Swimming With Bears – ‘Keep Smiling’

Swimming With Bears call their sound, “pop’n’roll” a high energy vibe infused with a Motown flavour. Their new single, ‘Keep Smiling’, reflects the struggle to stay positive when all those around you seem to lack consideration and kindness.



An uptempo song, it’s matched with a music video which perfectly illustrates the struggle examined in the lyrics. A waitress keeps her cheery disposition despite the rudeness at the tables she waits on, from customers who are determined to take all their frustration out on her. She dances in between each customer, not letting anyone get to her and bring her down. The cinematography is spot on, and the location is retro-tinged, both of which make for the perfect accompaniment to the song, with its sunny hooks and bright and breezy guitar riffs keeping our spirits high.

Comprising Joe Perry on lead vocals and bass, Alec Conte (lead guitar), Jonny boy Kerr  playing rhythm guitar, and Ryan Hannasch on drums, Swimming With Bears was formed in Austin, Texas, and in the past have opened for Weezer and Panic! At the Disco. This year they signed with Cinematic Music Group / Bear Creek Records and immediately headed into the studio with producer Ryan Haddock (The Lumineers, Vance Joy) to capture something new. Their self-titled EP was released on September 13, and opens up a new chapter for Swimming With Bears, who have spent the past few years shaping their sound.

Find Swimming With Bears online on their official website. Watch the music video for ‘Keep Smiling’ here:

Swimming With Bears - Keep Smiling

About the author

Lisa has been writing for over 20 years, starting as the entertainment editor on her university newspaper. Since then she's written for Popwrapped, Maximum Pop, Celebmix, and ListenOnRepeat.

Lisa loves all good music, with particular fondness for Jedward and David Bowie. She's interviewed Edward Grimes (Jedward), Kevin Godley, Trevor Horn, Paul Young, Peter Cox (Go West), Brendan B Brown (Wheatus), Bruce Foxton (The Jam), among many many more. Lisa is also available for freelance writing - please email lisa@essentiallypop.com