BBC Sound of 2025: Barry Can't Swim is a new dance music superstar

Barry Can't Swim is a rising star in the world of dance music. His real name is Joshua Mainnie, and he is a 32-year-old producer and DJ from Scotland. Dressed in a mauve jumper, Barry Can't Swim has a unique style that reflects his vibrant music. He has been captivating audiences with his colorful and catchy tunes, performing at major music festivals such as Glastonbury and Coachella. In 2024, he received nominations for prestigious awards like the Brit Award and the Mercury Prize, showcasing his talent and hard work. As the new year begins, Barry Can't Swim has achieved another milestone by securing the third position on the BBC's Sound of 2025 list. This recognition solidifies his status as one of the breakout names in pop music, following five years of steady growth in his career, gaining more fans and critical acclaim with each release. His debut album reached an impressive number 12 on the UK charts in November, marking a significant achievement in his musical journey. Barry Can't Swim's journey into music began at a young age. He started playing the piano when he was around 10 years old, thanks to his grandfather's keen eye for a free piano advertised in a newspaper. Although his parents initially struggled to find space for the instrument, they eventually decided to keep it, allowing Barry to learn and develop his musical skills. As a teenager, he formed bands inspired by iconic groups like the Happy Mondays and Stone Roses, who blended indie and dance music in the Madchester scene of the late 1980s and early 90s. Barry Can't Swim aimed to create a fusion of the traditional songwriting and melodies of 60s music with modern electronic production. His sound is characterized by bright, euphoric, and highly danceable rhythms, featuring hazy house beats, trance pianos, and infectious vocal snippets that create an uplifting musical experience. His debut album, When Will We Land? , showcases a diverse range of influences, incorporating exotic samples from Galician folk and Brazilian funk, along with a recording of his friend reciting a poem at 4 am. This album was one of the 12 shortlisted for the prestigious Mercury Prize, and Barry was nominated for best dance act at the 2024 Brit Awards. When performing live, Barry Can't Swim is joined by a drummer, a second synth player, and guest vocalists, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for the audience. He is known for his energetic performances, often dancing behind his keyboard in colorful shirts and occasionally stepping forward to engage with the crowd. His performance at the Park Stage at Glastonbury last summer drew a massive audience, and he sold out three nights at Brixton Academy in November. In addition to his live shows, Barry Can't Swim also enjoys DJing, although he expresses some frustration when people label him solely as a DJ. He has been playing instruments for decades and was producing music for five years before he even touched a DJ deck. Barry believes that both aspects of his musical career inform and inspire each other. He finds that when he spends time performing live with his band, he is motivated to write more club-oriented music, and vice versa. This duality allows him to explore different musical styles while maintaining the core principles of traditional songwriting blended with electronic production. Barry Can't Swim is part of a new wave of dance music artists who are creating feel-good music that resonates with audiences. Alongside other talented musicians like Fred Again and Peggy Gou, he feels that the electronic music scene is experiencing a surge in popularity. Barry has noticed that artists who were once considered niche are now becoming mainstream pop stars, and he finds this transformation exciting for the music industry. As he continues to rise in popularity, it is clear that Barry Can't Swim is on the path to becoming a significant figure in the music world by 2025.