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Photo by Rory Dewar

Leaning into futuristic soundscapes and compelling narratives, Barry Can’t Swim’s latest single, The Person You’d Like To Be, is an exploration of self-reflection and transformation, with his production skills taking center stage. The track opens with a haunting horn-like sound, quickly followed by a female spoken word sample: “Change, there is nothing permanent except change.” This cryptic line hooks you in from the offset and creates a meditative and philosophical tone for the song, as a simple piano plays two chromatic notes, gradually setting the stage for what’s to come.

As Barry himself shares, “The Person You’d Like To Be' signals a more personal and ambiguous approach, further showcasing my skills as an ever-evolving producer.” The track builds with a rich texture, incorporating playful yet unsettling samples of a woman laughing, enhancing the surreal, almost dream-like atmosphere. These sounds float through the track, adding a layer of mystery that contrasts beautifully with the more grounded spoken samples that follow.

The track’s mood shifts when a Scottish man’s voice enters, offering a more direct narrative. “You are an exceptional person / In some ways, you are better than everyone else,” he begins, before guiding the listener through a journey. His voice encourages the listener to imagine themselves as the person they aspire to be, with lines like, “Imagine yourself as a type of person you have dreamed of becoming.” Yet, the tone is not without a sense of unease. “You miss something, you miss something you cannot name or touch,” he says, capturing a sense of longing and unfulfilled desire. This changing nature and sense of emotional vulnerability is mirrored in the track’s shifting production, adding to the song’s immersive feel.

Driving percussion and a steady bassline push the song forward, while a robotic delay on the male vocal further emphasises the otherworldly atmosphere. The track moves in waves, building in complexity before pulling back again, creating an ever-changing environment that mirrors the theme of personal evolution. The track’s dynamic production and spoken word samples make you feel like the main character in a movie, pulling you into the story as if you’re the protagonist, demonstrating Barry’s ability to create music that resonates on a deeper level.

With his North American tour on the way and fans eagerly awaiting any new releases, Barry Can’t Swim is undoubtedly one of the most exciting artists in the electronic music landscape, leaving a lasting impact on both new and long-time listeners alike.