Edinburgh-born, London-based producer Barry Can’t Swim – aka Joshua Mainnie – has had quite the year. From a string of coveted slots on festival bills across the globe to the release of his sophomore record Loner, Mainnie’s presence in electronic music continues to elevate and evolve. Best known for his eclectic sound fusing progressive jazz with deep house and live sets backed by brass bands in a nod to his classical musical upbringing, his style has been fine-tuned across a string of EPs, LPs and collaborations with the likes of O’Flynn, Laurence Guy and Shygirl.

At the end of last month, he closed out festival season with a sold-out headline All Points East show in Victoria Park. Joined by acts such as Confidence Man, Shygirl and Interplanetary Criminal, the gig marked his first major festival headline slot. Carrying on the night with an Amex After Party at Hackney Wick’s Colour Factory, we caught up with the musician to chat about his live show setup and dream festival headliners.

Ella Joyce: Talk us through your headline All Points East set? How would you describe your live show to someone who’s never seen you live before?
Joshua Mainnie: I’d say my set’s got a bit of everything. It’s dance music, but it moves through to darker, clubby moments, and then to brighter, more emotive songs and euphoric moments. Plus a live band with brass and strings.

EJ: When you weren’t performing, who else did you see on the line-up?
JM: Ah, there were so many of my mates and amazing artists performing there this year that I would’ve loved to have seen, but sadly I didn’t manage to catch all the sets. But big shoutouts to my bro Salute, who put on their incredible True Vision show, Confidence Man smashed it on the main stage, and ATRIP had a belter.

EJ: If you could curate your dream festival line-up, who would be the top three names on the bill?
JM: Daft Punk, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd.

EJ: What are your festival essentials?
JM: I think the most vital festival essentials for me have to be sun cream and a spare pair of socks.

EJ: How was your Amex Afters set?
JM: Performing at Amex Afters straight after my All Points East headline set was good fun, always find it interesting to see how people’s legs are still holding up at a festival afterparty, but the crowd were right up for it.

EJ: What does the rest of 2025 have in store for you?*
JM: Well, I’ve just put out my album, so I have a little break in touring. I’ll probably get really bored and start writing something new. And watch Grealish win the Ballon d’Or.

Check out Barry Can’t Swim on Instagram here. Barry Can’t Swim headlined American Express presents Amex Afters – the official after party of All Points East 2025.