Episode 595: Michael Gira (of Swans)

Last year marked 40 years since the Swans hit the scene. Those decades have produced some of the most forward-looking albums in an era when rock music often feels stagnant. Released in June, the Swans’s 16th record, The Beggar, finds the group continuing to push boundaries, even as most of their contemporaries have either seen fit to rest on their laurels or pack it in. Frontman Michael Gira joins us to discuss songwriting, god and his soft spot for Lana Del Rey.

[@maneasd4600]

I was completely immersed in listening to this, great interview!

[@revolvingGlasshouse]

In a just world this would have hundreds of thousands of listens. Michael is one of the greatest and most down-to-earth people in modern music, and this interview was packed with so much more personal insight from him than any other that I'm aware of. Excellent stuff.

[@djbywtch]

omg its amazing that he actually listened to the new lana del rey record, of course the swans leader would complain about the quietness of her voice lmaoo, great interview ❤

[@BenCobb99]

brilliant interview, intelligent questions! bravo

[@shaneharrington3655]

Needed this, thanks

[@stengah69]

Awesome interview.

[@darylcumming7119]

Thanks.

[@joyceraaen9146]

Inspirational

[@slinkyseal5783]

"It won’t be as loud" fuck Michael stop bullshitting us. This tour is just as painfully loud as any other.

[@Francog23]

My ears were fucked for three days after seeing them, it was awesome

[@slinkyseal5783]

@@Francog23 same here. Plus once my ribs hurt - after a show in a small venue.

[@Francog23]

@@slinkyseal5783I know, it feels like you’re getting punched in the gut. It was my first concert, fking great

[@individual5021]

the new songs are the heavest theyve been in a while hahah

[@slinkyseal5783]

@@individual5021 and live it’s just a beating. it sounds like country music slowed down, distorted and pitch-shifted. and michael’s kabuki-of-death is even more tragic than ever

[@philippecengarlesamak8922]

Does any one know which artist Micheal is reffering to at 14:38 ? I can't figure out the spelling of the name.

[@vividly_lost]

Diamanda Galas!

[@ask_me_about_sharks]

What was the cd he said he recently listened to? I’m trying to find it but I have no idea how to spell the name he mentions.

[@bodywithoutorgans172]

Diamanda Galas?

[@saraivatoledo1842]

"The pinnacle of artistic expression " -sounds about right .Exactly how I would describe seeing her live in the early -mid 00s. A woman and a grand piano projecting what she does is truly peerless.@@bodywithoutorgans172

[@saraivatoledo1842]

"His soft spot for Lana Del Rey " 😂 ...

[@PJPsounds]

Best era of Swans was between 1986 and 1995 with Jarboe. Since then it's just self indulgent enterprise for Michael.

[@19eightyforeisnow]

Volcano is possibly the worst offering by swans.

[@JonathanNelsonOfficial]

Michael Gira is Ariel Pink's father.