[1][2] 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[3]) to convey a simultaneous sense of connection and freedom.
[4] 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.
[9] 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".
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.
[16] This was followed by his third studio album, Öxnadalur, in November 2014 and a double single Trains We Both Missed / Pale Blue Black Holes in September 2016.