The Black Swan Effect

At the heart of The Black Swan Effect is the songwriting duo, Dominic and Gareth. Take two musicians. 15 years ago they collaborate. Then their lives diverge.

While Dom formed a band, travelled the world, had top 40 singles, a double platinum UK number 1 album and played the main stages at Glastonbury, Reading and V, in stark contrast Gareth put the dream to one side and stepped away from music.

15 years after their first musical collaboration and after a chance meeting in 2009 the two vowed to work together again. Then Dom’s wife (critically acclaimed filmmaker, Heidi Greensmith) asked them to write the soundtrack to her latest documentary Rock Star, giving them an ideal opportunity to start work.

Initial sessions went well and an early demo found its way into Peter Gabriel’s hands, who immediately signed them up to Real World Records. All this before the band hand played a note live.

Recording sessions followed at Real World Studios in Box, Wiltshire where it became apparent that there was an album – Admission, released in 2010 – lurking in there too.

In 2012, whilst remaining friends, the band decided go their separate ways to pursue their own musical and artistic directions.

The Black Swan Effect were: Gareth Hale: Vocals and Guitar, Dominic Greensmith: Drums, Jesse Wood: Bass, Kenwyn House: Guitar

Further reading

The Blind Boys of Alabama to receive Lifetime Achievement Award from Americana Music Association

The cermony takes place on 18 September at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.

Real World Records to release ‘lost album’ by the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Discovered in the label's archives, the album captures the singer at the height of his vocal powers.

10 years of resistance: Les Amazones d’Afrique’s fight continues on Musow Danse

Righteous anger has never felt so warm and convincing. Or so goddam danceable.

Exploring Colombian artist Savan’s music inspired by Yagé medicine ceremonies

The new Real World X release is an eight-track aural journey to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.