Michael Gira of Swans discovers creativity lies in losing oneself in loud music.
Michael Gira, the visionary behind Swans, an experimental rock band that first emerged from New York City’s early ’80s “no wave” scene, has managed to uphold the band’s reputation for continually evolving their music. Their seventeenth studio album, titled ‘Birthing,’ adds another chapter to their creative journey. Gira himself finds it challenging to define Swans’ music style, preferring to describe it as an amalgamation of various genres such as rock, jazz, noise, and punk, all weaved together with amplified sound. Over the decades, Swans’ music has evolved drastically, making it difficult to identify with their earlier musical roots. For Gira, playing music is about being enveloped in the sonic landscape, emotionally and physically affected by the power of sound. It is an experience that transcends boundaries, guiding the band through a voyage towards a higher force.
‘Birthing’ serves as a fitting final album for this version of Swans, as reflected in its title. The artwork was inspired by the theme of fertile earth, symbolizing the essence of the album’s closure. Gira opted for referencing the design elements from Swans’ earlier album ‘Soundtracks for the Blind,’ utilizing an artwork composition that revolves around circles containing images of dirt. Although his initial idea included a tactile element of literal dirt sprinkled within the circles, practicality led to a more abstract representation.
The album, comprising seven songs across three records, unfolds songs that have naturally grown and mutated through live performances before being recorded. What sets these songs apart is their extended lengths, with one track lasting as long as 81 minutes. Gira shared that the band’s inability to restrict song durations creates an organic journey where the music guides them, shifting and transforming from one performance to another. When it comes to radio airplay, Gira harbors no expectations, emphasizing that Swans’ music finds its audience through unconventional avenues, not deliberate commercial promotion or radio airtime.
Reflecting on past experiences of hearing their music on the radio, Gira expressed a sense of disillusionment upon realizing the subpar quality of the broadcast. This sentiment underlines his indifference towards mainstream exposure, focusing instead on creating music that defies commercial expectations. ‘Birthing’ offers a unique listening experience, whether through headphones or speakers. Gira encourages a generous volume to fully immerse in the album’s depth, yet advises against pushing the limits of sound equipment to the point of damage, an anecdote from his own mastering process. In essence, ‘Birthing’ represents the culmination of Swans’ transformative journey, encapsulating the band’s fearless exploration of sonic landscapes and experimental music.