Episode 201: Dayton Swim Club

Episode 201 features an interview with Nick Flessa of Dayton Swim Club. The Los Angeles-based band, which is the project of Flessa, guitarist Mario Luna, and vocalist Dominique Matelson, released their debut EP Hangman in September. Drawing on themes of suburban American discontent and what Flessa describes as the “American Death Cult,” the seven songs on Hangman are devastatingly eerie and rich with dark synth textures. His lyrics tell stories of the seedier side of Americana, touching on the sinister inclinations of seemingly everyday people. Tune in to to the interview to hear how Flessa found inspiration for these songs while living next to a golf course in Palm Springs during quarantine, how Dayton Swim Club evolved into a more collaborative project, what it was like meeting John Doe of Los Angeles punk legends X, and more. Flessa also shared a bit of background about his work with Jerome Henderson, a death row inmate in Ohio that he’s corresponded with extensively.  Plus, Flessa picked some awesome records, including some great ones from Pylon, John Cale, and Mary Lattimore. You can follow along with his picks via the official playlist for Episode 201. Hangman is out now via Perpetual Doom. You can purchase it on limited edition cassette via Bandcamp. The album is also available to stream on Spotify. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram. Don’t miss Dayton Swim Club performing live on December 10th with Thief and Agriculture at The Goldfish in Los Angeles!