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Mar 07, 2024 By Andy Von Pip Photography by Katie Silvester

Liverpool duo King Hannah (Hannah Merrick and Craig Whittle) are back with their sophomore album, Big Swimmer, out May 31st on City Slang. The announcement coincides with the release of the album’s stunning title track, “Big Swimmer,” featuring special guest vocals from Sharon Van Etten. Check out the song’s video below, followed by the album’s tracklist and cover artwork, as well as the band’s upcoming tour dates.

Produced by Ali Chant (known for his work with PJ Harvey, Aldous Harding, and Perfume Genius), the album draws inspiration from the band’s extensive touring experiences across the U.S., including supporting acts like Kurt Vile and Thurston Moore.

The title track collaboration stemmed from Van Etten’s public appreciation for the band’s debut single “Crème Brûlée.” The song opens with a duet between Van Etten and Merrick, their voices blending as they explore the song’s powerful message: life is what you make it. The track transitions into a warm, rich soundscape reminiscent of ‘70s American folk rock, balancing darkness and light before carrying home the album’s core message: “never stop swimming.”

Merrick says of the song: “I remember sitting at my desk and the song just came pouring out and the big swimmer metaphor instantly felt right; to never give up on whatever it is you’re swimming hard towards. But I like that it questions the listener too, that whenever you’re faced with something challenging, do you carry on swimming or do you jump out and grab our towel? There’s no right answer, but it feels empowering and necessary for the record.”

Big Swimmer Tracklist:

1. Big Swimmer (Feat. Sharon Van Etten)
2. New York, Let’s Do Nothing
3. The Mattress
4. Milk Boy (I Love You)
5. Suddenly, Your Hand
6. Somewhere Near El Paso
7. Lily Pad
8. Davey Says
9. Scully
10. This Wasn’t Intentional (Feat. Sharon Van Etten)
11. John Prine on the Radio

King Hannah Tour Dates:

May 15 - 18 - The Great Escape: Brighton (UK)
August 30 - End of the Road: Dorset (UK)
September 5 - Lido: Berlin (DE)
September 9 - Paradiso: Amsterdam (NL)
September 12 - La Maroquinerie: Paris (FR)
September 13 - AB Club: Brussels (BE)
September 25 - Rich Mix: London (UK)

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