Earlier this year, The Swon Brothers released their deeply personal acoustic EP, Imagine Cabin Sessions, showcasing their signature harmonies and musicianship. I sat down with them at CRS in Nashville to discuss the EP and their focus track “By Now.”
The project, self-produced by the brothers, is a departure from the more heavily produced sounds of their previous work, allowing their raw talent to take center stage. Recorded at MercyMe’s cabin studio, the EP features the emotional focus track “By Now,” inspired by the loss of a childhood friend, offering a glimpse into the brothers’ personal lives during a difficult time.
As musicians who have made their mark on The Voice and worked with country superstar Blake Shelton, the Swon Brothers have a reputation for their powerful performances and solid industry recognition. Known for their acoustic shows and intimate live segments, Zach and Colton Swon wanted to capture the same authenticity and rawness in this project that they deliver to their fans in person.
“We had already talked about doing something less produced. As musicians, you want a change,” Zach explained. “Most of the time, when we do a record, we’ll sing tons of harmony parts with a huge band, which is great, but you do it so many times, you just get like, ‘Let’s try something new.’”
True to their vision, each song on Imagine Cabin Sessions is original, with no re-recordings of old material. The brothers have always made a point to evolve their sound, and this EP marks a return to the basics. Their friendship with MercyMe’s lead singer, who invited them to write and record in his studio, was a perfect fit for the project.
“It’s probably one of our favorite projects we’ve done,” Colton shared, reflecting on the experience. The vibe of that studio was so fitting for an acoustic record and it just made sense.
The Swon Brothers took an unconventional approach during the recording process, opting to sing together in one take, a departure from the typical method of recording vocals separately and stitching them together in production. This raw, live format lent an authenticity to the EP that has resonated with fans and listeners alike.
“There’s something cool about just capturing—this is us, singing a song,” Zach said. The brothers went on to explain how they had experienced a more grueling recording process in the past, where every line of a song had to be re-recorded over and over. The simplicity and honesty of Imagine Cabin Sessions made the experience refreshing and deeply personal.
A standout track from the EP is the emotionally charged “By Now.” Written in memory of a close family friend who passed away during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the song serves as a therapeutic way for the brothers to process their grief. While the track is heavy with emotion, it’s also a testament to the healing power of music.
Zach reflected on what their late friend would think of the song, saying that she would probably be embarrassed because she was a very shy person who didn’t like the spotlight.
“But I think she would like it enough to pick up a guitar and play with us,” Colton added.
The brothers also touched on the broader impact of music during these challenging times. “It’s just something real and honest,” Zach added, emphasizing the shift in the industry towards more under-produced, authentic sounds.
As they continue to work on new music, the Swon Brothers are eager to share what’s next. Their upcoming songs, including a country version of a worship track called “Pour My Oil,” reflect their diverse musical interests and roots. With no official release date for their next project yet, fans are eagerly awaiting more from these country music stalwarts.
“We’re writing some very country songs,” Zach teased, offering a glimpse of what’s to come.
Through it all, the Swon Brothers maintain a strong sense of family. Despite the challenges that come with working together as brothers and business partners, they’ve developed a solid rule: if they’re not both in love with a song, it’s out.
“Our brotherhood comes before business,” Colton said, offering insight into their working dynamic. He also explained that sometimes they have to convince each other to go in a particular direction creatively, but they always have each other’s backs.”
Their deep bond and shared vision have kept them on the same page, both musically and personally. With each new project, the Swon Brothers prove that when it comes to country music, their brotherly harmony is truly unmatched.
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For more information on The Swon Brothers, visit https://www.swonbrothers.com/
