artist The Swallows

Glenn Milchem cut his teeth playing drums with numerous bands based around Toronto's Queen Street scene from the early 80's to the early 90's. In December '91 Glenn was asked to join Blue Rodeo. Glenn has remained a member for 14 years. In the meantime he's continued to play with other bands, including Starvin' Hungry, Holy Fuck, Luke Doucet and many others. Throughout Glenn's career as a drummer he wrote his own songs on guitar, planning to start a project of his own one day. The CD was eventually completed and released as "Turning Blue" in 1999. Between the record's completion and release, Glenn put together the original line-up of the Swallows, with Glenn on guitar and vocals, John Borra on bass and vocals, Randy Curnew on drums, and Clive MacNutt on guitar. The Swallows returned to Chemical Sound in 2001, this time as a band, and with co-producer Ian Blurton along for the ride. The resulting record was a big step forward. Titled "The Beauty of Our Surroundings," it was released in 2002. Original guitarist Clive MacNutt left the Swallows in 2002 to be replaced by current guitarist Jonny James, causing the bands sound to evolve again, becoming tighter and punchier. After a year and a half of gigging, the band commenced making their 3rd album at Blue Rodeo's Woodshed Studio's in early 2004. The record was completed in 2005, and represents a further stage in the bands evolution.