SWOMP

New Orleans singer-songwriter Sarah Quintana discusses her forthcoming album 'Baby Don't'

When stepping into the role of producer and bandleader for her third full-length album, New Orleans-based singer-songwriter Sarah Quintana drew from her wildly varied musical experiences to create a “Louisiana” record her way.
Having worked previously with Cajun legends, French musicians, New Orleans roots-rock bands, and storytelling folk artists, Quintana thought long and hard about what it means to make music in New Orleans but settled on the idea that it never has to fit into any one box.
“I really set out to be myself on this record. And to make Louisiana music my own,” she says.
“What happened was an exercise in trusting my own voice.”
The fruit of her labor is a brand new album, Baby Don't, due on March 28, 2025.
SWOMP caught up with Quintana for an interview to discuss the album.
Her forthcoming album was recorded at the iconic Dockside Studios in Lafayette, Marigny Studios in New Orleans, and shotgun-house living rooms across town.
It features an all-star lineup that includes some of Quintana’s longtime friends and collaborators—Rex Gregory on saxophone, Louis Michot of the Grammy-winning Lost Bayou Ramblers, multi-instrumentalist Leyla McCalla (Carolina Chocolate Drops), and Grammy-nominated Corey Ledet.
Forging her own sound while paying homage to classic Louisiana artists like Fats Domino, Irma Thomas, Shirley & Lee, Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet, Bobby Charles and anything recorded at Cosimo Matassa’s studio in the 50’s, the result is soulful and timeless -–- a swamp-pop version of Shirley and Lee’s “Let the Good Times Roll,” old-timey tunes like “Be My Love,” complete with a traditional jazz tailgate, a cajun two-step (“Bump in the Road”), French blues (“Tout Mon Coeur and Rolling and Tumbling”) and several, highly-addictive, upbeat originals (“Just Because” and “Baby, Don’t”).
Throughout a notable career as a New Orleans singer, songwriter, and performer, Sarah Quintana has been firmly rooted in her hometown’s rich music tradition—but eager to playfully explore its boundaries and possibilities.
Her two self-released full-length studio albums, live concert release, and EPs brim with a blend of jazz, folk, and rhythm & blues, and her new LP Baby Don't brings together an all-star lineup for an album inspired by Louisiana’s music and culture of the 50s and 60s. Sarah has partnered along the way with acclaimed Louisiana-based musicians, including Grammy winners Michael Doucet, Kevin Clark (The Nightcrawlers), and Leyla McCalla. She has received recognition from the Grammy Foundation Recording Academy, The Voice Foundation, The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Foundation, and Big Easy Awards among others.
When she’s not writing, performing, or touring internationally, Sarah works as a music educator and a vocal coach specializing in gender-affirming care, to help others find power in their own voice.
Quintana is also a fellowship-trained voice pathologist and a faculty member and singing-voice specialist at LSU Health Sciences Center, where her research highlights the importance of creating vocal-health care pathways for Louisiana’s culture bearers and oral traditions.
Follow Sarah at https://www.sarahquintana.com/.
Photo credit: Adrienne Battistella

Our Lady Peace is celebrating 30 years, SWOMP re-visits our interviews with bassist Duncan Coutts

The OLP30 tour is rolling across Canada this year and it will be stopping at Canada Life Place in London, Ontario on Saturday, March 8. 
Grab your tickets at ourladypeace.com. 
SWOMP is excited to once again have the opportunity to cover the Canadian rockers.
One of our talented photographers Christina Marchioni, from Marchioni Photography, has been approved for photo credentials for the London show. Keep an eye on swomp.ca and our socials, Instagram, Facebook, X and BlueSky.
We’re also grateful to have interviewed OLP bassist Duncan Coutts a couple of times in the past two years, the most recent was right after sound check before OLP’s headlining performance at Bluewater Borderfest in Sarnia, Ontario on Saturday, June 22, 2024 
And fresh off of SWOMP’s relaunch in 2023, SWOMP chatted with Duncan in January 2023 in promotion of a show at Caesars Windsor.
SWOMP re-visits both interviews in celebration of their 30-year anniversary!

Collective Soul is touring with OLP across Canada, SWOMP re-visits our May 2024 interview with bassist Will Turpin

Joining Our Lady Peace across Canada this year are Georgia-born rock band Collective Soul.
They’ll be opening up the show at Canada Life Place in London, Ontario on March 8, 2025.
SWOMP has been approved for credentials for the concert and we’re pumped to see the work by photographer Christina Marchioni. 
Similar to OLP, Collective Soul are also celebrating three decades of making music together. 
They’re also set to perform at the Bourbon and Beyond Music Festival in Louisville, Kentucky and the Oceans Calling Music Festival in Ocean City, Maryland in September. 
Check out https://collectivesoul.com/ for all of the details. 
SWOMP had the opportunity to speak with Collective Soul bassist Will Turpin last year to discuss their 30th anniversary, their new double album, & much more.
Here is our re-visited interview from May 2024.
Photo credit: Lee Clower

Good Boy Daisy chats with SWOMP following their Innings Festival 2025 performance

Alternative rockers Good Boy Daisy penciled in second on the lineup card on day two at Innings Festival 2025.
Led by identical twin sisters Hallie Mayes, on vocals, and Dylinn Mayes, on guitar, the band hails from nearby Scottsdale, Arizona.
Hallie said the band ran into technical issues before gracing the Right Field stage.
“We are pretty much using none of our gear,” Hallie told the Saturday afternoon audience.
“These microphones, amp packs, everything. We had to switch it out last minute, but we had so much help. So, thank-you to everyone helping. We are Good Boy Daisy and we are so happy to be here.”
Hallie added later in the show: “I didn’t have time to write a setlist because of all the chaos.”
SWOMP met with the sisters backstage for an interview following their performance. 
The band expressed deep appreciation to the Innings Festival crew on social media following their show.
“We have never met someone like you, Innings. The crowd, the fun, the love, but above all…the crew. We had one thing after another that “didn’t go our way” before we took the stage, but you never gave up on us. This festival was so well put together and so well organized. We have never met a kinder, more hard working, and dedicated group of people working towards bringing us all together. Thank you endlessly for making this our favorite experience as a band. We will never forget you, until next time Innings.”
Follow the band at https://goodboydaisy.com/.

Winona Fighter cranks up the volume at Innings Festival 2025

Fresh off the release of their debut album My Apologies To The Chef, Nashville punk rockers Winona Fighter raised the volume on the opening day of Innings Festival 2025 on Friday, February 21, 2025, in Tempe, Arizona.
Sporting a black-and-white baseball jersey with ‘Yes Chef’ printed on the back, vocalist Coco Kinnon greeted the amped crowd in front of the Right Field stage.
“We’re so fuckin’ stoked to be opening up this stage for y’all today, thank you for joining us,” she said.
“I know it’s early. I know it’s a Friday, but fuck, we’re going to have a good day today, aren’t we guys?”
SWOMP had the opportunity to sit down backstage with Coco, lead guitarist Dan Fuson, and bassist/producer Austin Luther following Winona Fighter’s Innings Festival 2025 performance.
Follow the band at https://winonafighter.com/.

Boyish bats leadoff at Innings Festival 2025

Kicking off the 2025 Innings Festival soundtrack in Tempe, Arizona on Friday, February 21, 2025 were Los Angeles-based, indie rock duo Boyish.
Formed by vocalist India Shore and guitarist Claire Altendahl in 2016 at Berklee College of Music, Boyish set the tone on the opening day of Innings with an energetic set, which included several performances of unreleased songs from their forthcoming album.
“I’m so excited for the rest of the day,” Shore told the crowd, adding that the audience was bigger than they anticipated after hitting the stage around 12:20 p.m.
“I thought no one would be here,” Shore told the audience.
“But you are here and that’s great.”
Winners of the 2021 LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Award, Boyish made sure to shout out their LGBTQ+ fans at Innings.
“Are there any gay people here?” Shore asked the crowd, which drew thunderous cheers.
“Thank-you, homosexuals for being here.” 
Shore added: “And the straights, give it up for the straights, I guess. Now, now, be nice,” which drew laughs and applause from their fans.
Altendahl told the crowd their Innings Festival appearance will always hold a special place in their heart, as it was the first concert ever for their seven-month-old niece, who was taking in the show with Altendahl’s sister and brother-in-law.
Shore’s angelic vocals carried through the set—until their scathing, rage-filled closer, ‘Fuck You Heather,’ where they screamed, convulsed, and poured raw energy into the mic.
SWOMP caught up with Boyish after their set.
Follow Boyish at https://boyishmusic.com/.

P.O.D. announces new single & 2025 tour plans, SWOMP re-visits our September 2024 interview at Louder Than Life

SWOMP re-visits our September 28, 2024 interview with P.O.D. vocalist Sonny Sandoval and guitarist Marcos Curiel at Louder Than Life 2024, on a soggy day in Louisville, Kentucky. 
In recent news, the platinum selling superstars have revealed a fresh take on their hit single "I WON'T BOW DOWN," with a collaboration with singer and guitarist Andrés Giménez of Argentinian metal band A.N.I.M.A.L.
The original is taken from P.O.D.'s most recent studio album, 2024's VERITAS.
"I'm very happy to have received this wonderful invitation about making a new English/Spanish version. It's really fantastic,” says Andrés. "P.O.D. and A.N.I.M.A.L together are pure brotherhood. I have a truthful respect, admiration and appreciation for P.O.D."
Giménez co-founded A.N.I.M.A.L., who exploded out of the Buenos Aires scene with their blend of groove and thrash metal in the 1990s. They gained huge success selling out shows in Argentina and touring across Latin and North America as well as Europe, playing with the likes of Pantera, Bad Religion, Megadeth, Sepultera, and Slipknot as well as taking part of the legendary 2000 Warped Tour alongside Green Day, No Doubt, NOFX, and Papa Roach. They released eight studio albums, including 1998's Poder Latino which was produced by Max Cavelera and featured Robert Trujillo, Christian Olde Wolbers (Fear Factory), and Jimmy DeGrasso (Megadeth/Suicidal Tendencies/Ozzy Osbourne).
P.O.D. guitarist Marcos Curiel adds, "As we journey through life, certain songs emerge that resonate deeply with our generation and those to come. 'I WON'T BOW DOWN' is one of those gems. It's heartfelt in every sense of the word and anthemic to the core. Enjoy it, turn it up, sing along and always remember: Never bow down."
P.O.D. will join U.S. hard rockers Godsmack as special guests on their March/April World Tour 2025. The tour will kick off on March 22 with a sold-out show at the Sofia Arena in Bulgaria and will then call through Romania (Bucharest), Hungary (Budapest), Poland (Gliwice), Austria (Vienna), Croatia (Zagreb), Czech Republic (Prague), Germany (Munich, Berlin, Offenbach), U.K. (London), Belgium (Brussels), and will finish with two shows in Germany, Hamburg, and finally April 12 at the Turbinenhalle in Oberhausen.
All of the details can be found at https://payableondeath.com/.
 

Angelica Appelman on her new single 'Finding My Feet', forthcoming EP & overcoming personal challenges

Emerging Canadian country artist Angelica Appelman, who just released her compelling new single 'Finding My Feet' on January 31st via all streaming platforms, caught up with SWOMP for an interview. Listen, below:
Following a devastating car accident that left her with a serious brain injury and other long-lasting effects, Angelica is sharing her journey of healing, hope and resilience with "Finding My Feet”.
With raw vulnerability, she carefully crafts this message as she navigates her own personal struggles.
The song was co-written by Angelica, Jesse Slack (Robyn Ottolini, Jade Eagleson), Daryl Scott (Zach Brown Band, Guy Clark) and Rich Cloke (Paige Rutledge, Elias James), and is the third track to be released from her forthcoming EP.
Kitchener-born and Stratford-based artist, Angelica Appelman introduced herself to the Canadian country music scene with her 2022 debut single 'Happy Place', which has garnered over 150,000 streams to date.
Building on that success, she released her A Reason or a Season EP, followed by her single 'Ringtone', which made waves at radio, earning her the Country Futures Feature on Country 93.1 and the Fresh Pick Feature on Bayshore Broadcasting Country Stations.
Angelica’s live performance experience includes playing the Cavendish Beach Music Festival Kitchen Stage, supporting Dean Brody at the Kemptville Live Music Festival and opening for Robyn Ottolini at the Country Hoedown in Chatham-Kent.
She also headlined a sold-out EP release show at Toronto's Rivoli, has graced the main stage at the Boots in the Creek Festival and showcased at the CCMA Country Crawl in Edmonton.
For more information, please visit www.angelicaappelman.com.

Western Canada's The Matinee on the fresh remix of their track 'Eddie Vedder'

Roots-Rock band The Matinee recently shared a fresh remix of their irresistible track, “Eddie Vedder.”
SWOMP caught up with frontman Matt Layzell for an interview to discuss the song.
For this version, Steve Bays (Hot Hot Heat, Mounties, Said The Whale, Dan Mangan) worked his magic, giving a new spin to a song that 3am Revelations described as “the kind of catchy, roots-rock jam you’d expect from the band.” The original single was recorded live off the floor at Afterlife Studios in Vancouver, their hometown.
The original version of "Eddie Vedder," co-produced with Steve Dawson, was part of their End of Scene - B-Sides EP, released on November 1, 2024. These tracks were the hidden gems that didn't make it on their 2023 album Change of Scene.
Frontman Matt Layzell shares about 'Eddie Vedder':
"We grew up listening to Pearl Jam. Their album TEN came out at a formative time in our lives, and watching the band continue to evolve and stick it out together has always been something to aspire to. I was in a bit of rut, feeling like I was attracting nothing but bad luck. The kicker was my car breaking down after a road trip and having to fork out my whole taxi return. I took a walk with my dog to the dog beach here in Vancouver and remembered the moment the trouble light came on was around the Vedder river. Vedder. Eddie Vedder. I don’t know why, but I just said it out loud, “I wish Eddie Vedder was a friend of mine”. I perked up quite a bit as I realized my day wasn’t so bad sitting on a log, watching the waves. I started thinking about the things I’d ask Eddie if he was there, just chewing the fat with me. Eddie, if you hear this song, let’s grab a coffee sometime—it’s on me."
Two-time 'Roots Artist of the Year' winners at the BCCMA awards, The Matinee have established themselves as one of Western Canada's finest live acts.
Their debut single 'Young & Lazy' reached number 1 in Canada and topped the MuchMusic Video charts.
Five albums later, and with countless tours under their belts (and 5 tour vans... 1 caught on fire, but that's another story), the band released their latest single, 'Eddie Vedder (Steve Bays Remix)' on January 22, 2025.
The song was recorded live off the floor at Afterlife Studios in their hometown, Vancouver.
It was co-produced by the band and by Nashville's own Steve Dawson and mixed by the whiz-kid Steve Bays (Hot Hot Heat, Mounties, Said The Whale, Dan Mangan).
With comparisons to Nathaniel Rateliff, The Band, and Dawes, it's once again showtime for The Matinee.
Follow the band at https://www.thematineemusic.com/.

Violet Night's Connor Pohl on new single 'Does It Even Matter?'

Alternative band Violet Night has recently released their new single “Does It Even Matter?”.
Produced by Father Bobby Townsend (JESSIA, Margø, Laur Elle) and Randor Lin (Our Lady Peace, Bishop Briggs), the new single ushers in the start of a new era for Violet Night and more music to come in 2025.
SWOMP caught up with vocalist/guitarist Connor Pohl to discuss the new track track.
"‘Does It Even Matter?' is about my tendency to romanticize the past, even the tough moments (like weeks of sleeplessness) that somehow look beautiful in retrospect, through rose-coloured glasses," Pohl said.
"It captures the bittersweet tension between joy and pain, the strange way we search for meaning in moments after they’re gone, and maybe, just maybe, learning how to be okay with it."
Violet Night are on a path to becoming the new torchbearers of the alternative scene.
Hailing from Western Canada, and spearheaded by the visionary vocals and multi-instrumental talent of Connor Pohl, the band's beginnings as a solo project blossomed into a collective force.
Their music merges alternative rock, indie pop, and ambient layers, creating a sound that's both ethereal and unfiltered.
Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and the human condition, Violet Night’s songs often explore themes of self-discovery, introspection, existentialism, and the complexities of relationships.
Featuring hauntingly emotive vocals, combined with the band's lush instrumentations, creating an immersive sonic landscape that invites audiences to delve into their introspective narratives.
Violet Night is Connor Pohl - Vocals, Guitars and Tay Ewart - Drums and Percussion.
For More Information, please visit: www.violetnightmusic.com.