Welcome again to the latest of our unique interviews! Today, we convey you into the world of Michael Bird, who you completely have to have in your radar. It’s been some time since we’ve come throughout an artist so sombre but so heat.
If you’re acquainted with THP, you’ll know we love nature – we’re honey bees in spite of everything. But, we’re not the one ones! Michael Bird has launched attractive single ‘Roots’ from the upcoming EP, Evergreen, and we have been delighted to speak to him about his artistic course of and a lot extra on this interview!
Congratulations on the discharge of ‘Roots.’ It’s such a poetic observe! You’ve spoken about creating the pattern for the observe, what was that course of like?
It all began in a session with Robbie Moore (AKA Buddy Analogue). We created the pattern initially of the file by layering plenty of completely different sounds, then pitching it up and chopping it up. When we had the pattern taking part in on repeat, it felt like autumn leaves have been swirling across the studio. We determined to make use of that as our writing palette and wrote lyrics that used deciduous and evergreen bushes as a metaphor.
We love the imagery of evergreen vs deciduous bushes, it’s so stunning. Are you usually impressed by nature? What are a few of your different main inspirations?
I grew up on a sheep farm in the midst of the Kent countryside so the woods have at all times been a place of confinement and inspiration for me. Very completely different however ache factors in relationships additionally appear to be what I’m drawn to as a author. I actually want I might write a contented, feel-good music however that’s by no means actually been the place I’ve been pulled.
Speaking of, your upcoming EP will likely be referred to as Evergreen! What are you able to inform us in regards to the challenge to date?
The sentiment of the following EP is summarised properly in a lyric from the one I dropped earlier than ‘Roots’ referred to as ‘Creases.’ The line is: “Beyond the Borders of infatuation.” On the opposite aspect of these butterfly emotions is the place the true love lies. The challenge will likely be a case for and romanticisation of longevity, while not neglecting its nuances and challenges. As know-how advances, relationships have gotten extra simply disposable. You used to need to work issues out previously as there was nobody else to show to however your neighbour and reconciliation was important for survival. These songs are all boy/woman centered however the concepts are greater than that.
There are a number of extra singles that may seem on the EP and a few enjoyable interludes, trying to weave the challenge collectively.
The concept of hope is clearly very key in your work. What issues, nonetheless small, cheer you up and offer you hope?
Old individuals holding arms is certainly up there. Also seeing individuals have interaction in non secular apply and self-discipline. Even seeing somebody take themselves for a jog or raise weights proves that these round you’re taking accountability, bettering themselves mentally and bodily in order that they will battle for a brighter future.
You’re a formidable storyteller, and your use of metaphors is so good. Who are some lyricists or writers that you simply look as much as?
Thank you! It’s necessary to notice that this music was a collaboration with Robbie Moore so the credit score is certainly shared!! I’m impressed by writers like Frank Ocean and Bon Iver who’re capable of transport you someplace with photos and even phrase sounds. Stevie Nicks and Billy Joel are up there as nicely with the best way they will build as much as traces that punch you within the intestine.
I’m additionally a little bit of a nerd, I learn the bible rather a lot and once you’ve studied a chunk of textual content for a very long time, you begin to uncover hyper hyperlinks and themes that don’t current themselves at first. It’s the identical in classical and movie music… the writers return to themes which tie you into a much bigger image. I attempt to implement a little bit of this into songs and throughout initiatives.
Your work could be very detailed, each lyrically and when it comes to the manufacturing. Having mentioned that, it’s by no means over difficult, and each choice feels very deliberate. Do you travel on selections rather a lot when making a music, or is it fairly a fast course of?
Sometimes, as Joni Mitchell says, you simply pluck songs out of the air and typically I’ve to labour over them. I’ve bought fairly a brutal high quality filter which works for and in opposition to me. It could be extremely satisfying typically and in addition extremely painful. It simply relies on the day and the music.
We love how arms on you’re with all features of your work, too! What was the expertise of directing the ‘Roots’ music video like?
Rushed and nerve-racking! I discovered this circle of evergreen bushes planted in the midst of Sutton Park years in the past and thought this is able to be the right location. I requested my photographer and longtime good friend Keith Kaselampao to return and shoot it. We have been dropping gentle in a short time and actually operating across the park attempting to get completely different pictures, improvising as we went. I used to be initially gutted as we completely misplaced the sunshine for the operating shot however it ended up turning out actually cool with how the brake lights on the automobile lit me up.
Is cinematography and directing one thing you’d prefer to proceed to do extra of?
I’ve bought much more elaborate music video concepts that I’d like to tug of sooner or later which I don’t have the finances for but. I’d positively prefer to have extra of a go at directing and producing however I’m a agency believer in having individuals round you which have studied an art-form and may articulate your imaginative and prescient in way more glorious and inventive methods.
How necessary is the visible side of your music for you? Because as a listener, with how visceral your lyricism is, it appears tremendous necessary!
It’s in all probability been the hardest a part of my artist journey. There are so many selections to make and forks within the street with something artistic. With the music and the imagery, you find yourself combating a battle on two fronts, coping with altering fashions and types after which making them meet within the center. Finding one thing that’s authentically you however will even translate to a portion of popular culture is de facto tough.
We’re coming as much as the top of 2023 now! What have been a few of your highlights this yr?
My highlights are the moments at stay gigs the place you see your songs actually connecting with individuals. Recently, I performed a small gig at my native village pub (the place I had my first ever gig at 13). I performed a few of my unreleased songs… not from the upcoming EP however songs that will likely be on future albums and sharing that with them was actually pretty. Another factor that was nice… It’s each UK artist’s dream to be performed on BBC Radio 1 sooner or later and so they performed ‘Roots’ in the direction of the top of the yr. That felt like a giant win.
And, apart from Evergreen, what can we anticipate from you in 2024?
I’ve bought a transparent concept for the primary album I need to write however I’ve bought a number of songs to get out to the world earlier than then so I’m planning on placing out one other brief EP on the finish of the yr and I’ll be collaborating with different artists on singles in between the EPs. Hoping to get in entrance of some real-life our bodies as nicely and play some songs.
Thanks a lot once more to Michael Bird for chatting to us on this unique interview!
So, what have been your ideas on ‘Roots?’ Are you as excited for Evergreen as we’re? Let us know on Twitter @TheHoneyPOP, or over on Facebook or Instagram!
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TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MICHAEL BIRD:
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