Ep498: Birthing the End – Closing a Chapter of SWANS with Michael Gira

Ep498: Birthing the End – Closing a Chapter of SWANS with Michael Gira

Author: The Vinyl Guide May 19, 2025 Duration: 45:32

SWANS founder Michael Gira discusses his final orchestrated album "Birthing," his creative process, and plans to transition to a simpler musical approach after decades of creating intense, transcendent live performances.

Topics Include:

  • Michael introduces "Birthing" as SWANS' final orchestrated album.
  • Future SWANS work will be much simpler.
  • He's 71 and finds intense performances physically demanding.
  • No clear vision yet for his next musical phase.
  • SWANS will tour US in October, then Europe.
  • He finds Australian tours difficult due to jet lag.
  • Triple vinyl/double CD includes concert film and documentary.
  • Marco Porzia filmed the SWANS documentary.
  • Christopher Nicholson filmed a solo performance in Norway.
  • Great shows happen when "the music plays us."
  • Natural venue acoustics enhance the performance experience.
  • Songs transform and lengthen throughout tours.
  • One song evolved to 82 minutes during tour.
  • Three-hour sets leave performers exhausted afterward.
  • Songs begin on acoustic guitar before band elaboration.
  • He listens to guitar sound hole to hear potential harmonics.
  • Directs band through gestures during live performances.
  • The recording happened immediately after European tour ended.
  • Uses same old Guild acoustic guitar for decades.
  • Vinyl editions required some song edits for length.
  • Gira doesn't listen to much music anymore.
  • He art directs all SWANS releases personally.
  • Created unique limited editions with handmade elements.
  • Has done crowdfunding since 2000 for recording budgets.
  • Once recorded personalized songs for top contributors.
  • Will miss the elation of building live crescendos.
  • No current plans for more fiction writing.
  • Reluctant to write autobiography despite family encouragement.
  • Can mentally play entire album from memory.
  • Recently rediscovered early Led Zeppelin's brilliance.

Order the SWANS LP "Birthing" here.

Commercial free, high resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0
Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8


There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when two people who are deeply passionate about music get together, surrounded by shelves of records. The Vinyl Guide-Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds captures that feeling perfectly. Hosted by Nate, a dedicated collector and enthusiast, this podcast feels less like a formal interview and more like you're overhearing a great chat in the back of a record store. The discussions naturally weave through artists' creative processes, the stories behind iconic albums, and the tangible magic of the format itself. You'll hear from musicians, producers, and other insiders who live and breathe vinyl, offering perspectives that go far beyond the liner notes. But it's not just about the artists; it's for the collectors, too. Episodes often delve into the practical, nerdy details that make this hobby so compelling-like distinguishing between a common pressing and a rare, valuable find, or learning how to properly care for your collection so it lasts for decades. It’s that blend of artistic insight and collector-focused knowledge that gives this podcast its unique character. Whether you're a seasoned cratedigger or just appreciate the warmth of an analog recording, these conversations offer a rich, human connection to the music you love, all centered around the grooves of a vinyl record.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds
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