A message from Clare Wheeler:

“I almost can’t believe I’m writing this, but after eleven wonderful years in The Swingles I have made the difficult decision to step down. Being in this group has been life-changing, and I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from my incredible and talented Swingle Family, both current and past. We’ve shared so many amazing experiences and I will miss proudly walking onstage with them night after night more than I can say. To the wonderful friends and fans I have met along the way, thank you for all your support, I will miss you too! The music isn’t over, it’s just time for me to explore the next chapter. More singing, writing and creating to do, but in a new context. I know The Swingles will continue to create beautiful music for you, and I can’t wait to hear what comes next. Thank you for everything!”

It's impossible to measure the talent, creative vision and wisdom Clare has brought to The Swingles. Over more than a decade, she's been a vital force in the development of the group. We've missed her during her maternity leave and we'll miss her even more now that she's decided to move on permanently, but we can't wait to hear whatever wonderful music she makes next. Please join us in wishing Clare all the love, luck and happiness in the world on her next adventures!

We're excited to share a new live session video of our original song Narnia.

Narnia was written by Jo, Oli and Sara for our album Deep End and is one of our favourites to perform live. It's a song about childhood, and the things you believe or take for granted. As a child, Jo read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis and was utterly devastated when she discovered that the back of her wardrobe was in fact solid, and she couldn’t walk through to the magical world beyond. When you’re a child, no dream or idea is too big or too small. Narnia is about holding onto that imagination and not letting it slip away from you.

Thanks to our Swingle Squad supporters on Patreon for making this video possible! We have lots of exciting videos planned for the next few months – to see them before anyone else and get exclusive rewards and peeks behind the scenes, head over to our Patreon page and sign up today!

We’re delighted to announce that Federica Basile will be joining The Swingles as our new soprano from the end of July. At her audition we were all blown away by Federica’s beautiful sound, vocal versatility and magnetic stage presence. We think you will be too.

Federica comes from Padova in northern Italy, making her the first ever Italian member of the group. After obtaining a degree in East Asian Studies at Cà Foscari University of Venice, she trained in musical theatre at the Accademia del musical di Castrocaro, under Fabiola Ricci. Earlier in 2018 she starred in a musical version of Dante’s The Divine Comedy. Federica currently sings with Italy’s first Abba tribute band, and with Summertime Gospel Choir in Padova.

She says: “Joining The Swingles is an incredible and totally unexpected opportunity for both my artistic and personal growth, I’m still pinching myself to make sure I’m not dreaming! I’m thrilled and just can’t wait to start.”

Please welcome Federica as we begin a new chapter together!

We’re sad to announce that our wonderful Sara has decided that the time has come for her to move on from The Swingles. She will be leaving at the end of May 2018 after nine years as the group’s high soprano, crafter-in-residence, southern belle and diva extraordinaire. Her one-in-a-billion sound, radiant stage presence, kindness and silliness will be missed more than we can express here, but we intend to make the very most of our last months touring with her.

From Sara:

“You know that feeling when you are approaching the end of a REALLY good chapter in a REALLY good book?  You almost refuse to believe it could be nearing a close even though you can feel the pages swishing by swiftly right to left. My Swingles chapter has changed my life forever in countless ways: I’ve had incredible adventures with the best of friends, travelled, laughed, cried, been scared to death, found true love even... but it’s time for a new chapter. I don’t know what’s in it but I know it will be good. I love you with all my heart, Swingles, do me proud.”

Please join us in sending Sara all the love and luck in the world for whatever comes next… starting with her birthday celebrations tomorrow!