Swans

Biography

Swans is an American experimental, folk, and industrial rock band from New York. The band was active between 1982 and 1997, then again since 2010, under the leadership of Michael Gira, the band's singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist. The group is known for its changes in sound throughout its history: while the band was initially known for its no wave style and deeply misanthropic lyrics, the arrival of keyboardist Jarboe in 1986 pushed the group to adopt a more melodic style. The group was formed in New York in 1982 and experienced numerous changes in personnel until its dissolution in 1997. The members who remained longest in the group around Michael Gira were keyboardist and singer Jarboe and to a certain extent guitarist Norman Westberg.