John Craigie Details New Album ‘I Swam Here’ & Shares ‘Fire Season’ Single

John Craigie will release his 10th album, I Swam Here on February 6 through his Zabriskie Point Records. The Portland-based singer-songwriter previewed the record with the lead single, “Fire Season.”

Craigie’s last album, 2024’s Pagan Church was recorded with TK & The Holy Know-Nothings. Fire Season was mostly tracked in January in New Orleans. Craigie was backed by a band compiled by The Deslondes guitarist Sam Doores, who recruited his The Deslondes bandmate, drummer Howe Pearson, as well as bassist Max Bien Khan, guitarist/vocalist Desiree Cannon and Lost Bayou Ramblers pedal steel guitarist Jonny Campo. Craigie’s longtime collaborator Anna Moss was another substantial contributor.

Three songs were recorded in Astoria, Oregon, with engineer Bart Budwig at The Rope Room. Craigie was joined by drummer Cooper Trail and bassist Nevada Sowle, who appeared on Craigie’s 2022 album, Mermaid Salt. Bassist Luke Ydstie and pedal steel guitarist Jamie Greenan were also part of The Rope Room sessions.

Craigie will spend the coming months on tour, including a run of 2026 shows supporting I Swam Here. Stream the record’s lead single, “Fire Season,” below:

I Swam Here Tracklist

1. Mermaid Weather
2. Fire Season
3. Follow Your Whispers
4. Edna Strange
5. Dry Land
6. Call Me a Bullet
7. Claws
8. Mama I Should Call
9. I Remember Nothing
10. Don’t Let Me Run Away