TN:159 Barry Can't Swim
Tape Notes
Intro
This chapter explores the creative process behind Barry Can't Swim's album 'Loner', detailing his transition from classical music to electronic. Listeners will also get a glimpse of his unique sound with a snippet of the track 'Different'.
John sits down with Scottish artist, producer and DJ Josh Mainnie, at Baltic Studios, better known as Barry Can’t Swim, and producer O’ Flynn to discuss how they wrote and recorded the album ‘Loner’.
Josh first began releasing under the alias Barry Can’t Swim in 2019, releasing a stream of singles that began attracting attention for their melodic, dance-driven style. In 2023, he released his first full-length album, ‘When Will We Land?’, which became a huge success, earning him nominations for the Mercury Prize and at the BRIT Awards. ‘Loner’ released in July 2025, sees him reflect on his newfound fame and place in the industry, whilst maintaining his signature high energy beats and captivating soundscapes.
Sitting down with Josh, and later with collaborator O’Flynn, the conversation dives into the album-making process. They explore Josh’s sampling techniques, the ideal mindset and headspace for creating great music, and the stories behind capturing sounds from unexpected places, like the toilets of an Indian restaurant, and turning them into tracks.
Tracks discussed: Still Riding, Wandering Mt. Moon, Kimpton
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Recorded at Baltic Studios
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LISTEN to ‘Loner’ here
‘Ninja Tune’
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective - https://lynkify.in/song/sunshine-buddy/YT47TLFI
GEAR MENTIONS
Spectrasonics Keyscape Double Felt
Ableton Prehistoric VHS (Wavetable Preset)
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