In 1989 he joined The Necks and in 1991 also formed his own group, The Catholics. He has also performed solo improvisation concerts on double bass.
He has also performed with The Benders, Clarion Fracture Zone, the Bernie McGann Trio, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Vince Jones, Alpha Centauri Ensemble, the Mighty Reapers, the Seymour Group, Tim Finn, Stephen Cummings and Wendy Matthews.
As well as music for his own bands, Swanton has composed several film soundtracks.
Swanton hosts the radio show Mixed Marriage on Eastside Radio in Sydney, a weekly program looking at crossings of jazz with other musical styles.