our story


Established in 2015, Swirl Records is an independent record label based on Kaurna Land/Adelaide. The concept of Swirl Records originated when Tom Matheson and Angus Clarke sought to create a platform for their respective bands, Goon Wizarrd and Siamese, at the naive age of 18. The first house show took place in 2015, and since then, the label has developed a cult following with its extensive catalogue of releases and annual festival, Swirl Fest, now in its seventh year.

At the heart of Swirl Records' ethos lies a commitment to artist empowerment. As an independent label, we prioritize creating a supportive and inclusive platform for musicians, foregoing excessive profits in favor of fostering a community where music can be freely shared and celebrated.

Since its inception in 2016, Swirl Fest has successfully organized six editions at various locations throughout Adelaide's CBD. Hosting notable national acts like Good Morning, Mess Esque, & Body Type, the festival has also seen a number of rising talents such as The Empty Threats, Jess Johns, Dead Roo, Ricky Albeck, Nuclear Family, and Swap Meet (fka Sour Sob) play the festival.

people of swirl

max levy - editorial wiz

photo by Rory Biddell

Maximilian (Max) Levy is a writer, poet, curator, and reviewer living and working on the unceded lands of the Kaurna People in Adelaide, South Australia. Born in England but predominantly influenced by American, French, and German writers, Max has recently specialised in music journalism, profiles, and reviewing, however his work also spans across a plethora of other mediums, including short fiction, poetry, and essay-writing. He’s had work published in The Note magazine, and is currently working on a book about his poetry event Folk ‘N Words, which he founded and curates. 

In early 2024, Max established his Substack publication ‘The Infinite Rise’, publishing articles and interviews covering artists and activists of various mediums from around Australia. Through those compositions, he was approached by numerous South Australian and interstate bands to write articles for their musical releases. He has also composed extensive profiles on South Australian activists and their endeavours surrounding environmental conservation. Through his Substack articles, Max has attracted the attention from artists across Australia and established himself as one of Adelaide’s most exciting young journalists. 

friends of swirl