A Swift Farewell Turn "Coming Out" Rejection Into Endearing Ballad with Powerful Single 'Homeless'

Sydney based pop punk/emo rockers A Swift Farewell have been powering through the singles leading up to the release of their debut EP Hollow Threats, set for release on June 6th.

Not only have they teamed up with Future Static's Amariah Cook for the up-tempo jam 'The Haunting' and won new fans over with the alluring 'Silence', but they're set to land on the map for the rest of us with the tear-inducing ballad, 'Homeless'.

Growing up in the LGBTQIA+ community, many of us are faced with negativity, isolation and homophobic remarks on a daily basis - sometimes from those closest to us supposedly called "family". When we look for a place for understanding and welcoming, we're often met with alienation or rejection - which is unfortunately where this song was conceived from following an unfortunate "coming out" disclosure vocalist Ryo Andi faced.

In a deeply moving post on the band's socials, Ryo pre-warned us 'Homeless' came from a place of personal struggle, which he explains:

"The song is about my personal experience of coming out and it not going well. It's about taking pride in your sexuality, dealing with the hardships that comes with it and holding onto hope that things will get better. If you know someone who is struggling, let them know they're loved and it gets better."

You might not be able to choose the family you're born in, but you get to choose those you call your family.

With that mentality, A Swift Farewell open a floodgates of feels with a piano-lead introduction which draws you in with an instant emotional connection as Ryo bares his soul, apologising for speaking his truth but stating he won't compromise in being his true self. Lyrics like 'These sticks and stones, these scars unsewn / you’ve been there by my side / but I can’t hide or compromise / to be what you’ve designed,' paint a daunting picture of being met with abuse and ridicule by someone close who refuses to accept who you really are - and are just heart-breaking as the track continues. The introduction of new soundscapes such as calm synths and upbeat drum fills create a sonic soundtrack to fill you with hope and determination to stand up against the oppressors in your life.

Doubling down on the positive reinforcement, Ryo guides the listener through a standoff in which the antagonist tries to change the person by using emotions to convince them they're wrong. Instead of backing down and accepting, the words encourage you to stand your ground.

‍'But you used your tears / To try to change me / Inflicted your fears / In a hollow threat / That I saw through'

With that line, the significance of the forthcoming EP's title is revealed as the band double down on the importance of the song's placement as a statement piece closer and hopefully one that will launch A Swift Farewell to unfathomable heights following its release, and at future shows.

Grab the tissues, you'll need them as the song comes into a final all-in instrumental climax that'll have you wiping the tears that flow.

We asked Ryo to shed more light on the conception of 'Homeless' and the circumstance it stemmed from - to which he was more than willing to open up about - in the hope it would encourage others to be their true selves.

I still remember the day that I came out, and the reaction that came from it. Words were said and really, it still haunts me to this day.

I didn’t speak to the person I came out to for a while, and during that time, I questioned everything about myself after the words that were thrown at me. But I knew deep inside they were wrong, and that I am not ‘sick,’ that I am who I am supposed to be. However, I wasn’t able to get rid of this heavy feeling off my chest.

I had quite negative thoughts spiralling through my head, and although I had days that were good, those negative thoughts were always louder than they should’ve been.

I don’t recall the day it happened, but I just finished working a 12-hour overnight shift, and as soon as I got home I had a strong urge to grab my midi keyboard and write, like I had to simply put my feelings into a song, to express my thoughts. I was struggling to process my thoughts and feelings, and this was the only way I knew how to process it all. The song all came out in about 30 mins, and not much has changed from the demo to the final version. I would like to thank my band and our producer for helping me bring it to life. I remember as soon as my housemate came home, I showed it to her straight away and the whole experience was so cathartic. Like a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders. At the end of my performance, she hugged me and told me things will get better, and that how I am moving forward is going to be my honest and true self.

From that point on, I knew I needed this song to come out, to help anyone who had the unfortunate experience of having a negative coming out - no matter what stage in life they are in.

I thought, if I had a song like this when I came out - a song to help resonate with my experience - it would have helped me cope with everything. Seeing how I am now (a LOT better), I am happier because I no longer need to live in a shadow or hide behind a facade.

I can definitely say I have seen the impact of this song in real time. We’ve only played it on rare occasions, and when we do I have fellow members of the LGBTQIA+ community come to me and thank me for sharing my story and being a voice, or share how they resonated to the song as they had similar experiences.

That’s all I want from this song, to help others to be proud of how courageous they were in taking that step.

There's this strange stigma surrounding "coming out" which affects many different people in all walks and ages of life, but just know, you can do it in your own time, when YOU are ready to take the leap. And from proven experience we can all assure you, there'll be plenty of friends and chosen family on the other side ready to welcome you with open arms.

It's not very often a song like this comes about, and it's safe to say A Swift Farewell were saving the best single for last... either way, it's a poignant reminder that even grassroots and upcoming bands can write powerful anthems that deserve to share the spotlight alongside the greats of the scene.

Hollow Threats, set for release on June 6th. Pre-save it here

Words by Paul 'Browny' Brown @brownypaul