June 2022, the band were signed to LAB Records; by that November, the band comprised Johnson, Bunting, and McMahon. That month, they released the single "Kill You", which Johnson had written the previous February about being comfortable enough in a relationship to show quirks. In February 2023, they announced their second EP Duality and released the single "Delirious". Duality, which had been recorded at Narcissus Studios in London and produced by Iain Berryman, took its title from the fact that it comprised love songs and angry songs, while Johnson wrote "Delirious" in a fit of rage after suffering from constant misogyny from sound engineers during festival season. A further single, "Don't Leave Me Behind", was released in April 2023, with Duality released in June 2023.
Two weeks after Duality was released, the band re-released that album's track "Bored", a more positive derivative of "Delirious", in an attempt to surprise their fans. The band supported Inhaler on their Cuts & Bruises tour in November 2023 and were featured on Dork's "Hype List 2024" the month after. In January 2024, the band released "Give Me A Reason Why", announced their "Seeing It Now" tour for April and May 2024, and released their debut mixtape, Seeing It Now. The last of these featured a cover of Pixies' "Where Is My Mind" and a new version of their earlier track "See Red", with physical copies also sporting a cover of their earlier track "Anyway".
Artistry
The band have frequently cited Wolf Alice and Slowdive as influences and have described themselves as a "Tesco Value" version of the former. Johnson has stated that Wolf Alice's lead singer Ellie Rowsell was her inspiration for being in a band and idolised Taylor Swift and Beyoncé growing up, while Bunting has stated that he was a big Metallica fan growing up and wanted to be the band's James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett. For their cover of Swift's "Love Story", Johnson was inspired by a grungy take on Bon Iver she had seen on Triple J. The band have also cited as influences Jaws, Pale Waves, Palace, Foals, The Cure, Ben Howard, Boards of Canada, Paolo Nutini, My Bloody Valentine, and the Smashing Pumpkins. Writing in July 2021, Sophie Williams of NME described the band's works as indie pop, while Johnson's vocals were described by Skiddle in January 2024 as having a "Hayley Williams-esque delivery". Finlay Holden of Dork described Making Sense of It All as a mix of indie rock, grunge, and dream pop, while Mala Mortensa of Alternative Press described "Let Me Inside Your Head"'s vibe as "expect from a Halsey-fronted version of Nirvana" and Andy Von Pip of Under the Radar noted that their rendition of "Love Story" "turned a sweet, romantic optimistic pop song into a heavy dystopian doom rocker".
Discography
Mixtapes
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Seeing It Now |
|
Extended plays
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Volume 1 |
|
| Making Sense Of It All |
|
| Duality |
|
Singles
| Title | Year | Album | Video director(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Sway" | 2019 | Volume 1 | — | |
| "Take You There" | — | |||
| "Let Me Inside Your Head" | 2021 | Making Sense Of It All | — | |
| "Outside" | — | |||
| "Anyway" | — | |||
| "Kill You" | 2022 | Duality | — | |
| "Delirious" | 2023 | — | ||
| "Don't Leave Me Behind" | — | |||
| "Bored" | Non-album single | Rory Barnes | ||
| "Give Me A Reason Why" | 2024 | Seeing It Now | — | |
| "To Grow" | Liam Beazley |
Tours
Headlining
- Seeing It Now Tour (2024)
Supporting
- Lovejoy – Inselaffe Tour (2023; three shows)
- Grandson - I Love You, I'm Trying Tour (2023; seven shows)
- Inhaler – Cuts & Bruises Tour (2023; two shows)
- The Amazons - December 2023 Tour (2023; ten shows)
Notes
-
- For "Outside" being released in May 2021, see .
- For Milne leaving, see .
-
- Wolf Alice in May 2020 and May 2021, and Slowdive in May 2020 and January 2024.
References
- ^ "Under the Radar: swim school". The Scotsman. 21 March 2019. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
- ^ "Swim School". Sneaky Pete's. 23 February 2020. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
- "Edinburgh-native Swim School debut the joyous single 'Sway'". The Student. 13 March 2019. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
- ^ "Swim School's Alice Johnson will continue to battle sexism in the music industry". Alloa Advertiser. 9 October 2020. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ Von Pip, Andy (25 June 2021). "Swim School on Expanding Their Sound During Lockdown and Their Upcoming Debut EP". Under The Radar. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- "Swim School play 'Independent Venue Week' gig at unusual location". Brighton and Hove News. 6 February 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
- ^ Mortensa, Mala (29 March 2021). "10 emerging Scottish bands who are innovating alternative music". Alternative Press. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ "Edinburgh's swim school release heavyweight angst-anthem "Outside"". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
- "Band Of The Week // SWIM SCHOOL". GIG GOER. 21 August 2021. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
- "BBC Introducing in Scotland, Swim School in Session". BBC Radio Scotland. 21 May 2021. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
- ^ Sefton, Max (16 December 2021). "Swim School @ The Mash House: live review - The Skinny". The Skinny. Retrieved 11 July 2024. Cite error: The named reference "skinny" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ "swim school thrash out their vulnerable side on "Anyway" | Best Fit". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
- "Swim School establish themselves as bold, brash, and bright on Making Sense Of It All". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
- ^ Taylor, Sam (1 February 2023). "Swim School GET ANGRY TO KICK AGAINST THE SEXIST PRICKS WITH THEIR NEW RIGHTEOUS RAGER 'DELIRIOUS': "I'D HAD ENOUGH"". Dork. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- Farr, Jacob (10 July 2022). "Edinburgh music map launched to showcase the best venues and hotspots in the capital". Edinburgh Live. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- Corrine, Brianna (28 November 2023). "A Conversation with Swim School: "At the end of the day, you're inspired by people."". Atwood Magazine. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
- ^ Holden, Finlay (16 November 2022). "Edinburgh indie-rock trio swim school have returned with their vulnerable new single, 'kill you'". Dork. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
- ^ Forstneger, Steve (1 February 2023). "Swim School's "Delirious" teaches how to bat lashes and give the finger". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- Taylor, Sam (5 April 2023). "swim school have released a new single, and confirmed a London headline show". Dork. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
- "Swim School - Duality EP". Dork. June 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
- "Swim School | English | Metal Magazine". metalmagazine.eu. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
- tessbowen (20 November 2023). "Live Review: Inhaler rock Barras". Brig Newspaper. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
- "Swim School certainly 'Making Sense Of It All'". Brighton and Hove News. 26 April 2024. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
- "INTRODUCING THE BUMPER END-OF-YEAR DOUBLE ISSUE OF DORK, FEATURING OUR ANNUAL NEW MUSIC EXTRAVAGANZA, THE HYPE LIST". Dork. 5 December 2023. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- Murray, Robin (10 January 2024). "swim school's 'Give Me A Reason Why' Is An Illuminating Return | News". Clash. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
- ^ "Swim School HAVE ANNOUNCED A HEADLINE UK TOUR". Dork. 22 January 2024. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- Reeve, Adam (17 April 2024). "swim school talk all things Seeing It Now / Peeled Back". Dead Good Music. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
- "Swim School Have Released a New Mixtape EP, 'Seeing It Now'". Dork. 17 April 2024. Archived from the original on 17 April 2024. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
- ^ Keirl, Sam (15 May 2020). "Interview: swim school". The Bodega. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
- ^ "Who TF are swim school?". Clout. 10 May 2021. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
- ^ Holden, Finlay (23 August 2021). "Swim School: "BASICALLY, WE'RE TESCO VALUE WOLF ALICE"". Dork.
- "Swim School on their debut EP, their love of Strymon pedals and opening up about mental health". Guitar.com | All Things Guitar. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
- Williams, Sophie (22 July 2021). "10 unmissable new acts to catch at festivals this summer". NME. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
- "Women Rock! Day 2024: Female fronted bands to watch out for in 2024". Skiddle. 4 January 2024. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- Holden, Finlay (11 August 2021). "swim school - making sense of it all EP". Dork. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
- "Seeing It Now, by swim school". LAB Records. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
- ^ "swim school Singles and EPs Discography". Spotify.
- "swim school - BORED (Official Video)". YouTube. 1 October 2023. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
- "swim school - To Grow (Official Video)". YouTube. 27 March 2024. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
- @livejoy (16 February 2023). "ALL SUPPORTS ANNOUNCED for Lovejoy Inselaffe Tour '23!" (Tweet). Retrieved 2 March 2024 – via Twitter.
- "Grandson - Electric Ballroom". Electric Ballroom. 28 February 2023. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
- @InhalerDublin (12 September 2023). "Very happy to announce our supports for our upcoming European and UK tour dates! Remaining tickets here: https://inhaler.band/tour/" (Tweet). Retrieved 8 April 2024 – via Twitter.
- @TheAmazons (7 November 2023). "Delighted to welcome Fiona Lee aboard this December, alongside the wonderful @weareswimschool ❤️🔥" (Tweet). Retrieved 8 April 2024 – via Twitter.