Swim Deep: "This record proves that we're one of the best bands in the country"

With the help of producer Bill Ryder-Jones, Swim Deep have created their most personal and transformative album yet, ‘There’s A Big Star Outside’, a record that celebrates growth, hope, and the enduring power of music.

Words: Neive McCarthy.
Photos: Steve Gullick.

Newborns and new album releases don't typically get grouped together. In the world of Swim Deep, however, there have been new arrivals aplenty of late. As well as the birth of frontman Austin Williams and bassist Cavan McCarthy's children, they're ready to bring something else into the world. Their fourth album, 'There's A Big Star Outside', lands after a lot of growth and change for the band - the kind that allows you to make some of your best work yet, it seems. 

"You get proud at different stages of your life," says Austin. "I'm very proud of the first record now. At the time, I was just happy that we had made a record, and we were just rolling with it. Everything was easy then – we were getting festivals, press, fans. It was all just a fun ride. 'Mothers', we were proud because we stepped up and we made music for the life of it and the story of it. We experimented a lot. 'Emerald Classics', the pride was that we kept going and proved there was still a reason for us to be making music."

He pauses. "This one is the best music we've made, hands down. Whether the mainstream success agrees with it, I think that'll come in time. We're not wrong about this. This record sets us apart and proves that we're one of the best bands in the country – I think, anyway."

It's quite the claim, but as soon as the first track, 'How Many Love Songs Have Died In Vegas?' begins, it is clear that it's a very legitimate assertion. It's as though the band have ascended to a higher version of themselves; ethereal, thought-provoking and delicately arranged, the track re-introduces Swim Deep as masters at crafting a mystical atmosphere to get wrapped up in. In a new stage of life and with a new level of vulnerability to share, they began to weave together songs that captured the sound they had always strived towards.

"I think at the time, it just felt like we were making good stuff," Austin reflects. "It felt very personal, very real, and honest and raw. It felt like we were all playing and gelling together, and we all had this shared vision. Bill Ryder-Jones was a massive, massive part of that. He brought out the best in us, in every single member. I don't think anyone has felt they've been as good as a musician as they were recording that album."

Working with the producer and musician was something Cav had been keen to do for a long time, but Austin was hesitant for various reasons. This time around, however, the timing felt right. "I just couldn't say no to Cav again," Austin laughs.  

"You probably made the right call, looking back," says Cav. "It's the first time we've actually decided to make a guitar record. I think Ozzy, as a songwriter, wanted to focus on that a bit more. In the past, if we'd used Bill, it wouldn't have turned out like this."