Susannah Melvoin Shares Story Behind “Swim” and Her 1997 Sessions with William Orbit

In a reflective Instagram post, Susannah Melvoin opened up about her 1997 recording sessions in London with legendary producer William Orbit — sessions that would ultimately shape two major albums by other artists.

Melvoin revealed that tracks from these sessions, including the song “Swim” (which exists in two parts: Swim Part A and Swim Part B), were originally intended for her own solo record. However, Orbit played the material to Madonna, who selected several songs for her groundbreaking 1998 album Ray of Light. Around the same time, the UK group All Saints also recorded material from these sessions.

“I went to London and recorded songs with William Orbit. These songs ended up on Madonna’s Ray of Light record and within a year in the UK, a band named All Saints. This particular track Swim I hoped was going to be for my solo record... But alas, Madonna called him... The rest is history.”

Susannah added that the full track “Swim” can be found on YouTube for those interested in hearing the complete version.

A bittersweet footnote in the rich history of late-90s pop, highlighting how one set of sessions contributed to multiple iconic releases while Melvoin’s own solo project took a different path.

Original Source: Susannah Melvoin’s Instagram Post