Lindsay, Ontario indie rockers The Strumbellas performed on the opening day of the Rock The Runway music festival in London on Friday, September 12, 2025.
Photographers Sofia Jardine and Kevin Metcalfe were in the pit to cover the performance for SWOMP.
Sofia Jardine Photos
Kevin Metcalfe Photos
Prior to their set this summer at the Revelree Music Festival in Sarnia, Ontario, Jon Hembrey (guitar) and Isabel Ritchie (violin) caught up with SWOMP backstage for an interview.
Ever since forming in 2008 and releasing their debut album, 2012’s My Father and the Hunter, two-time JUNO award-winning alternative group The Strumbellas have steadily released follow-ups containing every ounce of stomping, hand-clapping, alt-country gusto, from 2013’s We Still Move on Dance Floors to 2016’s Hope to 2019’s Rattlesnake.
Now with Jimmy Chauveau on board as lead vocalist, The Strumbellas continue their long-standing tradition of blending anthemic, brightly coloured compositions with yearning, contemplative lyrics.
“I think people often feel like things are escaping them, or they’re trying to grab on to something —happiness, gratitude, professional or personal goals —and for some reason, they just can’t get there,” says David Ritter, who handles piano, organ, percussion, and vocals. “Even if they get the thing they want, it doesn’t feel the way they thought it would.”
Follow the band at https://thestrumbellas.ca/.