Beautiful Swimmers blends soul music into a mix of influences from around the globe. For years they have been serving up the very best from their stockpiles of vinyl, but have more recently been focusing more on making their own music. Home to Maryland, the two piece gets down with the DC crowd on the reg, having mixed tunes on the U Street Music Hall dance floor multiple times since the club’s opening in 2010.
On 4/20 you can catch Beautiful Swimmers at U Hall again, opening for Blisspop and Red Fridays presents Tiger & Woods alongside Tim Sweeney, host of WNYU radio show “Beats in Space.” Prepare yourself for their set with the following listening tips. Expect fast drumbeats to intro, dive into their edits which hail from their insane, worldly collection of vinyl, and wrap yourself into the universal sound groove that they are still innovating.
Blisspop sat down for a quick chat with Ari, 1/2 of Swimmers, ahead of the party this Friday to chat vinyl hunting, playing U Hall and their summer plans…
I understand you first started producing electronic music after playing in punk and hardcore bands. What made you convert?
I wouldn’t really say we converted. Pretty sure the last record Andrew bought was an Inside Out 7″! Both of us have been into electronic music since we were fairly young. At a certain point it seemed natural moving into this zone of production.
You’ve played U Street Music Hall a number of times since it’s opening in 2010, through both your record label’s resident party, The Whale, and as yourselves. What’s do you like most about playing the venue?
There’s lots to love about U Hall! Being a DJ, I really enjoy playing on the great sound-system. The club is very comfortable with lots of room to dance, and everyone involved with the venue is friendly. It was an honor to play there on opening night and has been a nice home for our party, The Whale.
What are some of your favorite DC vinyl shops to go vinyl hunting?
DC is a great place to dig! One of the best! My favorite spots are flea markets and random thrift stores. But there are some wonderful shops in the DC area too. Som Records on 14th Street is a great spot, I always find something nice when I go there. Joe’s Record Paradise is the store I grew up on when it was in Rockville. Found lots of killers there! It’s now in Silver Spring but still has tons of crazy records.
What should the audience expect at your show at your show at U Hall in April?
The usual irresistible mix of funky music for elevated minds. Strictly for the freaks! And  all the freaks.
What is on the agenda for Beautiful Swimmers this summer?
This July we’ll be going to Europe for some DJ gigs. Always nice to get out of DC in the middle of the summer. First we have to finish these tracks for our next record.