“we prolly wont be there until 3:50. sorry were shopping lolÛ
I received this text at 3:30 as I was scrambling to get my apartment together, which in an overcompensated rush, resulted in a sparkling kitchen floor (messy everything else) and four lit candles. None of that was necessary.
They arrived at 4:00 pm wearing clothes with tags still on them. After standing on my balcony for 30 seconds, Zach asked, “Can we spit off your balcony?” “Of course,” I replied. Their energy was fun. It was the energy of three 20-year-olds who just dropped out of college to pursue their dreams. Three talented 20-year olds.
Swings is a D.C. based band consisting of Zach Lewton on bass, Jamie Finucane on vocals and guitar, and Dan Howard on drums. I was lucky enough to have them come over last Thursday to pick their brains, which an hour later became a swim in the pool.
Starting from left: Zach Lewton, Jamie Finucane and Dan Howard posing on the very balcony they spit off.
How did Swings start?
Dan: Jamie and I met on the baseball field when we were 10 years old—he rode in on a BMX bike and had long hair. We’ve been playing music together ever since– Mostly in his basement.
Zach: I met them in high school. One summer break they asked if I could play bass. I never played bass but I said ok.
The first song you guys released was in July of 2014—Champagne. How do you believe your approach to music has changed since then?
Dan: It’s going to be a different answer for all of us. We were definitely into the 90’s rock revival at that point. We’re less a rock band than we used to be. We used to be super loud all the time.—we got a lot quieter. Champagne has a part where I hit the drums for a minute and don’t even know what I’m doing. I thought it was our best song ever for a while.
Jamie: The approach hasn’t changed. We try and write more hooks. I trust myself more now. I’m never ashamed. Or I like to tell myself that.
Zach: It has everything to do with what I’m listening to. My music changes depending on what shit I’m listening to.
How does living in D.C. affect your music?
Jamie: D.C.’s really beautiful. That’s about it. It’s humid. I like humidity a lot.
Zach: Driving through rock creek park inspires me a lot. Not so much the music of D.C. Just its vibe. D.C.’s always definitely always had a war against the arts. I’ve never seen it as an arts town. It’s a clash between two different kinds of cultures. When I was in high school I never felt like anything was happening—that could’ve been my ignorance though–but that was important in building the band. We always had music.
You guys recently made the decision to not go back to school next semester to take more time to play shows—what’s your dream gig?
Dan: My perfect gig is if we played in a really nice homey living room, which is also really large. I hate playing on stage.
Jamie: I love playing on stage it feels like I’m in a dream.
Zach: All of our favorite bands and best friends would be there, in that living room. We could all play for however long we pleased but it wouldn’t feel long. It would feel like an hour. We would have to warp time.
Jamie: There’s not enough food at gigs we play. There would be a lot of good food. Falafel. Coffee, soda, and cold beer. Nice lamps. Good scents.
What inspires you guys most?
Jamie: Friends and family.
Zach: Cool people. Fashion. Vitamin water energy. Its my phone background—look!
Dan: My mother. She’s the best. She’s the nicest person you could ever meet. She’s a catholic and she’s a saint. She really is, its crazy.
What do your parents think about you guys dropping out of school to pursue music?
Zach: My parents are both in the arts so they love it. All of our parents bring emotional support. I told my mom how many hours a week I’m working and she said, “Why don’t you cut that in half and play more music.” Well, I don’t have any money.
Dan: If not for Jamie’s parents none of this would happen. When he was 12, he already had so many instruments and mics. If it weren’t for Jamie’s parent’s id still be playing basketball. I was a monster in the court.
A Photo Booth’ photo after Dan changed into his swimming trunks.
If you could be doing anything other than making music, what would you be doing?
Dan: I’d want to become a political theory professor.
Jamie: I would be a painter, a writer, a professor, a computer scientist, a social worker, a dog walker, an interior designer, a bunny caregiver, and I’d want to make cymbals
Zach: I’d want to create a fashion company/record label/venue all in one. Also I’d want to be the person that picks what music goes with movies. I think I’d be good at it. If I had to have a real job’, I’d want to become president of the United States… or I’d want to be the guy on outnumbered on Fox News.
Dan: I’d love to become a political correspondent and get on T.V. and shred Geraldo Rivera. I hate that guy—his mustache and his smug little fucking face.
If your instruments could speak, what would they say?
Dan: Drum noises.
Jamie: Mine would just say thanks. I would thank it to.
Zach: Damn you play some smooth shit.’
Dan: My drums are old– from 1970.
Zach: They’re probably grumpy.
Dan: They could probably tell me some cool stories. Or they could have sat in a dude’s basement. I really don’t even know. Mine could be trying to speak to me but I’m playing them too loud.
For booking information contact Swings at swingsdc@gmail.com.
You can access Swings’ Bandcamp profile HERE!