barry can’t swim
I fell in love with Barry Can’t Swim the moment he confessed he couldn’t swim.
That would be the perfect intro to my fan-fiction about Joshua Mainnie—better known as Barry Can’t Swim.
Okay, but seriously, Mannie/Barry is one of the most talented music producers and DJs I’ve ever seen perform live. Born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland, Joshua Mainnie began exploring music as a child when his grandfather gifted him a free piano that he found in a local newspaper. Growing up, he started playing in local bands, expanding his repertoire beyond the piano to other instruments. His time at Edinburgh Napier University sparked a deeper exploration into electronic music, setting the stage for what would become a fast-rising and flourishing career.
In 2021, Barry Can’t Swim caught the attention of Ninja Tune, who signed him following the release of his debut album Amor Fati. This album features the track ‘Lone Raver’—a song so special to me that I named this blog after it.
Barry Can’t Swim’s music is a masterful blend of live instrumentation and universal house beats, creating a whimsical and spontaneous sound. His tracks—along with his floppy curls, boyish dance moves, and irresistible Scottish charm—invite listeners into a world of emotional freedom, where dancing like nobody’s watching is the only rule. His latest album, When We Land, fuses sentimental house music with playful Afro-jazz influences, drawing inspiration from legends like Fela Kuti, Jai Paul, and The Beatles. This album has quickly become a favorite among his rapidly expanding fanbase.
I’ve been lucky enough to witness Barry perform three times in the past two years (2 DJ sets and one live set), and every time, he radiates passion and humility. Whether he’s playing Coachella, headlining Portola, or opening for big names like Ben Böhmer or Bonobo, you can always find him dancing behind the decks, channeling a sense of spiritual freedom that resonates with every crowd he plays for.
Barry Can’t Swim has been my most-played artist for the past two years—I don’t think a day has gone by since I discovered him where I haven’t listened to one of his tracks. I eagerly await every new release he blesses us with and will continue to savor every note of his current repertoire.
