SWOMP

The Dark.FM leans into darkwave edge at Sick New World, talks new collab

The Dark.FM brought its brooding, electronic-heavy sound to Sick New World, continuing its steady rise with a set in Las Vegas.
SWOMP spoke with vocalist Craig Johns after the performance, where the focus turned to the band’s latest single “[zippermouth]” and its new remix collaboration with industrial producer Smash Stereo.
The reworked track pushes the band further into darker territory, layering heavier electronics and a colder, more aggressive edge onto the original.
“We’ve always just sort of done whatever we wanted,” Johns said, calling “[zippermouth]” the band’s most uncompromising release to date.
The Los Angeles group has quickly built momentum, with its debut EP surpassing millions of streams and a growing list of live appearances across North America and Europe.
Its Sick New World set is part of that push, with the band also confirmed for the festival’s Dallas edition later this year.
Looking ahead, The Dark.FM is set to make its debut aboard ShipRocked 2027, joining a lineup that includes Papa Roach and Ice Nine Kills for the annual cruise festival sailing from Miami in January.
Follow the band at https://thedark.fm/.

Snot talks legacy, reunion & new album at Sick New World

Snot packed in fans at Sick New World, delivering a tight, high-energy set as the band continues its return to the stage.
SWOMP caught up with guitarist Mikey Doling and bassist John Fahnestock after the show, where the conversation quickly turned to the legacy of original frontman Lynn Strait, who died in a 1998 car accident.
That history still drives the band — but so does what’s next.
Snot has brought in new vocalist Andy Knapp, earning praise as the group pushes forward with fresh momentum.
The Las Vegas set followed a Sick New World pre-party alongside P.O.D. and Alien Ant Farm, and comes amid a run that includes a sold-out show at the Whisky a Go Go — a nod to the band’s early days.
They’re also back in the studio.
“We’ve been writing and recording… the energy has been undeniable,” Doling said, noting multiple new songs are already finished.
More details are expected soon.
Follow the band on Facebook, here.
Photo credit: Jitte Davidson

Filter's Richard Patrick talks with SWOMP at Sick New World in Las Vegas

Following Filter's Green Stage performance at Sick New World in Las Vegas, SWOMP spoke with frontman Richard Patrick about the band’s current run and recent collaborations.
Among them is Patrick’s guest appearance on “Blue Sky Mystery,” a recent single from Canadian rock band Finger Eleven, marking the first time the artists have worked together.
“Working with Scott, James, Rick, Sean and Steve could not have gone smoother. They are good guys and total pros,” Patrick said. “Recording ‘Blue Sky Mystery’ was a lot of fun.”
Filter released The Algorithm: Ultra Edition on Aug. 8 last year, a remixed and expanded version of its recent album featuring additional tracks, remixes and covers. The release includes the single “All The Good,” produced by Patrick alongside longtime collaborator Brian Virtue.
Formed in the mid-1990s after Patrick’s stint as a touring guitarist for Nine Inch Nails, Filter broke through with its debut album Short Bus and the single “Hey Man Nice Shot,” followed by further success with Title of Record.
Follow the band at https://officialfilter.com/.

Bloodywood lights up Diablo Stage at Sick New World, talks with SWOMP after set

Bloodywood continued its rapid ascent on the global metal scene with a high-energy performance on the Diablo Stage at Sick New World.
The Indian band’s set at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds showcased its blend of nu metal, metalcore and melodic hard rock, combined with traditional Indian folk elements — a fusion that has helped set the group apart on festival lineups.
Following the performance, SWOMP spoke with rapper Raoul Kerr about the band’s momentum and growing international reach.
Bloodywood is currently touring behind its latest album Nu Delhi, which serves as a tribute to the band’s home region while expanding on its genre-crossing sound.
The group has quickly built a reputation as a standout live act, bolstered by festival appearances and sold-out shows. It has also shared stages with major acts and collaborated with Japanese metal band BABYMETAL on the track “Bekhauf.”
Later this year, Bloodywood is set to bring its live show across the United States on its “System of a Brown” tour, marking one of its most extensive runs in the country to date, with support from The Pretty Wild, Ladrones and Ankor on select dates.
Follow the band at https://www.bloodywood.net/.

Violent Vira launches 'Our Lady of Sorrows Tour' at Sick New World, chats with SWOMP in Vegas

Violent Vira kicked off her 'Our Lady of Sorrows Tour' at Sick New World in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
The Boise, Idaho rock/metal singer-songwriter will travel across the U.S. on the tour, which wraps up in Cincinnati on May 21, 2026. They are also set to go on tour alongside Halestorm in support of BABYMETAL this September. The tour will stop in Canada when they play the RBC Amphitheatre in Toronto on September 7, 2026, plus they'll perform at Pine Knob in Clarkston, Michigan on September 18, 2026.
Fresh off their Green Stage set at Sick New World, Violent Vira caught up with SWOMP for an interview.
Follow Violent Vira at https://www.violentvira.com/.

Chad Brownlee leans on hockey roots for country-rock single 'Legendary'

Canadian country artist Chad Brownlee released his new single 'Legendary' on April 24, marking what he describes as a shift toward a bigger, more high-impact sound.
The track, released via The Orchard, blends Brownlee’s country roots with a rock-driven edge and draws on his past as a professional hockey player. The song is positioned as an arena-ready anthem, capturing the intensity and pressure of high-stakes moments.
SWOMP caught up with Brownlee for an interview.
Co-written with Jason Blaine and Grammy-winning producer Ben Glover, 'Legendary' focuses on themes of competition and ambition, aimed at both sports audiences and country music fans.
Brownlee, originally from British Columbia, began his career in music after being drafted by the Vancouver Canucks and stepping away from professional hockey in 2009. Since then, he has become a mainstay in Canadian country, earning multiple gold and platinum certifications, including for his No. 1 single Forever’s Gotta Start Somewhere.'
The release comes as Brownlee prepares for a series of tour dates across Canada, with stops in Alberta, British Columbia and New Brunswick. He also opened for Lee Brice at a show in Abbotsford, B.C., earlier this month.
Recent years have seen Brownlee take a more independent approach to his career, building on a catalogue that has generated more than 115 million global streams and millions of views on YouTube.
Follow him at https://www.chadbrownlee.com/.

Arkells drop new album 'Between Us', frontman Max Kerman chats with SWOMP about the record

Arkells have released their new album Between Us today, marking the latest chapter for the nine-time Juno Award-winning group as they prepare for an extensive run of live shows across Canada and beyond.
The album, released April 17 through Universal Music Canada and Virgin Music Group, was produced and recorded in Los Angeles with Grammy Award-winning producer John Congleton, known for his work with artists including St. Vincent and Death Cab for Cutie.
SWOMP caught up with frontman Max Kerman to talk about the album.
Between Us features previously released singles “Ride” featuring GROUPLOVE, “Next Summer,” and “Money” featuring Portugal. The Man, alongside the track “What Good?” and the newly released “What’s On Your Mind” featuring Poolside.
On the latest single, Kerman said the band aimed to capture a hypnotic, groove-driven feel.
“We wanted a song that felt hypnotic—where the chords don’t move much, and the rhythm and melody do all the heavy lifting. It’s my favourite thing about seeing dance music live: how it can loop and loop and loop, and the longer it goes, the better it feels. We went deep into synth-world on this one.”
He added: “we toured with Poolside and saw the power of repetition. What restraint can offer to the crowd. The patience of building a song with the groove dictating everything. The song was just about finished when we asked Poolside to add some shine to it all. Our music has ended up in all kinds of places, and we hope this ends up on some dance floors.”
The release follows a high-profile performance at the Juno Awards in March, where Arkells performed “Ride” alongside GROUPLOVE in their hometown of Hamilton.
In support of the album, the band is embarking on a 2026 tour focused on smaller, more intimate venues, including a series of “city takeovers” across western Canada and multiple nights in Toronto. Many of the shows sold out quickly, with the band revisiting venues they have not played in more than a decade.
The North American run begins next week with two sold-out album release shows in Buffalo, N.Y., before continuing through the United States and Canada into the summer.
Arkells said the Between Us tour is designed to create “unique experiences in a variety of settings,” emphasizing up-close performances that reflect the band’s long-standing connection with fans.
The Hamilton-based group has built a reputation for blending alt-rock, soul, indie and modern R&B influences, while maintaining a focus on communal, high-energy live shows that have helped cement their status as one of Canada’s most recognizable rock acts.
Follow the band at https://www.arkellsmusic.com/.
Photo Credit: Nathan Nash

Devil's Cut singer Trey Landrum discusses debut album 'Roadkill', dropping April 24

As country and metal continue their long flirtation, Devil’s Cut are staking a louder, rowdier claim with their debut album Roadkill.
The Louisville band’s first full-length record arrives April 24 via MNRK Heavy, blending metalcore’s weight with country storytelling and imagery. The album’s lead single, “Drink With The Devil,” dropped recently alongside a music video, offering an early look at the group’s high-energy, crossover sound.
Singer Trey Landrum said the band’s identity is rooted in both sides of that divide.
“We grew up on Tim McGraw and Garth Brooks, but we love Metallica and Pantera,” he said. “We’re metal with hints of country, but we’re doing it differently; fucking with it and making it our own.”
SWOMP caught up with Landrum for an interview, where he dives deeper into that balance, the band’s Kentucky roots and how Roadkill came together during a focused writing stint in Nashville with a team of experienced collaborators.
The project traces back to a 2018 conversation with manager Cody Ash, who encouraged the band to fully embrace a hybrid of country and heavy music. Early releases, including a 2019 cover of “Tequila” and the 2022 single “Insomnia,” helped build momentum online, leading to millions of streams and touring slots alongside acts spanning both genres.
Now rounded out by guitarist Zach McConnell, drummer Trap and bassist Bailey Jones, Devil’s Cut lean into what they call a distinctly Southern identity — one that mixes heavy riffs with twang-inflected vocals and imagery drawn from rural life.
Produced by Evan McKeever, Roadkill moves between party-ready anthems and more reflective tracks, a contrast Landrum describes in simple terms.
“Roadkill is two totally different ends of the spectrum,” he said. “Either sad, ‘I-want-to-cry’ songs or ‘hey man, I want to have a beer and shoot guns in the woods with my friends!’”
The band plans to release a video for every track on the album while spending much of 2026 on the road, continuing to build a fan base drawn to their unfiltered mix of country attitude and metal intensity.
Check out their music videos on YouTube, here.
Photo Credit: Perri Leigh

ROMES on new album 'Sonic Trash' + riding wave of viral momentum ahead of Toronto homecoming show

Canadian electro-rock duo ROMES say their rapid rise on social media is translating into sold-out rooms across Europe, as they prepare to bring that momentum back home for an April 19 show at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto.
“So many people are telling us after the shows that they stumbled across one of our videos on social media and immediately bought a ticket,” stated drummer Nicolas Bitove. “We’ve never played Europe before and never headlined a tour. To see rooms filling up night after night — and in some cities selling out entirely — is honestly blowing our minds.”
SWOMP caught up with Nicolas for an interview.
The duo, made up of brothers Jacob and Nicolas Bitove, has been touring Europe for the first time while headlining shows that are already nearing or reaching capacity. Despite building their career independently and largely staying outside the traditional music industry machine, the band says the response has been overwhelming.
“The European crowds are all showing up in a big way and partying, whether it’s a Saturday night or a Monday. It’s just so cool to see everyone digging the show and we’re extremely grateful for it,” Nicolas said.
Their debut album, Sonic Trash, released independently in November 2025, has surpassed 1.5 million streams, driven largely by word of mouth and online discovery.
“Everything definitely happened very organically,” Nicolas said. “It probably started a couple of years ago when we began experimenting in our basement studio, integrating gear trying to come up with crazy sounds.”
The band’s latest single, “Dissolver,” recently received a remix from Detroit-based EDM artist WIRE ONE, whom the group connected with through Instagram.
“We came across each other a few months ago on Instagram due to our shared love for early-2000’s electro,” Nicolas said. “We get a lot of people DMing us wanting to do remixes, etc. but Wire One was maybe the first time where we were like ‘F—! This guy’s got chops.’”
He added that the collaboration was an easy decision.
“He’s putting a modern twist on the whole bloghouse electro sound and doing it just as good as anyone else these days. So when he asked about remixing ‘Dissolver’ it was a no brainer. His drum production in particular is insane. They smash you right in the face.”
The remix release coincides with the band’s first U.S. tour, where they will support New York artist Des Rocs, personally selected by frontman Danny Rocco.
“A lot of people are also saying how our show combines so many elements of industrial, electro, punk, big beat, etc. — all the best stuff we grew up on in the 90s,” Nicolas said. “At the end of the day, we’re not trying to sound like anyone else, but we mash up so many of those influences into our own sound.”
Before heading out on tour, the band built a global audience through sync placements in television series including The Sex Lives of College Girls, Control Z and CSI: Vegas, as well as major sports and commercial campaigns. Their work also includes a co-write with Mark Foster of Foster the People for the theme to the CBC sitcom Strays.
Follow the band at https://romesmusic.com/.
Photo credit: Nicolas Bitove

Tyler Joe Miller opens up on heartbreak, growth behind new single ‘Under the Influence’

Tyler Joe Miller says his latest single, “Under the Influence,” hits close to home, tapping into the emotional back-and-forth that comes with trying to move on from a past relationship.
In an interview with SWOMP, the JUNO Award-nominated country artist described the song as a deeply relatable reflection on the internal struggle between progress and relapse.
“‘Under the Influence’ is a song about the inner battle going on when you're trying to get over someone,” Miller said. “It's about wanting to get back to normal and go out and have a good time, but putting up guard rails at the same time, so you don't get sucked back into that cycle.”
The track, released March 20 through Sony Music Canada via The Orchard, was written by Gordie Sampson, Kelly Archer, Dylan Guthro and Dave Sampson, and produced by Brad Hill and Guthro.
Miller said he immediately connected with the song’s message when he first heard it, pointing to its honest portrayal of how quickly old feelings can resurface.
“Just when you think that sober you is over them, sometimes drunk you just isn’t,” he said.
The release comes as the Surrey, B.C.-based artist continues a strong run on the Canadian country charts. His single “Doin’ What She Does” recently reached the Top 10, marking his 10th career Top 10 hit.
Miller has also picked up two nominations at the British Columbia Country Music Awards this year: Entertainer of the Year and Top Performing Single of the Year.
With more than 80 million global streams, Miller said he has spent recent months writing in Nashville and preparing to roll out new material throughout 2026.
He is also set to perform at several major festivals this summer, including Boots and Hearts West, Sunfest and South Mountain Fair.
Miller first broke through with his 2019 debut single “Pillow Talkin’,” which went gold and reached No. 1 on Canadian country radio. He followed that with another chart-topper, “I Would Be Over Me Too,” becoming the first independent Canadian country artist to hit No. 1 with his first two singles.
Beyond music, Miller is also focused on philanthropy through his organization, The Climb Outreach Society, which partners with Hope Of Life International to support housing, education and food security initiatives in Guatemala.
His latest EPs, including “Spillin’ My Truth” and “Going Home,” have earned industry recognition, with the latter receiving a JUNO Award nomination for country album of the year.
Follow him at https://tylerjoemiller.com/.
Photo Credit: Chris Ashlee