Winspear has signed Swapmeet, an Australian indie band from Adelaide, as its first act outside the United States. The four-piece group joins the Los Angeles-based label ahead of their debut at SXSW in March. This move follows their recent touring deal with Ground Control Touring and multiple awards.
Swapmeet, a four-piece band hailing from Adelaide, Australia, has been signed by Winspear, marking the label's first acquisition beyond the U.S., according to an exclusive report. The band, consisting of Venus O’Broin on guitar and vocals, Joshua Doherty on bass, Maxwell Elphick on guitar, drums, and vocals, and Jack Medlyn on guitar, drums, and vocals, formed in the early 2020s as teenagers united by their affinity for 1990s alternative music, including influences like Pavement and Sonic Youth.
The group's rise gained momentum at the BIGSOUND summit in 2023, where they caught attention in the indie scene. They have since supported artists such as Suki Waterhouse and The Murder Capital, and performed alongside acts including dust, Floodlights, West Thebarton, The Belair Lip Bombs, Twine, dogworld, Juice Webster, Egoism, and doris. Their debut single arrived in late 2023, followed by the EP Oxalis in mid-2024. Oxalis earned wins for best release and best song, specifically the track “Ceiling Fan,” at the SA Music Awards, bolstered by strong community radio support.
In 2025, Swapmeet received the Justin Cosby Music Prize for best emerging artist at SXSW Sydney, praised by judges for their “raw, experimental and energetic sound with a punk spirit.” Claire Collins, former head of music at SXSW Sydney, noted: “Since we announced Swapmeet on the lineup, the band attracted a significant amount of industry interest thanks to their quality songwriting and cohesive production. Throughout the week, they backed up the buzz with a compelling show, producing gorgeous indie anthems punctuated by a punk spirit. We can’t wait to see what they do next.”
Winspear founder Jared Jones expressed enthusiasm in a statement: “We’re thrilled to welcome Australia’s Swapmeet to the Winspear roster as our first signing outside the U.S. From the first spin, it was clear the band has a distinct voice and is fearless in their creative instincts. Their songs balance emotional weight with an undeniable sense of play — and they certainly know how to end a song with a bang in a way that has you reaching for the replay button.” The label, based in Los Angeles with roots in Indiana, already features artists like Wishy, Slow Pulp, and Day Dreaming Winter. Swapmeet is set to perform on March 13 at Valhalla in Austin, Texas, as part of The Planetary Group’s showcase alongside Wilby, Cashier, Grrrl Gang, Radium Dolls, and Haters.