Barry Can’t Swim, but he sure knows how to throw a party

Photography by Melody Bucchino 

Spending the night at History with Barry Can’t Swim

Spring in Toronto arrived late, but on April 23, History bloomed with the warm, beating pulse of House music, thanks to Barry Can’t Swim. It was vivid, immersive, and honestly, pretty unforgettable. From the moment I stepped into the GA pit, the energy was unlike anything I’d ever experienced on a weeknight outing—a spontaneous swirl of rhythm and connection. 

Right before the show, Barry posted a photo of poutine alongside his set times, excitedly declaring it his first Canadian performance (though fans quickly pointed out he actually played Montreal last year. But hey, cut the guy some slack... he's Scottish, after all!) 

Screenshot from @barrycantswim Instagram Story

History has become a new staple for concerts in Toronto, and I loved it. It felt like a big open dome, with a bar at the back and a slightly sunken pit for general admission. The space was roomy enough that it didn’t feel crowded, and the energy in the room was already buzzing before Barry even came on. The crowd was mostly young professionals, cosplaying as their weekend selves—cute going-out tops, unbuttoned button-ups, silver raver sunnies, the whole vibe.

When I asked people how they were feeling about the night, one excited fan said, “I’m a long-time fan and have never seen him live, this is everything.” Another said, “It’s like we’re in Barry’s office. This night feels spontaneous.” It was midweek, which made it all the more electric, breaking up the monotony of the workweek with lights, music, and connection.

Glowing concert-goers in the pit

Barry’s sound is House with an undeniable Afrobeat influence. It created this chill-meets-dance energy that felt euphoric, like a slow build into something you didn’t know you needed.

The sound journey was incredible; crisp highs and a system that made you feel every beat. Barry really got the audience to open their hearts and drop their guard. The crowd felt safe and not pushy at all, which was refreshing for a DJ set. The lights and visuals matched the mood of the music perfectly, reflecting the soul and colour of each track.

The set had a strong jazz influence, full of extended beats, improvised outros, and sweeping overtures that made it hard to tell what was planned and what was pure instinct as it had a natural flow to it. And of course, Kimbara was an absolute powerhouse. Dropped early in the night, it became one of the most explosive moments of the show.

Barry was magnetic. He brought this lightness and real sense of human connection to the set. It didn’t feel like people were just listening to music—it felt like they were tuned into the signals he was sending out. Every movement he made felt intentional. With a deck set up like a three-sided square, he moved around with ease, dancing, playing instruments, feeding off the crowd’s energy. He was humble and focused. 

Strobing lights and frenzied fans

His track Different shifted the energy, hitting with that glitchy, fragmented techno sound—like something straight out of a Fred again.. track. The crowd instantly locked in, surging into a frenzy of fast-BPM movement.

Then came a standout moment. The visuals dimmed to a quiet backdrop, and Barry stepped into the spotlight like he was chatting with an old friend at a coffee shop. He introduced somedeadbeat with a long preamble of their creative connection: the story of a poem that led into their collaboration, Deadbeat Gospel. It was a beautiful fusion of house and spoken word, touching on spirituality and interconnectedness. It made the crowd pause and feel.

Sunsleep as his encore was ethereally beautiful. At this point, another keyboardist came on stage for a song and she absolutely crushed it. Her energy was vibrant, experimental, and full of joy. It had the entire crowd either dancing or hoisted onto the shoulders of their besties, just as Barry had requested. The joy throughout the venue was palpable and reflected the emotional energy of the entire show.

Gorgeous gal sporting a “No Photos Please” t-shirt

The visuals were a highlight. Constant motion, colour, and light. Animated piano keys danced across the screen, kaleidoscopes swirled, human-like figures morphed into shimmering auras. It was like watching sound come to life. He really had a psychedelic storybook quality to it. The whole night felt uplifting and euphoric. The experience captured what House music is all about: connecting people through movement and waves of sound, like water rippling across the ocean surface, slow and rushing all at once.

Quick culture pulse? The spirit of house is alive and thriving. People are craving connection and music that feels like community. Barry’s set was a reminder that House music isn’t just about the beat but about togetherness, release, and moments that remind us to feel alive. From the glowing visuals to the layered sounds that felt like conversations between instruments, every part of the performance was crafted with intention and soul.

Barry Can’t Swim is clearly carving his own space in the House scene, one rooted in joy, sincerity, and human connection. And if this show was any sign of what’s next, he’s not just going places, he’s taking us all with him. The future of House is bright, and it's happening now.