Swans

Founded by singer, songwriter & multi-instrumentalist, Michael Gira, Swans emerged from the New York City based no wave scene that spawned acts such as James Chance & the Contortions, Teenage Jesus & the Jerks (led by Lydia Lunch), DNA and Mars in 1982.
Known for their sonic brutality and misanthropic lyrics, Swans’ live shows have the reputation of being intense aural onslaughts while Gira has been quoted as describing them “soul-uplifting and body destroying”.

Always evolving, the band has explored genres such as noise, post-punk, industrial and post rock yet at times also known to be melodic and beautiful.

After ten albums, the band disbanded in 1997 while Gira formed Angels of Light and concentrated working on his label, Young God Records before reforming in 2010. Since then they have continued to tour, releasing a further 5 albums so far.

In Australia they have performed at the Forum Theatre in Melbourne & Metro in Sydney as well as Mona Foma and Sugar Mountain Festival while Michael has played All Tomorrow’s Parties at the invitation of Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds.