Stirring duo JOHNNYSWIM releases ‘When The War Is Over’ LP ahead of performance at Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Los Angeles-based folk-pop duo JOHNNYSWIM unveiled their 5th album, When The War Is Over, on February 7th via the MR AND MRS SWIM LLC imprint. The extraordinary pair, consisting of Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano Ramirez – daughter of the legendary “Queen of Disco” Donna Summer – performed their potent track ‘Dopamine’ with US rapper/singer/actor Tobe Nwigwe on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Mere days after the release of the album. The duo have amassed over 575 million global streams across platforms and have showcased their spellbinding performances on prominent talk shows like The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Today Show, and NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, with a recent appearance on CBS Mornings. At the same time, they’re also set to perform on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on February 10th, 2025. Additionally, as part of their album tour, they will perform in London, UK, on May 20th at Scala with Yasmin Hass and on May 21st in Amsterdam, Netherlands, at Tolhuistuin.

LISTEN: JOHNNYSWIM – When The War Is Over 

Stream/Download When The War Is Over Album on Spotify – Apple Music

Renowned for their captivating and unforgettable spirit, JOHNNYSWIM has received support from the likes of Rolling Stone, The New York Times, NPR and The Huffington Post, to name a few. In their almost two-decade career, JOHNNYSWIM has worked with the likes of Malay Ho, who has produced for global superstars Lorde, Frank Ocean and Lewis Capaldi. Additionally, they’ve graced stages at festivals such as Railbird Festival, Bumbershoot, Firefly Music Festival and SunFest. 

Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, JOHNNYSWIM was formed in 2005. Abner and Amanda Sudano Ramirez met after a church service, and a few years later, their paths crossed again at a songwriting workshop. The duo cites an array of musical influences, such as Johnny Cash, Stevie Wonder and John Legend, while their distinct soundscape draws comparisons to Needtobreathe, Olivia Dean and Teddy Swims.

The 11-track album delves into themes of vulnerability, reflection and self-realization. When The War Is Over is a masterclass in wearing your heart on your sleeve and cultivating the strength to navigate life’s most challenging seasons. With honest, emotive songwriting at its core, the album features awe-inspiring instrumental arrangements dripping with intention and dexterity. The album was produced by Abner Ramirez and mixed by Raul Lopez, while Jonathan Grant Berlin took on the mastering duties. 

The album’s focus song, ‘Dopamine,’ features American rapper and singer Tobe Nwigwe. It opens with the precision and might of Tobe’s lyricism against the backdrop of a brawny drum beat, shaker and virtuous guitar licks. Amanda Sudano Ramirez and Abner’s vocals gently emerge, interlaced with warmth and pain, while their lyrics tell a story of growth and deep introspection. ‘Dopamine’ brilliantly captures the emotional highs and lows of trying times through cascading guitar melodies, burly drums and extravagant choral vocal arrangements. 

JOHNNYSWIM shared, “This album came from one of the most challenging seasons of our lives. When The War Is Over felt like the right title because, for a long time, it felt like we were in a battle—physically, emotionally, and mentally. We wrote these songs while navigating health struggles, therapy, and the process of truly feeling our feelings instead of running from them. Musically, we wanted this album to feel as honest as the lyrics, so we recorded it the old-school way—live, in a room with our favorite musicians, discovering the songs as we played them. Every instrument has eyeballs; every sound is real and alive. More than anything, we hope this album makes you feel known. Whatever battles you’re facing, you know you’re not alone. And we hope you find moments of release—because sometimes, the best thing we can do is let go and move forward”.