Swim School

Swim School Live at Queen Margaret Union, Glasgow

About the Event

Get ready for an electrifying night as Swim School take to the stage at Glasgow’s iconic Queen Margaret Union on Friday, 14th November 2025. This promises to be a truly unforgettable evening for fans of indie-pop with a raw, emotional edge. Swim School are a band who have rapidly carved out a distinctive niche for themselves, weaving intricate guitar melodies with soaring vocals and deeply personal lyrics. Their live performances are renowned for their intensity and their ability to connect with audiences on a profound level. This Glasgow date is a chance to experience their compelling sound in the intimate and storied surroundings of the QMU, a venue that has played host to countless emerging and established artists. Whether you’re a long-time admirer of their work or discovering them for the first time, prepare to be captivated by Swim School’s unique blend of vulnerability and power.

About Swim School

Hailing from Edinburgh, Swim School have emerged as one of the most compelling new voices in the UK’s indie music scene. The quartet, comprised of Alice Johnson (vocals, guitar), Lewis Nelson (guitar), Anya Sharma (bass), and Finn McGregor (drums), have quickly garnered critical acclaim for their emotionally charged songwriting and their dynamic live shows. Their journey began with a series of well-received singles that showcased their knack for crafting infectious melodies underpinned by a palpable sense of introspection.

Their breakout hit, “Tired of Talking,” released in 2021, set the tone for their career, establishing their signature sound of shimmering guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and Alice Johnson’s distinctive, often melancholic vocal delivery. The track’s honest portrayal of relationship struggles resonated with a wide audience, propelling them into the spotlight. This was followed by other notable tracks such as “Name,” a more upbeat yet still emotionally resonant anthem that solidified their place as a band capable of both quiet vulnerability and anthemic crescendos. More recently, singles like “Hear My Voice” have demonstrated a maturation in their songwriting, exploring broader themes of self-discovery and resilience, while retaining the core elements that have made them so beloved.

Swim School’s music often navigates the complexities of youth, relationships, and mental well-being with a refreshing honesty. Their lyrics are poetic and evocative, drawing listeners into their world with relatable narratives and vivid imagery. Their debut album, The Warmth We Found, released in 2023, was a critical success, lauded for its cohesive sound and its exploration of themes ranging from heartache and anxiety to hope and connection. The album further showcased their ability to blend introspective ballads with more energetic, guitar-driven tracks, proving their versatility and artistic depth. Their consistent output of high-quality singles and their acclaimed debut album have cemented their reputation as a band with significant staying power, and this Glasgow gig is a prime opportunity to witness their evolution firsthand.

Venue Information

The Queen Margaret Union (QMU) is a legendary Glasgow institution, providing a unique and intimate setting for live music. Nestled within the University of Glasgow, the QMU has a rich history of hosting both breakthrough acts and established artists, making it a beloved venue for music lovers across the city. Its storied halls have echoed with the sounds of countless memorable performances, and its atmosphere is consistently praised for its authenticity and welcoming nature. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Prepare yourself for a performance that is as emotionally resonant as it is musically captivating. Swim School are known for their intensely passionate live shows, where their studio recordings are brought to life with an even greater raw energy. Alice Johnson’s vocals are a focal point, shifting effortlessly from delicate introspection to powerful, anthemic declarations. The interplay between the guitars of Alice and Lewis Nelson creates a rich tapestry of sound, weaving intricate melodies and driving riffs that will have you moving. Anya Sharma’s basslines provide a solid foundation, while Finn McGregor’s drumming is precise and propulsive, driving the songs forward with an undeniable urgency.

Expect a setlist that will likely draw from their celebrated debut album, The Warmth We Found, featuring fan favourites such as “Tired of Talking,” “Name,” and “Hear My Voice.” You can also anticipate hearing some of their earlier, beloved singles that first captured the hearts of their growing fanbase. Their live performances are characterized by a genuine connection with the audience; the band members are not just performers but storytellers, drawing you into the narratives within their songs. The atmosphere at a Swim School gig is often described as both cathartic and uplifting, a shared experience of vulnerability and strength. While the exact duration can vary, a typical Swim School headline set clocks in at around 75-90 minutes, offering ample time to immerse yourself in their distinctive sound and powerful lyrical themes. This is a show where you’ll feel every note and every word.

FAQs

Q1: Will Swim School be playing songs from their debut album, The Warmth We Found? Absolutely. The Warmth We Found is a cornerstone of their live set, and you can expect to hear many of its popular tracks, including “Tired of Talking” and “Name,” performed with the live energy that Swim School is celebrated for.

Q2: Can I expect Swim School to play any new material? While it’s always possible for bands to debut new songs live, the focus of this tour will primarily be on their established catalogue. However, they are constantly evolving, so keep an open mind – you might just be treated to a glimpse of what’s next.

Q3: What is Swim School’s typical performance style? Swim School’s performance style is known for its raw authenticity and emotional intensity. Alice Johnson’s compelling vocals are central, supported by intricate guitar work and a tight rhythm section. They create an atmosphere that is both intimate and energetic, connecting deeply with their audience.

Q4: Are there any songs that are particularly known for being crowd-pleasers at Swim School gigs? Tracks like “Tired of Talking” and “Name” consistently ignite the crowd and are usually met with enthusiastic singalongs. Their more upbeat numbers tend to get the audience moving, while their more poignant songs often create a powerful sense of shared reflection.

Q5: How long does a typical Swim School set last? A headline set from Swim School typically runs for approximately 75 to 90 minutes, providing a substantial and engaging performance for the audience.

Q6: What kind of atmosphere can I expect at a Swim School concert? The atmosphere at a Swim School concert is often described as a cathartic and communal experience. There’s a strong sense of connection, where the audience feels intimately involved in the emotional journey of the music, balancing moments of introspective melancholy with exhilarating bursts of indie-pop energy.