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Sunderland's art rockers
Swindled
embrace the cosmos with suave new single 'Cosmic Immigrants'
Sunderland's rising art-pop outfit Swindled continue their ascent with the release of their bold new single Cosmic Immigrants, out April 11th. The track marks the second single from their forthcoming third EP, What A Nightmare!, and serves as a pivotal moment in the band’s artistic evolution.
"We feel Cosmic Immigrants is an artistic turning point for us as a band," says frontman Jonny Swindle. "It felt natural for the song to go down the route it has — suave and groovy. Compared to our debut EP, this track required more time to perfect. We really wanted to make sure it delivered exactly what we envisioned."
Originally previewed during a live performance in 2023, Cosmic Immigrants immediately resonated with audiences, prompting a clamour for its studio release. The track blends Swindled’s indie roots with cosmic soundscapes, nodding to the grandeur of Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds — an album that left a lasting impression on Jonny during childhood.
"The cosmic soundscapes present in War of the Worlds heavily influenced our production choices," explains Jonny. "We wanted to capture that same feeling while still maintaining the Swindled backbone."
"We feel Cosmic Immigrants is an artistic turning point for us as a band," says frontman Jonny Swindle. "It felt natural for the song to go down the route it has — suave and groovy. Compared to our debut EP, this track required more time to perfect. We really wanted to make sure it delivered exactly what we envisioned."
Originally previewed during a live performance in 2023, Cosmic Immigrants immediately resonated with audiences, prompting a clamour for its studio release. The track blends Swindled’s indie roots with cosmic soundscapes, nodding to the grandeur of Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds — an album that left a lasting impression on Jonny during childhood.
"The cosmic soundscapes present in War of the Worlds heavily influenced our production choices," explains Jonny. "We wanted to capture that same feeling while still maintaining the Swindled backbone."
Lead guitarist Will Swindle reflects on the journey the song took before reaching its final form: "The song had many different versions, mainly because of the fear of sending it down the wrong path. We all believed in its potential and didn’t want to give up on it."
That belief translated into a daring studio effort. With the guidance of producer Andy Bell, Swindled ventured into new sonic territory, layering atmospheric textures, futuristic effects, and an infectious groove that underscores the song’s suave aesthetic.
"In this song we opened our minds a lot in terms of instrumentation," adds Will. "Unlike our previous tracks, we embraced keyboards and more produced elements. We’re extremely happy with how it turned out."
Lyrically, Cosmic Immigrants tells the story of a couple fleeing Earth to escape modern reality, finding solace on Mars. "Music should be used as escapism," says Jonny. "This song emphasises the lengths people would go to leave modern reality behind."
Thematically rich and musically daring, Cosmic Immigrants plays a key role in the narrative of What A Nightmare!, tapping into themes of dreaming and disconnection. "It continues the feeling of escapism," says Will, "while contributing to the overarching ‘dreaming’ motif — the idea that leaving Earth for Mars is almost unachievable, unless perhaps dreaming."
As a live staple, the song has already become a fan favourite. "It’s an integral part of our live show," Jonny notes. "With choreographed movement and atmosphere, it adds a whole new dimension to our set."
With Cosmic Immigrants, Swindled take a bold step into uncharted territory, reaffirming their place as one of the UK’s most exciting new bands to watch.
The track showcases a band unafraid to push boundaries, embracing instinct over formula and delivering a song that feels both otherworldly and unmistakably theirs.
Cosmic Immigrants lands on all streaming platforms April 11th.
CATCH SWINDLED LIVE:
Roulette Festival, Sat 3rd May, Independent Sunderland
Generator Presents: A Stone's Throw Festival, Saturday 24th May, Engine Room, North Shields
Northern Kin Festival, Friday 1st August
That belief translated into a daring studio effort. With the guidance of producer Andy Bell, Swindled ventured into new sonic territory, layering atmospheric textures, futuristic effects, and an infectious groove that underscores the song’s suave aesthetic.
"In this song we opened our minds a lot in terms of instrumentation," adds Will. "Unlike our previous tracks, we embraced keyboards and more produced elements. We’re extremely happy with how it turned out."
Lyrically, Cosmic Immigrants tells the story of a couple fleeing Earth to escape modern reality, finding solace on Mars. "Music should be used as escapism," says Jonny. "This song emphasises the lengths people would go to leave modern reality behind."
Thematically rich and musically daring, Cosmic Immigrants plays a key role in the narrative of What A Nightmare!, tapping into themes of dreaming and disconnection. "It continues the feeling of escapism," says Will, "while contributing to the overarching ‘dreaming’ motif — the idea that leaving Earth for Mars is almost unachievable, unless perhaps dreaming."
As a live staple, the song has already become a fan favourite. "It’s an integral part of our live show," Jonny notes. "With choreographed movement and atmosphere, it adds a whole new dimension to our set."
With Cosmic Immigrants, Swindled take a bold step into uncharted territory, reaffirming their place as one of the UK’s most exciting new bands to watch.
The track showcases a band unafraid to push boundaries, embracing instinct over formula and delivering a song that feels both otherworldly and unmistakably theirs.
Cosmic Immigrants lands on all streaming platforms April 11th.
CATCH SWINDLED LIVE:
Roulette Festival, Sat 3rd May, Independent Sunderland
Generator Presents: A Stone's Throw Festival, Saturday 24th May, Engine Room, North Shields
Northern Kin Festival, Friday 1st August