This week we're interviewing Michael Gira: leader, vocalist, guitarist, and main songwriter for the legendary Swans. Swans' latest album, entitled Birthing, releases on May 30 and is reported by Gira to be the band's final large-sounding, expansive album. Michael was generous enough to have a phone conversation with Mike and Tom to talk all about it, as well as his creative process as a whole. Swans are a band like no other and if you haven't already, check out all of our episodes chronicling each of their studio albums.
Episode 150: Swans (Pt. 1) https://youtu.be/R5ltWzL0vI8
Episode 160: Swans (Pt. 2) https://youtu.be/J4dbhdpO84Y
Episode 170: Swans (Pt. 3) https://youtu.be/QEQmqFQ-rbE
Intro 00:00
Interview Start 1:27
The Initial Songwriting Process 5:58
Michael's Lyrical Themes and Motifs 8:20
Outside Influences on Birthing 11:58
Why Michael Chose Music Instead of Art 17:41
Swans' Live Performances 18:57
Percussion Choices on Birthing 25:13
Composing Birthing's Songs In-Studio 26:36
Did Michael Plan for This To Be the Last Big Swans Album? 30:06
The New Direction for Swans 31:40
2025 Touring Plans, Birthing Release 32:25
Closing Words with Michael 35:25
Outro 36:05
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Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/everyalbumever
Merch
https://pandermonkey.creator-spring.com/
Mike’s EP:
Pander Monkey on Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple,
Mike on Instagram @pandermonkey
Alex on Bluesky @octatron3030
Tom on Instagram @tomosmansounds
History Tom’s stuff:
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