We sat down with Swimming with Bears, who shared their stunning single ‘Patient Disguise’ on 29 March 2024 via Swimming with Bears Music, alongside a haunting music video. The four-piece band boast 5 million monthly streams across platforms, support from Billboard, and a live session on NPR Music. They’ve shared the stage with internationally renowned bands such as Panic! At The Disco, Weezer, Blue October as well as Circa Survive’s lead singer Anthony Green. They have also worked with some of the most revered producers in the industry, including Gabe Simon (Dua Lipa), Ryan Hadlock (Lumineers) and Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift). Additionally, they’ve performed at the Bourbon and Beyond music festival in Louisville, Kentucky, with headliners Lenny Kravitz, Sting, Robert Plant and John Mayer. Finding inspiration from the likes of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Amy Winehouse and The Gorillaz, the foursome have meticulously forged a sound that mirrors their unrivaled passion for music which speaks directly to the listener’s core. Their music has also been likened to rock royalty Kings of Leon, Vampire Weekend, Modest Mouse and The Police.
Read our interview with the band and watch the mesmerising video for ‘Patient Disguise’ below.
Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
The arts have always been a profound way to express the human experience, and for us, it’s about connecting with people on a deeper level, as well as with ourselves. Music, in particular, has this incredible ability to transcend boundaries and bring people together, you can see that in the makeup of the band members. It’s not just about the notes and rhythms; it’s about the emotions and stories that we can share through our songs.
For Swimming with Bears, the arts are a way to explore our creativity and push the limits of what we can do as musicians. It’s about creating something that resonates with our audience and leaves a lasting impact. The arts allow us to be vulnerable, to take risks, and to grow both as individuals and as a band.
In a world that’s constantly changing, the arts provide a sense of continuity and a way to make sense of it all. They remind us of our shared humanity and the beauty that can be found in even the most challenging times. That’s why we chose this path, and that’s why we continue to pour our hearts into our music.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
When it comes to producing, for us, the sound often comes first. We believe that the essence of a song lies in its sonic identity, and that’s where we start. The sound sets the mood and direction, and it helps us shape the overall feel of the track. If it sounds angry well the lyrics will usually coincide with that mood and visa versa if the sound is more happy.
However, there are times when the process is more fluid and spontaneous. For example, with songs like ‘French Girls’ and ‘Keep Smiling’, we worked with a producer in the studio on the fly. In those instances, the idea and the sound developed simultaneously, feeding off each other in real-time. It was a dynamic and creative process where the initial sound sparked new ideas, and those ideas, in turn, influenced the sound.
So, while the sound usually comes first for us, we’re always open to letting the creative process take its own course, especially when collaborating with a producer. It keeps our music fresh and allows us to explore new directions.
Stream Swimming With Bears – ‘Patient Disguise’ below:
Does your material feature any collaborations?
As of now, our music doesn’t feature any collaborations. However, we are definitely open to the experience and excited about the possibility of working with other artists in the future. Collaborations can bring fresh perspectives and new energy to our music, and we’re always looking for ways to evolve and grow as a band. So, while we haven’t had any collaborations yet, it’s something we’re very much interested in exploring.
What’s on your current playlist?
Our current playlist is a blend of some truly iconic and diverse artists. Right now, we’re listening to Djo, Jungle, Drug Church, Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Depeche Mode, Amy Winehouse, Modest Mouse, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Kings of Leon. Each of these artists brings something unique to the table, and their music really resonates with us. It’s a mix of different genres and styles that keeps us inspired and helps us explore new directions in our own music.
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
The chemistry we have with our fans on stage is something truly special. We thrive on the energy that our audience brings, and we always aim to give back that energy tenfold. Whether we’re playing to a crowd of 30,000 or an intimate venue with 200 people, our goal is to create an unforgettable experience for everyone who has taken the time and spent their money to see us.
When the crowd is mellow and chilling, it can sometimes affect our energy, but we always strive to connect with them and bring them into the moment. On the other hand, when we’re in a small venue with a rambunctious crowd that’s fully engaged and enjoying the show, it fuels us to give even more. We feed off their enthusiasm and it creates a powerful dynamic that makes the performance even more electrifying.
Ultimately, our fans are the heartbeat of our shows. Their reactions, their energy, and their support drive us to deliver the best performance we can. We love interacting with them, feeling their presence, and making each concert a unique and memorable experience. It’s this connection that makes live music such a blessing for us.
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
When it comes to creating our original sound, we love to experiment with a variety of techniques. We often start by incorporating ideas that we can execute acoustically, whether it’s using different percussion instruments or exploring the unique tones of various guitar pedals. This acoustic foundation helps us to build a solid base for our music.
From there, we dive into the digital realm, experimenting with a range of unusual plug-ins and digital effects that are available to musicians today. These tools allow us to push the boundaries of our sound and explore new sonic landscapes. It’s a process of trial and error, where we play around with different effects until we find something that resonates with us.
Once we’ve narrowed down the elements we’re looking for, that’s when the real fusion begins. We blend the acoustic and digital components, creating a unique sound that is distinctly Swimming with Bears. This combination of traditional and modern techniques allows us to craft music that is both innovative and grounded in our musical roots.
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
A day in the recording studio with Swimming with Bears is a blend of meticulous setup and creative spontaneity. We usually arrive around 10 AM and start by setting up the drums. This is a crucial step as it lays the foundation for the rest of the track. Once the drums are in place, we move on to the bass and guitar, ensuring that each instrument is perfectly tuned and ready to go. Finally, we set up the vocals, making sure everything is in sync.
This process can sometimes be completed in a single day, but often it extends over a few days as we strive to capture the best take for each song. It’s a fine balance we’re always looking for; the song doesn’t need to be perfect. In fact, it’s often the imperfections that create the unique character and quirkiness of our music.
Throughout the day, we experiment with different sounds and techniques, always aiming to bring out the best in each track. Whether it’s a quick session or a multi-day endeavor, our goal is always to create music that resonates with our audience and stays true to our artistic vision.
Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
Absolutely, there was a specific moment that made me realize this is what I want to do. It was when I felt chills from completing a song from our first time in the studio and then, a few weeks later, playing it for a crowd. The reaction was incredible—people were asking if they could purchase it. I was like, “You want to buy our art?” That was something special.
In a world where people and commodities drive our everyday lives, the fact that I could do something that I genuinely enjoy and have people actually financially support me was just mind-blowing. It was a huge blessing and it humbles me to this day. That moment made me realize the power of music and the connection it can create with people. It solidified my passion and commitment to pursuing this path.
What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?
When I’m playing a set, I always keep water and tea (throat coat) close by, haha! Staying hydrated is crucial, especially when you’re giving it your all on stage. It helps keep my voice in top shape and ensures I can deliver the best performance possible. Plus, it’s a simple way to stay refreshed and energized throughout the show. So, water is definitely my go-to essential during a performance.
Any emerging artists on your radar?
Absolutely, Blk Odyssey and NOLO are definitely making big waves right now. Blk Odyssey is wrapping up another successful tour in Europe, and NOLO just released their second album, which is fantastic. It’s exciting to see so much talent coming up and pushing the boundaries of music for our generation. We’re always on the lookout for new artists who bring something different to the table and keep the music scene vibrant and evolving.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
For us, it’s the situations in life that really get our creative juices flowing. Whether it’s love, heartbreak, poverty, riches, or just the human experience in its entirety, these moments and the emotions they bring inspire our music. We draw from the highs and lows of life, the joy and the pain, and channel those feelings into our songs. It’s about capturing the essence of what it means to be human and sharing that through our music. The raw, genuine experiences we go through are what fuel our creativity and drive us to create something meaningful and relatable.
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
Our gear collection is a big part of what shapes our sound and allows us to express our creativity. For the bass guitar, we use a Fender Aerodyne running through an Aguilar amp with a Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 head. Our rhythm guitarist plays a Duesenberg guitar through a Supra amp, complemented by an assortment of pedals.
The lead guitarist uses an Epiphone hollow body guitar through a Matchless amp, along with some self-made pedals. He is a bit of a mad genius when it comes to creating unique effects, and this setup allows for some truly innovative sounds.
Our drummer keeps the heartbeat of the band going on a 1978 Ludwig Blue & Olive Badge drum set. The classic, reliable sound of Ludwig drums provides the perfect foundation for our music. Also, he always gets comments from drum fanatics at shows on how cool they look and sound.
Any side projects you’re working on?
Not at this time.
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
Since entering the industry, we’ve continuously refined our craft through a combination of experience, experimentation, and learning from others. One of the key ways we’ve grown is by playing live shows. Each performance teaches us something new about our music, our stage presence, and how to connect with our audience. We’ve learned to read the crowd and adjust our energy and setlist to create the best possible experience for our fans.
In the studio, we’ve become more adept at using both traditional and digital tools to shape our sound. We’ve experimented with different recording techniques, gear, and software to find what works best for us. This has allowed us to develop a unique sound that is distinctly Swimming with Bears.
Working with producers and songwriters has exposed us to new ideas and approaches, pushing us to expand our creative boundaries. We’ve learned to be open to feedback and to view each project as an opportunity to improve and innovate.
Finally, we’ve made a conscious effort to stay inspired by listening to a wide range of music and keeping up with emerging artists. This keeps our creativity flowing and helps us stay in our own lane by creating the lane.
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
This year, you can look forward to some exciting new releases and performances from Swimming with Bears. We’re thrilled to announce our newest single, ‘Sunday Afternoon’ which will be dropping soon. In addition to that, we have more shows lined up for 2025, and we can’t wait to share those dates with you.
Our goal is to continue creating music that resonates with our generation and captures the essence of this moment in history. We hope to contribute to the evolving soundscape and bring something fresh and meaningful to our listeners. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready for an amazing year ahead with Swimming with Bears!
Famous last words?
Our famous last words would be, “We can’t take none of this with us.” It’s a reminder to live in the moment, cherish the experiences, and make the most of the time we have. It’s about appreciating the journey, the music, and the connections we make along the way.
Watch the music video for Swimming with Bears – ‘Patient Disguise’ below:
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