While I don’t remember how I came across Richard Swift, I do recall that, a few seconds in, I felt myself catch my breath and pause. There’s something slightly nostalgic about Swift’s sound – if not entirely anachronistic. It is a bit difficult to pinpoint his exact style/genre – it’s a tinge of folk – r&b – rock – a bit reminiscent of the 40s/50s… But I think that might be part of his charm. Gently coaxing, stripping away your ability and (occasionally overused) tendency to sort / categorize and only leaving you with a warm faint feeling of familiarity.

What is impressive about Swift is that he seems to do it all – writes, sings, compiles, produces and performs. I’ve also read somewhere that he’s created short films and has used these skills in his own music videos.

Because he is one of my most recent finds, I have yet to sample some of his older songs (2005 album: The Novelist/Walking Without Effort). However, after hearing Dressed Up for the Letdown (2007) I am definitely intrigued.

Richard Swift - As I Go

Richard Swift - Paisley Park (Prince cover)

Richard Swift - Kiss For The Misses