Selwyn Birchwood fuses deep blues, psychedelic-tinged rock, funk, and Southern soul, proving why Rolling Stone called him “a remarkable, contemporary bluesman… a powerhouse.”
Rolling Stone once called Selwyn Birchwood “a remarkable, contemporary bluesman… a powerhouse young guitarist and soulful vocalist.” With Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues, he leans fully into that reputation, delivering his most focused and personal album to date.
Self-produced and recorded in Florida, Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues sharpens the sound Birchwood has been building for more than a decade. The record blends deep-rooted blues with psychedelic edge, swamp funk, Southern soul, and modern perspective, driven by a band playing with urgency and purpose. It feels grounded in tradition while firmly planted in the present.
Across ten original tracks, Birchwood balances groove and storytelling with confidence. The title track opens as a psychedelic soul sermon, while “Damaged Goods” leans into emotional honesty. “All Hail The Algorithm” and “Talking Heads” bring sharp-eyed commentary, and “Labour Of Love” reflects on the realities of parenting. From the tough slide of “What I’ve Been Accused Of” to the slow-burn romance of “Soulmate” and the firestorm energy of “Should’ve Never Gotten Out Of Bed,” the album shows his range as both writer and performer.
This marks the first Alligator Records release Birchwood has fully produced himself, giving him complete control over the sound. The result is a clear, three-dimensional mix that walks the line between raw blues and contemporary grooves, shaped by intention rather than nostalgia.
Birchwood’s path began in Orlando, where discovering the music of Jimi Hendrix led him straight to the blues. Mentored early on by Sonny Rhodes, he learned not only guitar and lap steel, but how to lead a band and connect with an audience. Those lessons continue to guide his work.
Since forming the Selwyn Birchwood Band in 2010, he has built steady momentum through acclaimed albums, major awards, and relentless touring. Live, he remains a commanding presence, roaming the stage barefoot, locking in crowds with raw energy and soul-deep vocals. Joe Bonamassa has called him one of his favorite discoveries, praise that continues to follow him from stage to stage.