Current Swell

Current Swell

Current Swell are a group from Victoria, Canada, active since 2005. The line-up consists of Dave Lang, Chris Petersen, Louie Sadava and Scott Stanton. They play a blend of indie rock, blues, indie folk, reggae, roots reggae and ska, with an acoustic and roots-oriented feel.

Career

The band forms in Victoria, British Columbia, and releases its first album, So I Say, in 2005. Its early recordings also include Trust Us Now from 2007 and Protect Your Own from 2009, which are released independently and help build an online following. A video for “Young and Able” becomes a word-of-mouth success on YouTube in 2010.

Current Swell develop a reputation through constant touring, with shows taking place in venues and settings ranging from backyards and beaches to larger concert stages. Their touring takes them to Brazil and Australia and across other parts of the world. The band also plays in support of acts including The Tragically Hip, Xavier Rudd, K’Naan, K-OS and The Beach Boys.

Releases and recognition

The group’s fourth record is titled Long Time Ago, and it moves between upbeat folk and singalong roots rock. Before that title is settled on, the band considers calling the album People Not Places, reflecting a lyrical shift away from travel and towards songs about people in their lives. Scott Stanton writes and sings about this change in direction, while Dave Lang also speaks about the band’s strong online community.

Current Swell win first place in Vancouver’s Peak Performance Project in 2011, taking the top prize of $100,500. Their following grows through platforms including iTunes and YouTube, and their audience in Brazil becomes especially large, with fans covering both songs and music videos online.