After spending years in bands, performing live gigs and making group decisions, Jimmy Sweeney has hit ‘record’ on something completely his own.
Meet Alpine 99, his new solo project, kicking off with the debut single ‘Nothing Really Matters.’ One of the most catchy tunes I’ve heard in a while – with an element of 80’s inspired lo-fi indie pop, a dash of disco and a cheeky nod to ABBA while we’re at it. It’s a playful, layered track that proves you don’t need a full band to make a big impact. Nothing Really Matters has managed to blend indie grit with a glimmer of 80’s disco and it got stuck in my head for days, but I’m not mad about it.
Lyrically, the song is minimalist but very effective. It feels timeless, familiar, modern and nostalgic – with an independently produced music video to match. Shot in Jimmy’s house, on his phone, edited in CapCut. Who says you need fancy equipment to make something great? The video reminded me of the iconic a-ha Take on Me sketch-animation. A quirky snippet of Alpine 99.
Jimmy Sweeney is from the local village, Sowerby Bridge, and I’ve previously reviewed his former band ‘Cliche Cult’ back in 2023 when they supported Geese at The Brudenell Social Club. However, since becoming a new dad, Jimmy has found a new sound. He’s going at the music world alone and he couldn’t be happier about it.
This debut single was written between toddler naps, on his laptop, and entirely produced, written and performed by Jimmy. I managed to sit down with him to get to know what went into the making of Nothing Really Matters and find out more about the future of Alpine 99
The journey to music…
“I think my mum and dad probably thought it was just another stupid thing I’d do for half a day and never play again.”
Where did you start your music journey?
So when I was about 13, I think I got my first guitar, which was a second-hand classical guitar. Dad got it from a charity shop. I think my mum and dad probably thought it was just another stupid thing that I might, you know, just do for half a day and then never play it again. And I just ended up sticking at it.
My dad was a big influence, never a musician, but just his taste in music. I mean, you can’t really avoid it when you’re going around in the car with him. He’s always banging stuff out likeTears for Fears and Simple Minds, proper, classic 80s, cheesy stadium kind of stuff. Now I listen to it with nostalgia. Absolutely love it.
I’ve been in a lot of bands from being 17 – now I’ve come to a point in my life where I just can’t commit as much to being in a band and the gigging side. So I’ve decided that I’ll do some recording at home by myself and just put some songs out.
How are you finding the difference between having a group of people working on new music to working on something yourself?
“When I was in a band, I don’t think I was ever 100% happy with what we recorded. Now I do it until I’m happy – and if I’m happy, that’s enough.“
To be honest, I think I prefer it. Because I’m doing it for me, and once I’m happy with it, that’s it. And I don’t really care what anyone else thinks, in a way, because I’m happy with it. But the better thing about recording in a band is you can all kind of bounce off each other, and then you’ve got someone to make the big decisions with you.
How does your sound differ from the band you were in to your solo music?
“I’m recording this music with my 18-month-old son in bed, so I can’t really make a sound. Everything’s inside the laptop.“
It’s so different. With the band it was quite heavy guitars and a full band – but I’m recording this music with just me and my 18 month old son in bed, so I’m pretty much making it in silence Instead of live amps and guitars, it’s all inside my laptop. But I’ve not really had a choice in the matter – I’m doing it on a budget. I’m doing it all myself, not because, I mean, I have to do it on a budget, financially, but at the same time, it’s nice, because I’ve got my limits then. I’m using drum machines as well. We’ve never used drum machines in the old band. We always had a live drummer. So everything’s gone quite electronic.
Why did you decide now to go solo?
Just life moving in that direction. I didn’t want to mess anyone around. This way, I don’t need to commit to other people’s calendars. And I’d say as well as that, selfishly, is doing it for myself. For once. I’ve always felt like I’ve had to rely on other people. You know, I felt like I needed to write with others because I wasn’t very confident, to be honest, and I needed people to kind of kick me and say; no, go on! But now I’m at a point where I just stopped. I’m just happy to do it myself.
How would you describe the sound of Nothing Really Matters?
I’d say it’s an indie track with a bit of a disco beat. My dad even says it reminds him of ABBA. I was trying to make something repetitive, an earworm, letting the music drive it.
Do you plan to perform live with this project?
It’s not really a focus right now. I used to start with gigs and then release songs, but this time I’m flipping it. Get the songs out first and see what happens. If people want to hear it live, maybe I’ll figure it out, but it’s not the main point.
What’s your recording process like?
I always start with music first. Never lyrics. Sometimes a line or title pops up, and I build the song around that. Everything is produced, written and performed by me, so I can take as much time as I need until it feels right.
Why Alpine 99?
Honestly, it was just a bit of fun. I liked the sound of ‘Alpine’ – it makes you think of mountains.And then 99 – partly because of FIFA 99, which I played as a kid and I want my music to be nostalgic. I then also thought that it could be this massive ice cream. Like a 99 flake that’s just enormous like an Alpine. Either way, it’s playful and open.
What’s next for Alpine 99?
I’ve got a few more songs lined up. I want to make some more music videos, press a small vinyl EP for the kid(s) to have when they’re older and see what collaboration opportunities might happen down the line. For now, I’m just enjoying the process and doing it my way.
Jimmy Sweeney’s Alpine 99 proves that sometimes the best music comes from a place of freedom, humour and a lot of late night tinkering. With Nothing Really Matters, Jimmy’s started a journey of creating music entirely on his own terms.
What’s most admirable about Alpine 99 is Jimmy’s sheer determination to do it all himself (with the help of collaborations and featured talent, of course) without letting anything stand in his way. It’s inspiring to see a local artist carve out their own path after trying a different route that didn’t quite work for them. Jimmy isn’t just making music for himself anymore; he’s creating something that I think a lot of people are going to fall in love with. I’m excited to see what happens next!
Photography by Jazz Jennings.
