Barry Can't Swim, the enigmatic Scottish producer and musician, is rapidly cementing his status as a trailblazer in the dance music world. Born Joshua Mainnie, this 32-year-old artist has captivated audiences with a unique blend of indie and dance genres that have taken the music industry by storm. From his humble beginnings playing piano at age 10 to being nominated for the best dance act at the 2024 Brit Awards, Barry Can't Swim is a name that has become synonymous with innovation and artistry.
Barry's journey began in Edinburgh, where his early exposure to music was marked by influences from iconic bands such as the Happy Mondays and Stone Roses, both key players in the Madchester scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s. He formed bands during his teenage years, eventually embarking on a solo career that would allow him to explore a fusion of sounds. His distinctive style, marked by hazy house rhythms and trance pianos interwoven with catchy vocal snippets, has captivated fans across the globe.
In an interview with Radio 1's Jack Saunders, Barry reflected on his musical origins.
"I started playing piano when I was about 10" – Barry Can't Swim (BBC Radio 1's Jack Saunders)
Barry's creative process is deeply intertwined with his performance experiences. He often finds himself longing for one element of music creation while immersed in another.
"When I'm DJ-ing a lot, I really miss playing live. And when I'm playing live, I miss DJ-ing." – Barry Can't Swim (Radio 1's Saunders)
This duality informs his writing, creating a dynamic interplay between live performance and club-focused music.
"Weirdly, it informs what I've been writing in the reverse. Like, when I spend a lot of time playing live with the band, I end up writing clubby music because I long for it." – Barry Can't Swim (Radio 1's Saunders)
Barry's rise to fame has not been without its quirks. The origin of his stage name is as unconventional as his music.
"I've just got a mate who's called Barry and he can't swim" – Barry Can't Swim (BBC Radio 6 Music in 2023)
The name stuck unexpectedly as his career took off.
"And when I chose the name, I really wasn't anticipating it was going to become my full-fledged career and everyone was going to think my name's Barry." – Barry Can't Swim (BBC Radio 6 Music in 2023)
Despite this, Barry has embraced the moniker and the success that has followed. His album earned a prestigious nomination for the Mercury Prize in 2024, further solidifying his position in the music industry. His live performances are a spectacle to behold, featuring a drummer, second synth player, and guest vocalists who bring his music to life on stage.
Barry's ability to captivate audiences is evident in his sold-out shows at renowned venues like Brixton Academy and high-profile festival appearances at Glastonbury and Coachella. His music often incorporates exotic-sounding samples from Galician folk and Brazilian funk, adding layers of depth and intrigue to his tracks.
Reflecting on the evolution of dance music, Barry notes how niche artists have gained mainstream appeal.
"I don't really know what's happened in the past few years, but the music I was listening to, and some of the artists that I was listening to a few years ago when I was going clubbing that were quite niche – now they're almost pop stars." – Barry Can't Swim (no specific source mentioned)
He views this shift positively, seeing it as an opportunity for the dance scene to flourish.
"But it's amazing. It's such an amazing thing for the scene." – Barry Can't Swim (no specific source mentioned)
Barry's exploration of electronic music began with his love for clubbing.
"My earliest producing really came from clubbing, really, and going out and just falling in love with dance music that way. So it was a natural progression from bands to electronic music." – Barry Can't Swim (no specific source mentioned)
His ability to seamlessly transition from one musical realm to another has set him apart as a versatile artist.
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