Press Pass: Swim in the Wild

SWIM IN THE WILD

The sound of Swim in the Wild (SITW) lives where the mountains meet the sea. The kind of place where there’s absolutely no cell reception, you sleep in a tent, and you’ve got to check for ticks - but also the kind of place where you dive off of cliffs to descend into deep blue and look up through canopies to see an equally clear blue sky.

Steven Hall, Michael Hall, Cameron “Gersh” Godwin, Jeff Small, and Josh Thompson had the idea to start a band together after falling victim to one too many renditions of Wagon Wheel in local bars. Though none of them had any formal music education (besides logging a lot of hours in the garage with guitars in hand), their experience from the spectator’s side of the music scene drove them to take the wheel, if you will, and create authentic, original music.

The gentlemen of Swim in the Wild embrace a genre (and lifestyle) they refer to as ‘Adventure Alternative.’ They spend their days going to the beach or climbing the mountains and their nights long-jumping from swing sets or going a little too hard at disc golf. Based out of North Carolina, SITW’s music alludes to the duality of the state’s terrain with folk tones inspired by the forested Appalachians and a rhythmic energy drawn from the ocean. This self-concocted genre, which you might think of as earthy rock ‘n’ roll, embodies Swim in the Wild’s easygoing attitude and wild roots.

The name “Swim in the Wild” sums up the band’s philosophy: “indulging in the unknown and appreciating the reasons we’re here.” The term is open to interpretation but in essence alludes to fluidity and integration. “It’s not specific enough to where everyone’s going to think of it as or translate it the same way, it’s kind of a general term.”

Gersh explains that just as different bodies of water feed off of each other, the band is influenced by different cultures and genres of music. “[‘Adventure Alternative’] was our way of isolating [those influences] into one sound and making it our own.” The distinctive genre captures the innovative and carefree spirit of both SITW’s music and the musicians themselves.

Their ‘wildness’ is amplified in their live performances, which they describe as “full throttle.” Whether they’re jumping off the drum set or riding on each other’s shoulders, the energy of the shows is unmatched. “Our live show isn’t just what you’re listening to, it’s an entire experience. It’s the people you meet, it’s what you see, what you hear, what you feel.” What you hear usually includes extended jams and extra accents not included on the album, and the band makes a point to give their live sound a fresh feel even to people who know their music by heart.

One If By Land, Swim in the Wild’s most recent album, is an auditory retreat that hits your soul like bare feet hit earth. Throughout the album the listener experiences frequent and generous jam breaks, soulful guitar solos, and tasteful interjections of banjo and ukulele. Some tracks (like Gjam and Bury Me) feature no vocals, while during others (such as Love Like the Wind) the singer belts it for tha gods. Still others, like Sway, are wholesome, foot-tapping, feel-good tunes.

The first track, Blue Skies, opens with quiet, upbeat chords on the keys, which are gradually overpowered by an electric guitar riff. A subtle drum circle beat builds anticipation in the background. Then lead guitar and contemporary drums kick in and the tension breaks with all the satisfaction of an EDM beat drop.

The sixth track, City by the Sea was written about our very own city of Charleston, SC. “I’ll follow you down to Folly Road, Edisto, the gardens to the groves, yeah, I know my heart will always be down by the Battery.” Though SITW is based out of Charlotte, NC, the boys are familiar with Charleston as they’ve played local hangs like the Royal American, Pour House, and Awendaw Green. Swim in the Wild will return August 26th to play The Windjammer with See Water and Tyler Boone.

Of Charleston’s music scene, SITW had some flattering lil things to say: “Charleston’s got a badass music scene. People down here definitely have a desire to hear music, a desire to be involved in the music scene, a desire to contribute. The devotion everyone has just to get out to music and support each other is really special. The unique thing about Charleston is that there are so many places that are more in tune with original music and there’s more of an original culture. This place is just a little more laid back and there’s a whole lot of talent.”

Swim in the Wild has been working on new songs, which keep the flow of and continue to explore concepts addressed in the last album but which are fresh and inspired. SO, come check them out on August 26th and keep your ears peeled for new tracks in the near future.

SITW

SITW

SITW

SITW

#presspass