Sink & Swim is the debut album from Auckland-based songwriter Cliff Hedley, an independent effort on his own newly-formed label, Sonic Orange. Work on the album began in mid-2005 at Studio 203, where Cliff had earlier recorded his NZ On Air-funded single 'Overcoat'. That track is joined by nine others from his repertoire which are regularly performed by the Cliff Hedley Band. While performing for a few years in New Zealand and the UK as a solo acoustic artist, the presence of the band has helped flavour the songs – with a touch of the alternative rock edge that made Cliff first pick up the guitar and begin to write music. The tracks vary widely in style and influence; from the frenetic and upbeat 'Down Now' and 'Indecision', to the more introspective 'Gone', 'Don't Mind' and 'Freak'.

The tracks were recorded by Andrew Buckton and Ben Knapp, produced by Andrew Buckton and mastered by Steve Smart.

Contributions to the album come from the 'Cliff Hedley Band', which includes Andre Birt on guitar, AJ Hay on keys/vocals and Brent Martin on Drums. Also featuring are Stephen Small, Jay Foulkes, Janek Croydon, and Jordan Clark.