Born in England, Kevin Stuart Swain moved to Canada at age 3, settling in various parts of Ontario and moving to Vancouver B.C in his teenage years. Early successes include winning the Canadian Junior Stage Band Festival at 14. That spark continues to guide his career as a songwriter, producer, engineer, vocalist, guitarist, and bassist, blending heart into rock’s energy.

Swain’s rock journey began in Vancouver’s gritty scene. He played bass and co-wrote “Blonde on Blonde on Blonde” for Excerpts From Montmartre Letters with Brandon Wolf (Barney Bentall), produced by Paul Rudolf (Hawkwind) at Little Mountain Sound. He later wrote “Sandra Doesn’t Live Here” for Idle Eyes, which hit #42 on Canada’s RPM chart and was produced by Michael Beinhorn and mixed by Bob Rock and Mike Fraser. Touring with Idle Eyes brought memorable moments, like a third encore that led to a scuffle with singer Tad Campbell—now reconciled, with potential reunion tours in discussion. Swain has performed with artists like Jerry Doucette, Jim Byrnes, Terry Watkinson (Max Webster), Stonebolt, Prism, Lee Aaron, Sean Kelly (Nelly Furtado), Anthony Della Croce,(Headpins), John Webster (Aerosmith, Bon Jovi), and Roger Fisher (Heart).

In 2012, at the invitation of guitarist Frank Soda, Swain joined Jon Mikl Thor headlining Metalfest in Armstrong, B.C. He has since mixed, produced, performed on and co-written Thor’s albums, including Hammer of Justice, Christmas in Valhalla, Rising, Alliance, and Ride of the Iron Horse and Rock The Universe (released June 2025). Swain also played bass on a cover of “Thunder Island” for an upcoming heavy metal meets yacht rock album, collaborating with Thor and Steve Morse (Deep Purple, Dixie Dregs, Kansas). He produced the “Der Thunderstryker” video and “Because We Are Strong” for Alliance, featuring Lou Ferrigno. Swain’s guitar work earned praise from Rocktimes for its “beautiful, discreet solos.” He also produced Danko Jones and David Stone (Rainbow) for Thor and reworked The Kinks’ “Victoria” with Al Harlow for Thor’s Victoria 1925 merch, celebrating the Victoria Cougars’ 1925 Stanley Cup.

Swain spent seven years recording and executive producing Al Harlow’s Now (2023), playing bass and singing backups. His single “My Mind Is Running Away With You” resonated with fans for its hooks. In 2021, Stereo Saint ranked him #3 on their “Top 10 Producers to Look Out For,” praising his “authentic and artful” style.

Beyond music, Swain contributed “We Will Fight Forever” to the film Pact of Vengeance (Killerwolf Films), featuring Neil Turbin (Anthrax), and directed its video. He produced, mixed, and played on Chuck W. Chapman’s albums Burn It Down and Outcast Among Outcasts (2025), featuring with Cherie Currie (The Runaways) and Jimmy Stiff (Jackyl) on the latter, adding guitars and creative input. Since moving to Calgary in 2023, Swain continues producing and performing.

From a jazz bass kid to a rock and metal mainstay, Swain’s journey reflects a passion for blending sounds and eras, keeping music honest and dynamic.