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The New School: Swapmeet Interviewed
Australian alternative band Swapmeet have released their debut full-length album, 'Mount Zero', marking a significant step up after building buzz with their 2024 EP 'Oxalis', a standout SXSW performance, and a new deal with Los Angeles label Winspear. In an interview with Clash, members Venus and Jack discussed the band's rapid trajectory since forming in Adelaide in 2022, describing their journey to an international record deal as feeling natural rather than unusual, and reflected on the group dynamic and creative philosophy that has underpinned their rise.
The pair explained that the band has no formal rules beyond mutual respect and commitment, such as never missing rehearsal, and credited a friendship-first approach and careful ego management for their cohesion. They also compared 'Mount Zero' to their debut EP, noting greater attention to detail, more confident experimentation, and a shift towards more mature, if more pessimistic, songwriting. The album's release precedes an extensive world tour spanning Australia, the USA, Europe and the UK, due to begin in September.
In short
- Swapmeet release debut album 'Mount Zero' after signing to Winspear.
- Band discusses creative process and friendship-driven approach with Clash.
- World tour across Australia, US, Europe and UK starts September.
Explained simply
Swapmeet are an Australian alternative band that has recently caught international attention following their 2024 debut EP 'Oxalis' and a standout performance at the major SXSW festival. The Adelaide-based group signed to Los Angeles label Winspear, marking a significant breakthrough after building momentum since forming in 2022. Members Venus and Jack are now sharing insights into how the band came together and what has driven their rapid rise.
In the interview, the pair discuss the band's approach to maintaining cohesion, emphasising friendship as their foundation and citing a lack of formal rules beyond mutual respect and reliable attendance at rehearsal. They reflect on how their creative philosophy has evolved, describing a natural progression rather than a calculated strategy that took them from local beginnings to an international record deal. The conversation sheds light on the human dynamics behind a band that many in the music industry view as one of Australia's most promising acts.