By Grace Frost
Kilmore-based band Swim State recently released a demo of new single ‘Wasting Away’ to Triple J Unearthed for feedback before recording the final version.
Band members Beau Farrell, Xavier Kelly, Joshua Ryan, Liam Walker, and Harry Palmer came together in a music class at Assumption College, Kilmore to form Swim State in 2021, and were quick to make their mark on the music scene.
In two years, Swim State have already landed gigs at prestigious live music venues such as the Leadbeater and Gasometer hotels and featured at events including the Euroa Music Festival, delivering a plethora of high-energy performances to its growing fan base.
The indie pop/rock band dropped its debut single ‘Bedtime Story’ last year, amassing more than 20,000 streams on Spotify alone.
Swim State decided on recording ‘Wasting Away’, written primarily by lead vocalist Beau Farrell, as the next single after it proved itself to be ‘a hit’ at live shows.
Together they recorded a demo at Assumption College as ‘a draft’ of the track and released it to Triple J Unearthed.
The Australian music platform allows listeners to leave reviews and ratings on uploads – giving Swim State listeners a chance to provide feedback before the final version is recorded.
The band is eager to receive feedback from their friends, family and fan base before recording the ‘good copy’ for streaming platforms.
“It’s pretty nerve-wracking, just putting yourself out there and waiting to know what everyone thinks,” Palmer said.
“The feedback has been great – all our mates are super supportive, school-mates and teachers.”
‘Wasting Away’ pulls inspiration from tracks by Sam Fender and Spacey Jane, exploring themes of school days, heartbreak, relationships and ‘juggling it all’.
While four of the band members juggle music commitments with their VCE studies and another travels for work, the band remain in anticipation of more free time to record next year.
Swim State is performing at The Gasometer Hotel in Fitzroy on September 7 and at Euroa Music Festival on October 21, with five unreleased original tracks in the setlists.
“That’s a big reason why readers should get down to our shows – to hear some new tunes and get around it,” Palmer said.
The band members encouraged readers to support the band by listening to the track online.
“If anyone could jump on Triple J Unearthed and go to our profile, Swim State, and have a listen to ‘Wasting Away’ and chuck a review if you’d like,” Palmer said.
“Let us know what you think of the song – if you love it, if you hate it, whatever, just leave a comment.
“We just wanted everyone to be able to hear the song.”
Listen to Wasting Away here, and find Swim State on Spotify here.
