The four individuals who make up the successful and popular band The Swains,
are experienced and versatile musicians who have a long history of entertaining large
audiences with their live music. Brothers Martin and Malcolm Swain previously achieved
recognition as an acoustic duo. Over a period of five years from 1988 to 1993, the
brothers maintained weekly sell out shows at the Coventry venue The Earlsdon
Cottage.
Simon and Jamie have written and performed together since their school days, developing
an interest in playing their own material. In the late 1980's the pair attracted a large
following with their previous band, Splash with Sonia, gaining
professional experience by extensive touring and releasing recordings of original
compositions. In 1993, the four musicians joined together to perform a one off tribute gig
to the Beatles. The night was such a success that the two piece Swains became a four piece
combo with the intention of creating an up to the minute covers band.
Over the last five years The Swains have established a large, loyal and ever expanding
following. The Maudslay Pub in Allesley Old Road, at which they are
resident weekly, is often sold out within minutes of the doors opening, with an audience
attracted from all over the Midlands.
Musically, the Swains pride themselves on working hard to update their set on a weekly
basis. They are currently playing a set consisting of the best in British music - The
Verve, Ocean Colour Scene, Robbie Williams, James etc, and international artists as varied
as Crowded House, REM and Alanis Morisette to name just a few.
The versatility and professionalism of The Swains are such that they can adapt to any
audience, particularly specialising in entertaining larger groups, often consisting of 400
plus people. The band has recently performed a set of original material as support to
Squeeze frontman Glenn Tilbrook and featured on the last night of the
1998 songwriters' festival at the prestigious Ronnie Scott's.
Following the successful release of their debut CD 'Waiting To Be Born',
the band are currently working on their next as yet untitled CD in conjunction with Mickey
Roberts, keyboard player with the 80's band King, who is now a
regular feature on stage with the band.
In the immediate future the band are preparing for a huge party at the Jaguar
Sports & Social Club in Middlemarch Road, Radford, Coventry on Saturday
27 March, where they will headline the night. This one off night sees special
guest Harriet Scott, Virgin Radio's drive time DJ, present one hour of
80's party music, a support band and a disco.
