Swimsuit Addition

Members:

Jen Dot - guitar, vocals

Sam Westerling - bass, vocals

Becca Nisbet - guitar, vocals

Witchy beach brats, Swimsuit Addition, was a dynamic, riotous Chicago punk band that formed in 2011 and disbanded in 2016. The band was known for its authenticity, strong songwriting, and unruly live performances. Led by fierce, queer women at a time when it wasn’t “cool” to be queer, the group significantly impacted the city’s underground music scene, stirring up trouble, challenging complacent audiences, captivating true fans, and inspiring slews of local bands.

Following in the footsteps of their punk predecessors and embracing the spirit of the riot grrrl movement, Swimsuit Addition’s live shows were ferocious and vibrant celebrations, invigorating audiences. In both live and studio recordings, the energy fluctuates from intense shredding and screaming to soft, seductive, and somber tones. Expanding beyond the confines of “punk,” Swimsuit Addition’s mutant pop music references the rock canon while forging a signature sound, incorporating hints of post-punk, Brit pop, and indie rock sensibilities.

The band’s first EP, Kittyhawk (2011), recorded as a three-piece led by Jen Larson (beastii and Jen & the Dots) and Sam Westerling (Bev Rage & the Drinks), earned them praise from music writers in the city, whose coverage got the attention of bookers and talent buyers. They were regulars on the Chicago circuit in their first few years, playing large venues like the Metro and Empty Bottle, dive bars, and the dark, dusty basements in the DIY scene. In 2012, Becca Nisbet (Baby Magic) joined, enriching their sound with textured guitar harmonies and righteous solos. Over the years, they recorded with different drummers, including Susan Volbrecht, Sarah Chmielewski, and Michael Sunnycide.

The band recorded singles with friends around the city and then released their only LP, Wretched Pinups (Berserk Records, 1980 Records) on vinyl in 2014. They toured the Midwest and East Coast, opening for acts like the Coathangers, Melt Banana, Davilla 666, Big Freedia, and Tacocat. In 2016, they released the Killin’ Time EP (Tall Pat) in anticipation of their second full-length record, which ultimately never came to fruition due to their breakup. Fortunately, their final LP– remixed, mastered, and now titled Don’t Tell Me to Smile – was recorded and quietly stored in the vault for nearly ten years. Its energy and messaging could not be more relevant today.

Press

“Some apocryphal-Halloween-scare-story bubblegum that's full of broken glass and will fuck your shit up if you aren't careful." - Miles Raymer, Chicago Reader

“If you haven’t given Swimsuit Addition’s Wretched Pinups a listen, you’re missing out on one of the best albums of the year. When I say that, I’m not speaking purely from the confines of the Chicago music scene but the entirety of music released this year. For fans of Riot Grrl, grunge, alternative, and well, mostly anyone who grew up in the ’90s.” - Dan Jarvis, Midwest Action

“Chicago rockers Swimsuit Addition are one of those bands where as soon as you listen there’s an instant connection. That’s especially the case with “Killin’ Time,” the new seven-inch EP from the group. Spanning four tracks of well-thought out pop songwriting paired with brash and raucous guitar work, the whole thing is a winning cocktail of great music.” - Josh Terry, Chicago Tribune

For interviews, contact: disappearing.editors@gmail.com

Releasing "Don’t Tell Me to Smile" is More Relevant Than Ever

Swimsuit Addition made an indelible mark as a fearless, female-forward Chicago punk band that brought raw energy and authentic songwriting to the underground scene from 2011 to 2016. Led by guitarist Jen Larson—who wrote the book “Hit Girls” about female punk pioneers—the band was known for its explosive live shows and genre-blending sound, mixing American and British punk and pop influences. They opened for acts like Melt Banana, Tacocat, and Big Freedia, sharing stages with intriguing musicians.

This timeless album, “Don’t Tell Me to Smile,” recorded nearly a decade ago, is packed with songs driven by inventive musicianship and relentless energy. It captures the spirit of underground punk—urgent, honest, and still highly relevant today. In an era where gender expression faces increasing suppression and societal pressure to conform, this record’s unapologetic authenticity and rebellious attitude serve as a vital reminder of the importance of free expression and individuality.

Releasing this album isn’t just about honoring a boundary-pushing band; it’s a timely statement that punk’s enduring rebel spirit, advocacy for authenticity, and celebration of difference remain essential. It’s a call to embrace voices that challenge the status quo—more vital than ever in today’s cultural landscape.

-Kate Fagan

Photos by Kaleigh Carr.

Artwork by Jen Dot. Layout by Jackie Weinberg.