With the pandemic having put the brakes on touring around their last release, Swans have returned with sold-out shows and a fantastic new album, The Beggar. Their sixteenth studio album, The Beggar was recorded in Berlin. Primary songwriter, singer, and producer Michael Gira assembled a group of trusted collaborators who “hacked at, dissected, reconfigured, discarded, … Read more
Initially released in 1987 under the name Skin (World of Skin in the US), Jarboe’s ‘blood women roses’ was reissued for the first time on Record Store Day (April 23, 2022.) The newly remastered edition is coming out on Belgium label Consouling Sounds and is re-titled ‘skin blood women roses’ to reflect the original project … Read more
The documentary Where Does a Body End? presents an intimate portrait of the band Swans, from their emergence from the NYC no-wave/noise scene in the early ’80s through the various line-up and stylistic shifts. Utilizing recent performance footage and interviews, as well as extensive archival material, it provides a history of the band, and, just as importantly, it illustrates the impact Swans have had on their fans and peers.
“The Subversive Nature of Kindness” is the new sophomore release from Thor & Friends, a unique project founded by long-time Swans percussionist Thor Harris. Influenced by minimalist composers, Thor & Friends build their songs around instruments such as marimba, xylophone and vibraphone.
After heavy touring as percussionist for Swans, Thor Harris “didn’t want to hear drums, bass, or distorted guitars anymore.” So he started up Thor & Friends to create music that is influenced by minimalist composers and driven by marimba and xylophone.
Swans are back with “To Be Kind” and a year-long world-wide tour. Michael Gira discusses the album, his musical process, and more.