Swans Members, Gear & Sound
US art rock/post‐punk band
Members
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The Feelies Pere Ubu Richard Hell & The Voidoids Herbie Hancock (band) The Rockit Band Locus Solus Two Against One The Styrenes The Lodge Gestalt et Jive Blind Light Flying Mijinko Band The Big Guns Divination Autonomous Zone X-X Electric Eels F.O.E Longhouse Peter Brötzmann Tentet Tokyo Rotation K2 The Lounge Lizards The Golden Palominos - See Gear
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About
Swans is an avant-garde rock band hailing from the intense and experimental scene of New York City. Formed in 1982 by the enigmatic Michael Gira (vocals, guitar), the group has seen a revolving lineup that has included key members like Norman Westberg (guitar) and Jarboe (vocals, keyboards). Swans' music defies easy categorization, blending elements of post-punk, noise rock, industrial, and post-rock to create a sound that is both chaotic and hypnotic. Their evolving style has taken them from the abrasive textures of their early work to more atmospheric and melodic compositions, all while maintaining a reputation for powerful and immersive live performances.
How to Sound Like Swans
Swans' sound is characterized by its dense, visceral layers and a penchant for creating a brooding, immersive sonic landscape. Their music often alternates between dissonant, high-intensity noise and haunting, ambient passages. Gira's use of the Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Guitar contributes to the band's rich, resonant tones, while Westberg's Boss DS-1 Distortion helps carve out their aggressive, grinding soundscapes. The interplay of thunderous bass lines and minimalist percussion further enhances their heavy, hypnotic grooves. Swans' music is a study in contrasts—raw power intertwined with moments of eerie tranquility, encouraging musicians to explore the extremes of dynamics and emotional depth.
Discography
Filth
1983
Feel Good Now (2020 Remaster)
1987
The Burning World
1989
Great Annihilator
1995
Various Failures
1999
Filth / Body To Body, Job to Job
2000
Soundtracks For The Blind
2001
Children of God/World of Skin
2003
Swans Are Dead: Live '95-'97
2003
My Father Will Guide Me Up A Rope To The Sky
2010
We Rose From Your Bed With The Sun In Our Head
2011
The Seer
2012
To Be Kind
2014
Cop / Young God
2015
Greed / Time Is Money (Bastard)
2015
Holy Money / A Screw
2015
Public Castration Is A Good Idea
2015
Love of Life (Deluxe)
2015
White Light from the Mouth of Infinity
2015
The Glowing Man
2016
The Great Annihilator (Remastered)
2017
leaving meaning.
2019
The Beggar
2023
Birthing
2025
Get the Swans Sound
Want to sound like Swans? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.