Barry Can't Swim Returns with "The Person You'd Like To Be" & Sold-Out Tour
Barry Can't Swim, the Edinburgh-born electronic artist, has returned with "The Person You'd Like To Be," a new single released through Ninja Tune, signaling the beginning of a forthcoming project. The track, notable for its unexpected rhythmic structures and opening vocal sample, "there is nothing permanent, except change," reflects an evolution in the artist's sound, embracing a more personal and ambiguous approach.
This release follows a period of significant acclaim for Barry Can't Swim, marked by his debut album, "When Will We Land?" The album, which has garnered over 100 million streams, received a Mercury Music Prize nomination, placing him alongside established electronic artists. It was also recognized by Billboard as one of the year's best electronic albums, and he received nominations at the BRIT Awards and Scottish Album of the Year awards.
Barry Can't Swim has also become known for his live performances, which have consistently sold out across his career. His shows are characterized by high energy and an enigmatic stage presence, evidenced by his sold-out run at London's Brixton Academy and performances at major festivals. His set at Glastonbury's Park Stage drew a record-breaking crowd, and appearances at Coachella and Portola Festival further solidified his reputation as a compelling live act.
"The Person You'd Like To Be" builds upon this momentum, offering a glimpse into the artist's evolving sonic landscape. The track's rhythmic complexity and vocal sample create an atmosphere of introspection, suggesting a deeper exploration of themes within his upcoming work. The song's structure, influenced by the electronic music he grew up with, demonstrates a return to foundational influences, reinterpreted through his contemporary lens.
The single's release coincides with an upcoming North American tour, featuring performances in major cities. The tour, which has seen rapid ticket sales, includes multiple sold-out shows in New York, Brooklyn, Toronto, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, indicating the artist's growing popularity in North America. The tour features support from artists like Anish Kumar, Beewack, Paula Tape, Laurence Guy, and Chaos in the CBD.
The tour dates are as follows:
April 15 - Boston, MA - Royale (with Anish Kumar)
April 18 - New York, NY - Terminal 5 (with Beewack) - SOLD OUT
April 19 - Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Steel (with Paula Tape) - SOLD OUT
April 20 - Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Steel (with Paula Tape) - SOLD OUT
April 23 - Toronto, ON - History (with Laurence Guy) - SOLD OUT
April 26 - San Francisco, CA - The Warfield (with Laurence Guy) - SOLD OUT
April 27 - Oakland, CA - Fox Theater (with Anish Kumar)
May 2 - Los Angeles, CA - The Shrine Expo Hall (with Chaos in the CBD)
May 3 - Los Angeles, CA - The Shrine Expo Hall (with Chaos in the CBD) - SOLD OUT
The combination of a new single and a highly anticipated tour signals a significant phase in Barry Can't Swim's career. His ability to blend intricate electronic production with compelling live performances has established him as a notable figure in the contemporary electronic music scene.
