SWOMP

Northport, Long Island-based indie rock band Arcy Drive is currently on tour supporting flipturn, which includes two shows in Canada.

They're set to perform a show on March 29, 2025 at The Danforth Music Hall in Toronto and the following night at the Théâtre Beanfield in Montreal. The Toronto show is sold-out, but get tickets to the Montreal performance, here.

SWOMP caught up with guitarist/vocalist Nick Mateyunas, guitarist Austin Jones, bassist Patrick Helrigel and drummer Brooke Tuozzo to discuss the tour and their forthcoming debut album, The Pit, due out April 18, 2025.

Mateyunas, Jones, Helrigel, and Tuozzo all grew up on Long Island.

As Mateyunas and Jones bounced musical ideas off each other, they realized they had something — especially as the pandemic hit, with its members home from college

When Helrigel came along, Arcy Drive was off to the races: they posted their original songs on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to a glowing response.

Around then, Arcy Drive’s innate work ethic clicked into gear: they bought a school bus and spent a summer converting it into a tour bus.

In 2022, Arcy Drive released their debut single, “Roll My Stone.”

2023 brought Arcy Drive’s debut, five-song EP, Beach Plum — their first in a proper studio.

That year, Arcy Drive also embarked on their first headline tour, where they performed at Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and South by Southwest.

Follow the band at https://www.arcydrive.com/.

Legendary punk band the Dwarves are set to release a long-awaited collector’s gem for Record Store Day 2025 (April 12)—an exclusive, limited edition picture disc of Sunshine, Lollipops & Rainbows, a never-before-released live studio recording from 1989.

SWOMP caught up with Dwarves vocalist and founding member Blag Dahlia to discuss the special release.

Limited to just 2,500 copies, this release features newly mixed and mastered tracks, full color gatefold packaging, and an assortment of never-before-seen photographs from two of the most iconic photographers in punk rock history.

The album captures the raw energy and chaos of the Dwarves at the height of their career during their Blood, Guts and Pussy era.

Fans will enjoy dozens of never-before-seen images by Michael Lavine, the photographer responsible for the infamous Blood, Guts and Pussy album cover shoot, and live shots by Charles Peterson, who documented the band on stage during the same era.

In addition to the striking visuals, the Sunshine, Lollipops & Rainbows LP includes exclusive song descriptions and liner notes written by the original members of the band, offering fans a personal glimpse into the creative process behind this pivotal period of Dwarves’ history.

Available exclusively for Record Store Day on April 12, 2025, Sunshine, Lollipops & Rainbows is a must-have collector’s item for Dwarves fans, punk enthusiasts, and vinyl collectors alike.

TOUR DATES

The Dwarves will also be hitting the road in April for a West Coast tour in support of their new release, including stops in California, Oregon, and Washington.

Get tickets, here.

April 11, 2025 – Oceanside, CA @ Pourhouse (w/ Das Klown)

April 12, 2025 – Chandler, AZ @ Punk in the Park Fest (w/ BadReligion, Pennywise)

April 13, 2025 – Costa Mesa, CA @ Tiki Bar (w/ Cigar, MadTab)

April 23, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA @ Whiskey a Go-Go (w/ Eye HateGod)

April 24, 2025 – Long Beach, CA @ Alex’s (w/ Eye Hate God)

April 25, 2025 – Oxnard, CA @ Mrs. Olsen’s (w/ Luicidal, Dusted Angel)

April 26, 2025 – Santa Cruz, CA @ Catalyst (w/ Eye Hate God, Bl’ast, LuicidalL and Dusted Angel)

April 27, 2025 – San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge (w/ Eye HateGod)

April 28, 2025 - Reno, NV @ Cypress (w/ Eye HateGod)

April 29, 2025 – Portland, OR @ Dante’s (w/ Eye Hate God)

April 30, 2025 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon (w/ Eye Hate God)

May 1, 2025 – Eugene, OR @ John Henry’s (w/ Eye Hate God)

Formed in Chicago in the 1980’s then relocating to San Francisco at the dawn of the grunge era, The Dwarves are an enduring force in punk rock, known for their raw, high-octane sound and their no-holds-barred approach to both music and live performances.

The Dwarves notorious live shows saw them banned, censored and canceled throughout the 1990’s as they built a rabid fan base and alienated the music industry.

But just when the Dwarves seemed commercially dead, their music began to appear in mainstream films, television shows, and multimedia, showcasing their musicianship and unique production style.

Combining elements of punk, garage rock, and heavy metal, the band’s groundbreaking releases, including Blood, Guts and Pussy (1990), and The Dwarves Are Young & Good Looking (1997) have cemented them as one of the most influential and provocative bands in punk history.

Over the years, the Dwarves have continued to push the boundaries of punk music and culture, constantly evolving their sound while maintaining their status as one of the genre’s most exciting live acts.

For more information on Sunshine, Lollipops & Rainbows or tour dates, visit https://thedwarves.com or follow them on social media.

Photo credit: Julia Lofstrand

Award-winning and platinum-selling band Bedouin Soundclash is set to embark on a Canadian tour.

The tour, originally scheduled for late last year, was postponed due to an injury sustained by bassist Eon Sinclair that temporarily prevented him from performing.

The tour begins March 20 at Edmonton's Starlite Room and includes stops in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Victoria, Ottawa and Hamilton.

SWOMP caught up with Jay Malinowski, the band's front man, to discuss the tour and the 20th anniversary of their album Sounding A Mosaic.

Alongside the announcement, Bedouin Soundclash has released a limited edition seven-inch vinyl, "When The Night Feels My Song (Reimagined)," in celebration of the 20th anniversary of its platinum-selling album Sounding a Mosaic.

The release features two new versions of the band's hit song, with collaborations from Frank Turner, The Interrupters and Jesse Royal.

"I am so honoured to have been asked to be part of this anniversary celebration," Turner said. "'When The Night' is such a perfect song. It soundtracked many years of my youth, always the last song of the night in the indie clubs I used to haunt, a sweet and sad celebration of life’s journey. To be singing it 20 years later is a joy and an honour."

The Interrupters also shared their appreciation for the song. "'When The Night Feels My Song' is one of our favourite songs of all time. The melody is tattooed on our hearts. What an honour to reimagine this immortal classic with Jesse Royal and Jay."

Bedouin Soundclash's latest album, We Will Meet in a Hurricane, was released in 2022 via Dine Alone Records. Co-produced by Jay Malinowski and Colin Stewart, the album explores the band's signature border-bending sound. The duo recently completed a North American tour supporting Frank Turner, including a performance at his festival, Lost Evenings VII, in Toronto. 

Bedouin Soundclash - 20 Years of Sounding a Mosaic Tour 2025

Formed in 2001 and named after Israeli dub artist and producer Badawi’s 1996 release, Bedouin Soundclash gained early acclaim with its debut album Root Fire. The band's sophomore album, Sounding a Mosaic, propelled them to international success with the hit single "When The Night Feels My Song," produced by Darryl Jenifer of Bad Brains. The group won a Juno Award for Best New Group in 2006 and received numerous accolades across Europe.

Their follow-up album, Street Gospels, earned a Juno nomination for Pop Album of the Year and a Video of the Year nomination for "Walls Fall Down" in 2008. The band also received three MuchMusic Video Award nominations for "Until We Burnin the Sun" in 2009.

In 2010, Bedouin Soundclash released Light the Horizon, produced by King Britt, featuring singles "Mountain Top," "Elongo" and "Brutal Hearts," which included French-Canadian singer-songwriter Coeur de pirate.

The band's 2019 album MASS was co-produced by King Britt with musical direction from Ben Jaffe of Preservation Hall. Recorded in New Orleans with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and in Vancouver with the St. James Music Academy, the album incorporates elements of New Orleans jazz, afro-pop, electronic and gospel.

Bedouin Soundclash has toured internationally and shared the stage with No Doubt, Ben Harper, Damian Marley, The Roots, The Interrupters, Gogol Bordello, Bad Brains and Thievery Corporation.

Follow the band at https://www.bedouinsoundclash.com/.

Photo credit: Mike Neal

Two-time Juno Award-winning Oji-Cree artist Aysanabee is currently in the middle on his first Canadian headlining tour, Now and Then.

SWOMP caught up with Aysanabee to discuss the tour, which is coming back through Ontario this month, including:

- Wednesday, Mar 19 - Guelph, ON - Sonic Hall (ALL AGES)

- Thursday, Mar 20 - London, ON - Rum Runners (ALL AGES - w/ special guests Brothers Wilde and Thea May)

- Friday, Mar 21 - Toronto, ON - Axis Club (w/ special guests Sebastian Gaskin & Natasha Fisher)

After supporting Allison Russell and Dan Mangan on tour and performing at festivals worldwide, Aysanabee is stepping into the spotlight to share his music and storytelling.

Fans can expect performances of his hit singles "Nomads," "We Were Here" and "Somebody Else."

An alternative indie artist from the Sucker Clan of Sandy Lake First Nation, a remote fly-in community in northwestern Ontario, Aysanabee now calls Toronto home. He began making music under his mother’s maiden name, finding his artistic voice in moments of stillness. His sound has been compared to Hozier and Kings of Leon.

In March 2024, he became the first Indigenous artist to win the Juno Awards for alternative album of the year and songwriter of the year for his EP Here and Now.

His debut album, Watin, released in November 2022 and named after his grandfather, combined music and journalism and was shortlisted for the 2023 Polaris Music Prize.

Since 2021, he has played more than 300 shows across Canada and internationally, including appearances at Reeperbahn in Germany, The Great Escape in the United Kingdom, SXSW Sydney in Australia, Tallinn Music Week in Estonia and AmericanaFest UK.

Follow him at https://www.aysanabee.com/.

Photo credit: Lindsay Duncan

When stepping into the role of producer and bandleader for her third full-length album, New Orleans-based singer-songwriter Sarah Quintana drew from her wildly varied musical experiences to create a “Louisiana” record her way.

Having worked previously with Cajun legends, French musicians, New Orleans roots-rock bands, and storytelling folk artists, Quintana thought long and hard about what it means to make music in New Orleans but settled on the idea that it never has to fit into any one box.

“I really set out to be myself on this record. And to make Louisiana music my own,” she says.

“What happened was an exercise in trusting my own voice.”

The fruit of her labor is a brand new album, Baby Don't, due on March 28, 2025.

SWOMP caught up with Quintana for an interview to discuss the album.

Her forthcoming album was recorded at the iconic Dockside Studios in Lafayette, Marigny Studios in New Orleans, and shotgun-house living rooms across town.

It features an all-star lineup that includes some of Quintana’s longtime friends and collaborators—Rex Gregory on saxophone, Louis Michot of the Grammy-winning Lost Bayou Ramblers, multi-instrumentalist Leyla McCalla (Carolina Chocolate Drops), and Grammy-nominated Corey Ledet.

Forging her own sound while paying homage to classic Louisiana artists like Fats Domino, Irma Thomas, Shirley & Lee, Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet, Bobby Charles and anything recorded at Cosimo Matassa’s studio in the 50’s, the result is soulful and timeless -–- a swamp-pop version of Shirley and Lee’s “Let the Good Times Roll,” old-timey tunes like “Be My Love,” complete with a traditional jazz tailgate, a cajun two-step (“Bump in the Road”), French blues (“Tout Mon Coeur and Rolling and Tumbling”) and several, highly-addictive, upbeat originals (“Just Because” and “Baby, Don’t”).

Throughout a notable career as a New Orleans singer, songwriter, and performer, Sarah Quintana has been firmly rooted in her hometown’s rich music tradition—but eager to playfully explore its boundaries and possibilities.

Her two self-released full-length studio albums, live concert release, and EPs brim with a blend of jazz, folk, and rhythm & blues, and her new LP Baby Don't brings together an all-star lineup for an album inspired by Louisiana’s music and culture of the 50s and 60s. Sarah has partnered along the way with acclaimed Louisiana-based musicians, including Grammy winners Michael Doucet, Kevin Clark (The Nightcrawlers), and Leyla McCalla. She has received recognition from the Grammy Foundation Recording Academy, The Voice Foundation, The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Foundation, and Big Easy Awards among others.

When she’s not writing, performing, or touring internationally, Sarah works as a music educator and a vocal coach specializing in gender-affirming care, to help others find power in their own voice.

Quintana is also a fellowship-trained voice pathologist and a faculty member and singing-voice specialist at LSU Health Sciences Center, where her research highlights the importance of creating vocal-health care pathways for Louisiana’s culture bearers and oral traditions.

Follow Sarah at https://www.sarahquintana.com/.

Photo credit: Adrienne Battistella

The OLP30 tour is rolling across Canada this year and it will be stopping at Canada Life Place in London, Ontario on Saturday, March 8. 

Grab your tickets at ourladypeace.com. 

SWOMP is excited to once again have the opportunity to cover the Canadian rockers.

One of our talented photographers Christina Marchioni, from Marchioni Photography, has been approved for photo credentials for the London show. Keep an eye on swomp.ca and our socials, Instagram, Facebook, X and BlueSky.

We’re also grateful to have interviewed OLP bassist Duncan Coutts a couple of times in the past two years, the most recent was right after sound check before OLP’s headlining performance at Bluewater Borderfest in Sarnia, Ontario on Saturday, June 22, 2024 

And fresh off of SWOMP’s relaunch in 2023, SWOMP chatted with Duncan in January 2023 in promotion of a show at Caesars Windsor.

SWOMP re-visits both interviews in celebration of their 30-year anniversary!

Joining Our Lady Peace across Canada this year are Georgia-born rock band Collective Soul.

They’ll be opening up the show at Canada Life Place in London, Ontario on March 8, 2025.

SWOMP has been approved for credentials for the concert and we’re pumped to see the work by photographer Christina Marchioni. 

Similar to OLP, Collective Soul are also celebrating three decades of making music together. 

They’re also set to perform at the Bourbon and Beyond Music Festival in Louisville, Kentucky and the Oceans Calling Music Festival in Ocean City, Maryland in September. 

Check out https://collectivesoul.com/ for all of the details. 

SWOMP had the opportunity to speak with Collective Soul bassist Will Turpin last year to discuss their 30th anniversary, their new double album, & much more.

Here is our re-visited interview from May 2024.

Photo credit: Lee Clower

Alternative rockers Good Boy Daisy penciled in second on the lineup card on day two at Innings Festival 2025.

Led by identical twin sisters Hallie Mayes, on vocals, and Dylinn Mayes, on guitar, the band hails from nearby Scottsdale, Arizona.

Hallie said the band ran into technical issues before gracing the Right Field stage.

“We are pretty much using none of our gear,” Hallie told the Saturday afternoon audience.

“These microphones, amp packs, everything. We had to switch it out last minute, but we had so much help. So, thank-you to everyone helping. We are Good Boy Daisy and we are so happy to be here.”

Hallie added later in the show: “I didn’t have time to write a setlist because of all the chaos.”

SWOMP met with the sisters backstage for an interview following their performance. 

The band expressed deep appreciation to the Innings Festival crew on social media following their show.

“We have never met someone like you, Innings. The crowd, the fun, the love, but above all…the crew. We had one thing after another that “didn’t go our way” before we took the stage, but you never gave up on us. This festival was so well put together and so well organized. We have never met a kinder, more hard working, and dedicated group of people working towards bringing us all together. Thank you endlessly for making this our favorite experience as a band. We will never forget you, until next time Innings.”

Follow the band at https://goodboydaisy.com/.

Fresh off the release of their debut album My Apologies To The Chef, Nashville punk rockers Winona Fighter raised the volume on the opening day of Innings Festival 2025 on Friday, February 21, 2025, in Tempe, Arizona.

Sporting a black-and-white baseball jersey with ‘Yes Chef’ printed on the back, vocalist Coco Kinnon greeted the amped crowd in front of the Right Field stage.

“We’re so fuckin’ stoked to be opening up this stage for y’all today, thank you for joining us,” she said.

“I know it’s early. I know it’s a Friday, but fuck, we’re going to have a good day today, aren’t we guys?”

SWOMP had the opportunity to sit down backstage with Coco, lead guitarist Dan Fuson, and bassist/producer Austin Luther following Winona Fighter’s Innings Festival 2025 performance.

Follow the band at https://winonafighter.com/.

Kicking off the 2025 Innings Festival soundtrack in Tempe, Arizona on Friday, February 21, 2025 were Los Angeles-based, indie rock duo Boyish.

Formed by vocalist India Shore and guitarist Claire Altendahl in 2016 at Berklee College of Music, Boyish set the tone on the opening day of Innings with an energetic set, which included several performances of unreleased songs from their forthcoming album.

“I’m so excited for the rest of the day,” Shore told the crowd, adding that the audience was bigger than they anticipated after hitting the stage around 12:20 p.m.

“I thought no one would be here,” Shore told the audience.

“But you are here and that’s great.”

Winners of the 2021 LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Award, Boyish made sure to shout out their LGBTQ+ fans at Innings.

“Are there any gay people here?” Shore asked the crowd, which drew thunderous cheers.

“Thank-you, homosexuals for being here.” 

Shore added: “And the straights, give it up for the straights, I guess. Now, now, be nice,” which drew laughs and applause from their fans.

Altendahl told the crowd their Innings Festival appearance will always hold a special place in their heart, as it was the first concert ever for their seven-month-old niece, who was taking in the show with Altendahl’s sister and brother-in-law.

Shore’s angelic vocals carried through the set—until their scathing, rage-filled closer, ‘Fuck You Heather,’ where they screamed, convulsed, and poured raw energy into the mic.

SWOMP caught up with Boyish after their set.

Follow Boyish at https://boyishmusic.com/.