Michael Gira: The Future of Swans, the Creative Process, Birthing | Every Album Ever

This week we're interviewing Michael Gira: leader, vocalist, guitarist, and main songwriter for the legendary Swans. Swans' latest album, entitled Birthing, releases on May 30 and is reported by Gira to be the band's final large-sounding, expansive album. Michael was generous enough to have a phone conversation with Mike and Tom to talk all about it, as well as his creative process as a whole. Swans are a band like no other and if you haven't already, check out all of our episodes chronicling each of their studio albums. Episode 150: Swans (Pt. 1)    • Every Album Ever | Episode 150: Swans (Pt. 1)   Episode 160: Swans (Pt. 2)    • Every Album Ever | Episode 160: Swans (Pt. 2)   Episode 170: Swans (Pt. 3)    • Every Album Ever | Episode 170: Swans (Pt. 3)   Intro 00:00 Interview Start 1:27 The Initial Songwriting Process 5:58 Michael's Lyrical Themes and Motifs 8:20 Outside Influences on Birthing 11:58 Why Michael Chose Music Instead of Art 17:41 Swans' Live Performances 18:57 Percussion Choices on Birthing 25:13 Composing Birthing's Songs In-Studio 26:36 Did Michael Plan for This To Be the Last Big Swans Album? 30:06 The New Direction for Swans 31:40 2025 Touring Plans, Birthing Release 32:25 Closing Words with Michael 35:25 Outro 36:05 Patreon:   / everyalbumever   Merch: https://pandermonkey.creator-spring.com/ Mike’s EP: Bandcamp: https://pandermonkey.bandcamp.com/alb... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5mdPXA... Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/album/pand... Mike on IG   / pandermonkey   Alex on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/octatron3030... Tom on IG   / tomosmansounds   History Tom Osman’s stuff: Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6B4wbaH... Podcast on YouTube:    / @whatevercomesnextwithtomosman   Music: On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/56FNk... On Apple:   / tom-osman   Substack: https://tomosman.substack.com/ Website: https://tomosmansounds.com/ EAE Audio on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... EAE Audio on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nN2VXi... #EveryAlbumEver #MichaelGira #Swans