Budapest-based electronic-pop duo Swim Swim Naked are making waves with their bold aesthetics, playful experimentation, and a sound that splashes somewhere between melodic pop and leftfield electronica. Founded in 2024 by singer Krisztina Nagy and producer Dani Makkay, the pair are as visually striking as they are sonically adventurous, taking the stage in bold jumpsuits and surrounding themselves with a tangle of colorful cables that mirror the vibrant world of their music.
Their project thrives on contrast: catchy, melodic hooks wrapped in experimental rhythms, unexpected textures, and a unique palette of sounds that range from splashing water to ambient city noise. It’s pop, but with a twist—inviting listeners to dive into something more immersive, tactile, and imaginative.
Swim Swim Naked first introduced audiences to their aquatic universe with their debut EP Octopus in February 2024. True to its title, Octopus invited listeners on a shared “swim,” moving from the first playful splash into deeper emotional waters. At its core, the project champions freedom, creativity, and open-minded thinking—values that continue to shape their evolving sound and visual identity.
Their latest chapter, Sepiida, is set for release in 2025 and promises to expand that world even further. The five-track EP is complemented by four shorter interludes, creating a fluid listening experience that feels more like a journey than a simple collection of songs. While some tracks have already appeared as singles, Sepiida also introduces brand-new material that showcases the duo’s growth and willingness to experiment.
The title is a deliberate choice: “Sepiida” is Latin for “cuttlefish,” a creature known for its shifting colors and adaptability. It’s an apt metaphor for the record’s tonal and emotional diversity. Each song captures a different mood and moment in life, moving from introspective reflections on addiction to the carefree lightness of summer, from nostalgic memories and childlike honesty to pure, liberating joy. The result is a body of work that feels both cohesive and kaleidoscopic.
Visually, Swim Swim Naked extends their creativity beyond the stage and studio. To accompany Sepiida, the duo has designed a coloring book featuring original artworks inspired by the songs. This tactile, interactive element invites fans to engage with the music in a new way—coloring their own interpretations of the EP’s themes, characters, and atmospheres.
Sonically, Sepiida is a rich blend of electronic, digital, and analog elements, layered with live vocals and an array of ambient sounds. Metro noise, church bells, the clink of keys, and other everyday textures are woven into the arrangements, adding depth and a sense of place. The EP’s creation brought together a wide circle of collaborators, both directly and indirectly, reflecting the community spirit at the heart of the project. Some tracks feature guest vocalists, further expanding the duo’s sonic palette.
Several songs from Sepiida have visual counterparts. “Cool” arrives with a music video produced by a 30-person crew, while “Apple Pie” offers a more intimate, DIY energy, created by a four-member team. The track “Hold Tight” is captured in a live performance video recorded at Sofar Sounds, highlighting the duo’s ability to translate their intricate studio sound into an engaging live experience.
Beyond Hungary, Swim Swim Naked has already begun to build an international presence. They’ve brought their vibrant, experimental sound to DIY parties in Stockholm and Copenhagen, connecting with new audiences in grassroots, underground spaces. At home, they’ve performed as part of the international Sofar Sounds project in Debrecen and have supported acclaimed acts such as Swiss band Kadebostany and Austrian duo Cari Cari.
With Sepiida, Swim Swim Naked continue to blur the boundaries between pop and experimentation, sound and image, playfulness and emotional depth. It’s an invitation not just to listen, but to dive in, explore, and maybe even color outside the lines.
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Swimswimnaked photo by Komróczki Dia
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