I like it that even when Swans get into crowdfunding, they do it in a way that’s both completely awesome and entirely their own. To help raise money toward the completion of what’s been announced as their final studio album in this form, the New York genre-defilers have issued The Gate, a new live double-album pressed in a one-time-only edition of 2,500 copies with exclusive glimpses at early versions of new songs — demos also included — that will make their way onto said final album, and customized artwork, signed editions, and other price-tiered extras available. They’ve done this kind of one-release-supports-the-next fundraising before, and it’s worked, and I have a hard time imagining that by the time this post is live, the bulk of The Gate won’t be gone. Get it while you can, is what I’m saying.

This from the PR wire:

SWANS HANDMADE 2XLIVECD, THE GATE, LIMITED TO 2500 COPIES IS AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY NOW AT YOUNGGODRECORDS.COM. THIS IS A FUNDRAISER EVENT IN SUPPORT OF THE UPCOMING NEW SWANS STUDIO ALBUM.

A NOTE FROM MICHAEL GIRA / SWANS:

We are in the process and making and assembling an edition of 2500 handmade live 2xCD packages and we are accepting orders now at younggodrecords.com. This is part of a tiered system whereby our dedicated listeners can voice their support for the upcoming new Swans album by choosing one or all of several options presented in order to aid us in our journey towards discovering and subsequently nourishing ourselves (and those who might care to travel with us) within a fresh new constellation of sound. Here below is what I’ve written in a newsletter that has been sent to our friends and supporters:

“…Hello There, Michael Gira of Swans here. I thought that, since you signed up to our newsletter, you might be interested to know that the 2xCD live SWANS handmade fundraiser event/portal of support for our (in)glorious efforts is now up at this link. The live 2xCD is called The Gate. I believe it captures the live SWANS experience effectively. The woodblock print is by Nicole Boitos and I draw all over each one and sign it as well. Each one is unique. They’re numbered 1 – 2500 and won’t be available elsewhere… The upcoming album (as yet untitled) will be the last with this core group (comprised of my beautiful friends Norman, Christoph, Thor, Phil, Christopher and myself) and the subsequent (marathon) tour in 2016 will be our last together. As such, I am determined to make this album the most fully realized, cataclysmic, subtle and nuanced, heartfelt and inspirational, truthful and luminous recording that we have yet undertaken. As always, your valued (and quite necessary) support in this perhaps quixotic endeavor is sincerely appreciated. I love you! I thank you!…”

The rapport this group has developed over the last 5 plus years is a gift for which I will remain forever grateful. In live performance it has sometimes lead us to unleash a sound that is not only greater than us but seems to swallow us into its own immanent consciousness and will. It feels great! Oftentimes I’ve spoken to people in the audience after a show and they’ve expressed similar notions. My sentiment at these moments is that I’m delighted to have been of service, but can’t really take responsibility for it, since it’s beyond us too. So, following the final 2016 touring cycle with the wonderful cadre of talented individuals mentioned above, I will continue to record and perform (though perhaps less frequently) using the name Swans, on a project-by-project basis. Acutely aware that the psychic connection with which we’ve been blessed is irreplaceable, I will instead pursue the ever-elusive pathway alluded to above through other means. You can read more about this and other ephemera at the link above.

A trailer for the DVD that will accompany the new studio album, in progress, is available for viewing.

– Michael Gira / Swans

http://younggodrecords.com/products/the-gate
younggodrecords.com
www.facebook.com/SwansOfficial

Swans, The Gate DVD trailer