The Body Lovers / The Body Haters
| Company type | Musical project |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Founder | Michael Gira |
| Defunct | 1999 |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Michael Gira, Jarboe, Bill Rieflin, Bill Bronson, Norman Westberg, Clinton Steele |
| Products | Music albums |
| Parent | Young God Records |
The Body Lovers and The Body Haters were avant-garde musical endeavors directed by composer Michael Gira during the period from 1998 to 1999, following the 1997 disbandment of Swans. These projects emphasized Gira's exploration of looping techniques within the realms of drone and dark ambient styles, often being likened to Swans' last album before their split, Soundtracks for the Blind. Their sound incorporated various samples and ambient noises, some sourced from recordings dating back to 1980.
History
Following the breakup of Michael Gira's long-standing band Swans in 1997—his main creative platform since 1982—the Body Lovers/The Body Haters emerged as a studio-exclusive venture. This initiative featured participation from former Swans collaborators including Jarboe, Bill Rieflin, Bill Bronson, Norman Westberg, and Clinton Steele. The name Body Lovers was drawn from a track titled "The Body Lover" on Jarboe's Sacrificial Cake. Initially intended as a trilogy, the project produced two albums: Number One of Three (1998) and 34:13 (1999). Their compositions primarily utilized samples and found audio elements, inspired by composers such as Glenn Branca and Arvo Pärt. Post-1999, Gira redirected his efforts toward his more song-driven project, The Angels of Light, and later reunited with Swans for touring activities beginning in 2010.
Discography
- Studio albums
- Number One of Three (Young God, 1998)
- 34:13 (Young God, 1999)
- Compilation albums
- The Body Lovers / The Body Haters (Young God, 2000)