An Interview with Birdy
Photo by Lotta Boman
It has been five years since we’ve heard Birdy’s velvety voice on an LP. While fans felt her absence and yearned for new music, her most recent release, Young Heart, reminds the listener that quality art takes time. Birdy possesses exceptional creative wisdom, penning songs with lyrical maturity and delivering vocals with unbelievable precision.
On “Nobody Knows Me Like You Do,” Birdy explores the conflicting emotions of recognizing it is time to let someone go, while simultaneously lamenting their absence. The ache in her voice and the stripped down piano recording spark sadness and nostalgia in those who can relate to her pain. Each song on Young Heart is a reflection of the human experience, as told by Birdy. With songs about heartbreak, loneliness, and the relationship with the self, this 16 track record is rife with emotion, introspection and unbridled authenticity.
We recently got to catch up with Birdy and discussed her musical growth, pushing through writer’s block, post-pandemic goals and more.
The pandemic has been a difficult time for musicians and the music industry. What are you most excited for in a post-pandemic world?
Birdy: I just can’t wait to be playing shows again! Some of the songs on the new album are four years old and I’m so excited to hear them live. I did a livestream gig from Wilton’s Music Hall last month with a full band and string section which was amazing, but I really missed the energy you get from a crowd. I’ve got my first proper live show booked in for November in London so fingers crossed it can go ahead!
How do you cope with writer's block? Do you have any tips on finding new inspiration for writing music?
Birdy: I struggled with writers block and over thinking things too much whilst making this album and I think what really helps is listening to lots of different music and discovering artists you’ve never heard before, that always inspires me.
What do you consider to be your greatest career achievement so far?
Birdy: I think it would be this album, it was quite emotionally challenging at times and it took four years to make but it’s definitely my favourite record I’ve put out so far because it feels the most authentic.
What’s the inspiration behind your album and the title Young Heart?
Birdy: At the beginning of making the record I was listening to a lot of Etta James and Nina Simone and that inspired more of a soul sound. I then started listening to Joni Mitchell’s ‘Blue’ album and Nick Drake which took the record in a more 70’s Laurel Canyon direction, the themes are solitude, fate and also heartbreak and the journey that takes you on.
Have you encountered times where being a woman has prevented you from opportunities in music, and if so, how do you think you stayed motivated to keep going?
Birdy: I’ve definitely been in situations before where I’m the only woman in the room and have felt I’ve had to prove myself more than anyone else which is frustrating, but I’ve been really lucky that I haven’t experienced too much of that. I was very young when I started putting out music but also very well protected and most of the people I’ve worked with have been so inspiring and encouraging.
What do you hope listeners will take away after listening to your album?
Birdy: I hope that it transports them somewhere else and that people can relate to the stories in the songs and feel comforted and peaceful.
This year marks 10 years since you released your iconic ‘Skinny Love’ cover. Through all that you’ve learned in your career in the music industry since then, what advice would you now give to that younger version of yourself?
Birdy: It’s hard to know who you are when you’re young and so I think it would be to trust my instincts more and not be afraid of what other people may think so much.
What are the biggest ways you’ve grown since that time?
Birdy: I think I’m more confident in myself and my ideas. On this album I felt more in tune with the music I was writing and making sure it was from the heart and that it made me feel something. The way I write has changed a lot too and some of that has come from writing on the guitar more, I think it’s brought a lighter feel to the songs.
What are some of your goals for the future?
Birdy: Because I was brought up with classical music I think that really influenced my sound. I love making pieces that are really cinematic and writing the string parts for my songs, so I’d love to make more music for films if I had the opportunity and learn how to score an orchestra properly.
What advice do you have for young women who are aspiring to be musicians?
Birdy: I think it would be to make sure you have a good team of people around you that are excited and enthusiastic about the music and have your best interests at heart.
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