Interview by Jamie Homer
St James Church, Piccadilly, London – 19 May 2005
How has the tour in the UK been going?
Its been going really great. We have had 12 shows in as many nights and I have just been loving it. I live to perform live and to play music. I just love writing music and carry my trusty red lyric book around with me and write songs in the day. Touring is great as it gets you out of London and allows you the chance to meet some really interesting and unique people and make new friends wherever you go.
I’ve heard your new single SLOWLY SLOWLY, it sounds great by the way. Tell me about the new album and any future album plans.
Well, the new album is already out and the single is officially released June 20, 2005. Currently I am writing the music and songs for another album and have around 20 tunes already in mind. So I have plenty of material now.
What inspires you to make/write music?
Anything really. I would say its anything and everything. I am inspired by so much and so little all at the same time that it is really hard to describe what it is that makes me want to make music.
What is your favourite place to play? Have you ever played in a church before?
The answer to the second question is yes; I grew up playing cello in lots of youth orchestras and was constantly playing in churches. I tend to really love playing in cavey type places, which are dark and full of atmosphere. I like that underground, bricked dingy kind of venue; that to me is where it’s at.
What is the best piece of musical advice you have ever been given?
Wow, that’s a tough one. I would have to say that someone once told me that it is the musical spares which are just as important as the music. What I mean is that, it’s the time and space between cords and lyrics which are essential. It’s all in the silence and in between the breaths that good music is made.
Did you always think you would be playing music for a living?
I guess so. I learnt to play the cello at the same time I learnt to read and write. I guess music has always been a part of me, and a necessary part. I am not sure if anyone could ever say for sure that they knew that would make a living from playing music. I think its something that just sort of happens, that you kind of fall into. I consider myself to be very fortunate and lucky to be able to play music.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
Where I am at now, but writing more music and making more albums. I would hope and trust that I can continue to develop as a musician. I would hope that I can continue to provide my music and that there will be people who want to hear it.
What is next for Bird?
Tonight was the last night on this mini tour for us. Now we will be taking a bit of a break, then heading to Europe this summer for a bunch of festivals which will be really very exciting.
