Raised By Swans
Raised by Swans is the recording alias of a Canadian solo artist, Eric Howden. A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Howden chose the name 'Raised By Swans' in 1997 following a cathartic dream he had after leaving his previous band, The Gandharvas; the name relies on a homonym (‘raise’: to rear; to elevate) to convey a simultaneous sense of connection and freedom.
Howden composes his songs using a multi-track recorder, guitar, bass, drum machine, and keyboard, writing all parts for all instruments, as well as all the lyrics. This process contributes to his relatively slow recording and releasing pace. His music has been described as haunting and contemplative.
In a 2013 interview, Howden explained that pride in his body of work eventually overcame his discomfort in referring to Raised By Swans as "I" instead of "we". In his words: "Raised By Swans is and always has been a solo project, not a band. That fact hasn't been made clear in the past, which is wholly my fault; well-meaning but misguided attempts at modesty and inclusion have clouded the truth. I'm honoured to have such gifted musicians alongside me onstage...but if someone else happens to play a part on an album of mine, for instance, they're playing a part I've written."
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