Interview with Michael Gira of Swans

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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Merch

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Mike’s EP:

Pander Monkey on Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple,

 

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Tom on Instagram @tom