Toronto-based, dream pop shoegaze band SWiiMS is set to release their cover of Bronski Beat’s classic 1984 anthem, ‘Smalltown Boy,’ as part of Mint 400 Records’ Neon & Hairspray, a tribute album to 1980s music. The song, originally recognised for its groundbreaking depiction of LGBTQ+ themes, is reimagined by SWiiMS with their signature ethereal sound.
In discussing the significance of ‘Smalltown Boy,’ band member Colin Thompson shared how the song personally resonated with him during his high school years. As he transitioned from city life to an unfamiliar suburban environment, Colin found solace in music that spoke to feelings of isolation and the desire for acceptance. For him, the 1980s, through bands like The Smiths and The Cure, offered a kind of refuge, and ‘Smalltown Boy’ in particular provided a comforting sense of understanding.
“Even before I recognised the cultural significance of ‘Smalltown Boy’s message, it made me feel like others understood what it was to feel isolated and unseen,” Colin says.
SWiiMS’ vocalist, Mai Diaz Langou, also emphasised the deeply personal connection she feels with the song. For her, ‘Smalltown Boy’ is a powerful reflection of the struggles many face when coming out. Describing her own journey, which started when she was ten and continued into her late twenties, Mai explained how being a queer teenager felt overwhelming and alienating.
“How do you not feel trapped when society wants you to fit into a mold?” she asked, expressing how difficult it is to navigate the pressure to conform while discovering and accepting one’s true self. She added that music became one of the few ways to escape and find solace during this time, a sentiment shared by many in the LGBTQ+ community.
SWiiMS rarely records covers, but this track stands out as an exception due to its personal significance for the band. Their version of ‘Smalltown Boy’ honours the original’s message of resilience and bravery, while also infusing it with their dreamy, reverb-soaked sound. As they continue to evolve, SWiiMS remains committed to using music to share powerful narratives of identity, love, and acceptance.
Fans of both the band and the LGBTQ+ community are sure to connect with this tribute, a poignant reminder of the strength it takes to live authentically.
The Neon & Hairspray compilation, featuring a whopping 33 tracks that encapsulate the magic of the 1980s, spans genres from new wave to post-punk, and synth-pop to hair metal. It will be available on all major streaming platforms 25th October.
