The Swords Project was formed at the end of 1999 in Portland, Oregon. Formation came about when two local bands (The Icebreak & Slower Than) would play at the same shows. At some point during the concert, both bands would get on stage with two drum kits, two guitars, and two bass guitars. This combined group would play a Slower Than song called "Squatting Level", they would then continue to play several improvisational pieces. This new side project called themselves The Swords. The name for the band was inspired by the amusing idea that the members were like "hired assassins of rock".

The band has been good friends with producer Larry Crane for many years. This led to Larry producing the band's self titled EP, which was recorded only one month after the band's formation. The week long recording session spawned four beautiful songs, which only hinted at their full potential. The production was paid for almost entirely by themselves, and was released by the San Francisco label Absolutely Kosher Records.

Following the release of their first album, the band went on two west coast tours, performed at SXSW, and played many shows in and around their hometown. Several members found time to be in other bands, as well as hold down regular jobs. Most of Swords' members come from large families, and consider each other as brothers and sisters. This is not to say that they do not fight like a family as well.

The current six musicians have been together since the spring of 2000. When it comes to their music, the band makes decisions as a collective. Much of their work is done inside of an old office building in downtown Portland. This sanctuary is called "Ye Olde Lab Shoppe", and is the home of a diverse group of multimedia artists. The Swords make up the musical element of this community. During the summer of 2002, Evan completed construction on a new recording studio (Human Resources) in their space at the "Lab", allowing them to work with very few obstacles. During the first weeks of 2003 they joined the roster at Arena Rock Recording Co. (ARRCO). Since then, their name has been shortened to SWORDS.

CURRENT MEMBERS:

Joey Ficken: (drums)

This amazing musician was born in 1981, and grew up in Chico, California. Joey began playing drums in a Green Day cover band when he was only thirteen years old. Soon afterwards, he took drum lessons for a brief period. The Treatment and Treebeard are a couple of the bands he was a member of, prior to becoming the drummer in a band with his brother Corey called The Land of the Wee Beasties. This master of rhythm is also the webmaster for the band's official website, and a very proficient illustrator. Fans should not be surprised if one day he is drawing for a comic book.

Corey Ficken: (bass guitar / vocals)

There is no doubt that this Chico, California native is one of the driving forces behind The Swords Project. Corey was born in 1972, to parents that have a great appreciation for music. He and his brother Joey (drums) were encouraged to pursue their talents, especially after they formed The Land of the Wee Beasties with Jeff Gardner (guitar) and Elise K. (guitar). After three years together, which included a national tour, recording a seven inch record, a full length album, several compilation tracks, and two albums worth of material with producer Larry Crane, they all went their separate ways in 1997. Corey then moved to Portland to be with friends already living there. The singer has been playing clarinet since he was about nineteen, and bass guitar slightly longer.

Liza Rietz: (violin / accordion / melodica / keyboards)

This Bellingham, Washington native moved to Portland to attend school at Lewis & Clark College, where she earned a degree in Sociology. Liza performed with the chamber orchestra at Lewis & Clark and Reed College. The Swords are fortunate that she has been playing violin since she was about ten years old, and the accordion since age fifteen. One of her many talents includes designing clothes, and often wears many of her own unique creations. Liza has not been in any other rock bands.

Ryan Stowe: (baritone guitar)

Born on Edwards Air Force Base in central California, this tall and admittedly shy gentleman creates a varied landscape of fantastic sounds. Some of his playing skills were gained while attending school at The Guitar Institute of Technology outside of Hollywood, CA. After going to school briefly in Colorado, he returned to California and eventually began playing in a band called Slower Than. His band resided in San Francisco, and would eventually play with The Wee Beasties. Soon afterwards Ryan became friends with the kids from Chico, then later on his band would move up to Portland. After settling into the Rose City, he learned that Amy Annelle (guitar) was looking for a guitar player. The two musicians quickly became friends and started a band called The Places. She and Ryan are still friends and occasional members of the band they founded together.

Evan Railton: (electronics / drums / keyboards)

This wizard of magical sounds hails from the coastal town of Cannon Beach, Oregon. He went to college for percussion at Portland State where he received his BA in Music. Mr. Railton has a solo electronica side project called Ovian. Evan was in a band called Pep Squad and The Company. The drummer's brother Erik introduced Corey to his electronic music, and so the singer had finally found their secret weapon for the band.

Jeff Gardner: (guitar)

This artistic axe-man is the third band member hailing from Chico, California. Buzzwurm, Red Chair, and D.A.H. are all names of bands he has been in since the seventh grade. Jeff pursued audio engineering and film in college, but has no formal music training. Sometime in 1994, he became friends with Corey (bass) and his brother Joey (drums), and soon after they formed a band called The Land of the Wee Beasties. The Chico kids occasionally played with Ryan's band Slower Than, but eventually both groups would find themselves in Portland. About a year after moving north, Corey and Jeff formed a band called The Icebreak with their good friend Michael Schorr (drums) who played for Seattle's Death Cab For Cutie. The guitarist worked in the film industry for several years. He has experience with most film production jobs, most notably working as a production assistant (PA).

FORMER MEMBERS:

Amy Annelle: (guitar)

This singer and songwriter was an original member of The Swords Project. She and Ryan are founding members of a great band called The Places, and both still play with them occasionally. Amy grew up in Chicago, moved to Portland then to New York City where she began her career as a solo artist. Fortunately she has since moved back to Portland.

Sierra Collum: (violin & viola)

The original string player for the band, Sierra decided to leave due to a lack of interest. Although she was replaced with the amazing talents of Liza Rietz, there are no hard feelings between the two musicians or anyone else in the band. Allegedly, there is an open invitation for the violin player to bring back her skills to the mighty Swords. We believe that she is originally from Portland, Oregon.

Brooke Crouser: (keyboards / melodica)

Born in Portland and growing up on the edge of town, this brunette in disguise is a queen of melody. She met the other members of The Swords through mutual friends. At one time she was in a band called Air Museum, and more recently a member of a strange band called Jackie-O Motherfucker. Brooke departed The Swords Project during the Spring of 2002.