Sitting as comfortably amongst names like Smashing Pumpkins and Ride as they do Foals or Wolf Alice; Edinburgh indie newcomers swim school explore the true impact of the negativity of others with the distorted, angst-fuelled anthem, ‘Outside’.
Hot on the heels of ‘Let Me Inside Your Head’, which saw swim school grace the cover of Spotify’s Scotify playlist, as well as placements on their Hot New Bands, Melomania and All New Rock playlists, and the announcement of a live performance for the digital edition of The Great Escape 2021; ‘Outside’ is a glimpse into a whole new, reinvigorated side of swim school.
Recently joined by new drummer Billy McMahon, swim school absorb influence from a wide range of genres; from 90’s grunge to modern indie and dream-pop. On ‘Outside’, vocalist & guitarist Alice Johnson enters the same space occupied by the likes of Ellie Rowsell (Wolf Alice) and Juliette Jackson (The Big Moon) – tackling delicate subjects with a vibrant yet evocative presence
“Outside is based on the negative impact the toxic people have on your mental health and the moment you realise how toxic they are.” explains Alice.
It’s not until you step back from the situation, that you realise their use of manipulation such as gas lighting and dishonestly was actually destroying your mental health. It made you question everything you did and slowly ate away at your confidence leading to you being unhappy.
It’s about the challenge of finding the strength to cut toxic people out of your life and putting yourself, your happiness and your mental state first. It’s also about realising that toxic people will never change and that is not your responsibility to change them.”
With sold out hometown headline shows and triumphant performances at TRNMT, King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Belladrum Festival and The Xcerts’ 11 date UK tour already behind them – as well as being tipped by the likes of The Great Escape, BBC Scotland’s Vic Galloway and Jim Gellatly and Tenement TV, 2021 is set to be a major year for swim school.
swim school are:
Alice Johnson – vocals & guitar
Billy McMahon – drums
Lewis Bunting – guitar
Matt Mitchell – bass
FOLLOW SWIM SCHOOL
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago and married my childhood sweetheart and life is good.
