SWIM – DEAR FRIEND (LIVE)

SWIM’s rise has been anything but overnight. From throwing DIY parties for a hundred people to selling out two nights at Melbourne’s Forum and Roundhouse in Sydney recently, his momentum has built through consistency, independence and an unwavering creative vision. Entirely self-released and selfpromoted, his debut album topped the Australian dance and vinyl charts in 2024 – purely fan-driven. The live shows are equally ambitious, evolving into immersive, theatrical worlds where lighting, movement and sound merge into a transformative event. This year alone, SWIM has taken this vision globally, from Loveland and Pukkelpop in the Netherlands to a sold-out crowd at the iconic KOKO in London.

The deeply hypnotic sound of the upcoming single Run Away (out 23 October), along with its cinematic live video recently filmed at The Forum, offers a glimpse into the live experience and the world of the album Dear Friend (out 21 November). The album is a deeply personal, instinct-driven record shaped in the solitude of a London winter – a reflection on distance, self-reliance and the quiet clarity that comes from starting over. It marks the next chapter for an artist who’s built his own ecosystem. What began as a rebellion against industry constraints – making music only for himself – has quietly grown into one of Australia’s most exciting independent success stories. With over 50 tracks released since 2020, SWIM’s ethos remains the same: no shortcuts, no labels – just constant creation and connection. Each release, each show, each world he builds feels both meticulously crafted and completely his own.