Michael Gira of Swans on No Wave, Sue Hanel, Leaving Meaning, & More

This week I speak with a legend. He would probably disagree with me, though. Michael Gira of Swans freezes his butt off to join me this week. And we discuss a lot of stuff. He’s not one for looking back, but he did open up about running away and being sent to an Israeli prison as a teen, finding his way to New York to be a part of the No-Wave scene, and a Swans guitarist who’s been missing since the mid-80’s. He tells me about who plays on the Swans new album, Leaving Meaning, and some great insight into the recording process. We pack a lot into a short episode including what the next tour will look and sound like. Follow Swans on social media to learn about tour dates. Follow us @PerformanceAnx on Twitter & IG. Merch is at performanceanx.threadless.com. Let chat with Michael Gira of Swans.

[@MrFreeman626]

This may very well be the very best interview of M Gira I've seen/heard online. Great work.

[@performanceanx]

Thank you so much! That means the world to me!!

[@performanceanx]

Please share it with others!

[@albert-xn9bl]

great long form interview (not too many with M. Gira, so this is quite momentous), thank you

[@JonathanNelsonOfficial]

He has a very strong heart. A wonderful beast.

[@performanceanx]

I've gotten a lot of questions about the band Michael references in this episode. The band is called The Necks. They're an amazing band from Australia.

[@th0m_vi0lence3]

Love his reference to Glenn Branca.. all of the music mentioned here (and much much more) compiled the soundtrack of my college years

[@poem]

💕 “Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must live.” - Charles Bukowski 💕

[@charmicarmicat2981]

Your channel is severely underrated my friend. Keep doing what you’re doing and release regularly and you will get the recognition I think you’re worthy of. Wonderful interview

[@performanceanx]

Thank you so much! I've got some great shows coming up, like Buzz Osborne, Chris Traynor, Billy Gould, and Dana Schechter from Angels of Light & Swans

[@charmicarmicat2981]

Performance Anxiety Dude yes!!!! That’s so awesome. I can’t wait to hear how awkward and uncomfortable Buzz made you 😂

[@performanceanx]

@@charmicarmicat2981 Hahaha! You might be surprised.

[@OctaveDoct0r]

Crazy how similar he sounds to his father's voice in Soundtracks for the Blind here lol great interview

[@performanceanx]

Thank you so much!

[@levvercic4324]

I, um, have what they call, uh, bad reception

[@djwesper]

Great interview to listen back to. Many thanks for posting.

[@performanceanx]

Thank you for checking it out!

[@dylanlittle7084]

Great interview, thoroughly enjoyed it. Swans are such a magnificent band

[@d_walsh]

Never heard this before. Thanks

[@Fireguy65]

Great interview. An absolute legend and icon

[@saraivatoledo1842]

37 years of ups and downs with Michael Gira & co. and I can´t recall having heard he played with Glenn Branca

[@th0m_vi0lence3]

And yes, I also thank you for this amazing and rare interview

[@performanceanx]

Keep an eye out for another one in June about The Beggar

[@th0m_vi0lence3]

@@performanceanx will do!

[@nimusworks5475]

A Unique Artist. Thanks for the Post

[@performanceanx]

You're welcome. Thanks for checking out the show!

[@abastar1291]

Someone needs to put a time stamp for the questions 🙏🏽

[@SaumBodhi]

Great interview/conversation, nice touch on the editing adding music into the mix, it really elevates the whole piece. Very interesting.

[@performanceanx]

Thank you so much! Michael came back on a few months ago to discuss The Beggar. Check that one out, as well, if you haven't already.

[@SaumBodhi]

@@performanceanx I did! Great interview again. Hilarious story how these animal drawings came about. Again many inspiring quotes from those conversations.

[@donlebo6824]

Love how these subs never work. I just put them on just for laughs, and wasn't disappointed: "I just came back from the toilet over Eastern Europe". Love Gira. Wonderful music. Gira/SWANS forever.

[@phnigra111]

Swans cranking out those top 40 hits 😄

[@nickmertze]

Great interview, great M. Gira

[@performanceanx]

Thank you!

[@TheSnoClan]

Great Interview! You really made him open up. Thank you for that! Could I ask, how did you convince him to do an interview with you?

[@performanceanx]

He's a huge fan of the show, obviously. OK read on after you've finished chuckling. I have done a lot of interviews for his PR people. Most were much lesser known artists. So when the new album came out, I told my guy that I'd love to speak with him. I was told that it might not happen. A couple of months later, out of the blue, I get an email saying he's doing some publicity and would I like to speak with him. I said yes and was told I'd have 20 minutes with him and that's it.

[@nicknickson3650]

:( the 2020 tour never happened

[@safesclart]

Quality interview mate subbed

[@performanceanx]

Thank you!!

[@safesclart]

@@performanceanx My pleasure mate

[@misterpopeofficial.]

He does NOT sound 66

[@Fireguy65]

Sounds 40 max

[@charmicarmicat2981]

I have to constantly remind myself that he and my father-in-law are the same age.

[@elrasta70]

What is the name of the band he mentions? The experimental jazz one. Great interview!

[@performanceanx]

I think you're referring to The Necks

[@jaysonc9690]

What's the live recording you featured with Sue Hanel?

[@performanceanx]

I wish I could remember.

[@pentagrimes]

It's "Red Sheet" off Body to Body Job to Job. Didn't actually realise that was Sue Hanel, I always thought it was Norman.

[@ifureaddisugay]

Leaving meaning is an easy 10

[@proxywar99]

how did he end up in Israel and what caused him to land in jail in Jerusalem? This is a strange tale that must be elaborated on!

[@zippymufo9765]

He got caught selling hashish

[@6.thedollar415]

I believe it goes that he was sent to his father in Germany as a kid because he caused so much trouble, worked for him for a year, then his father ordered him to go to a Swiss boarding school, so he ran away with some hippies and eventually ended up in Israel where he landed himself in jail for selling hashish