Welcome back to the latest of our exclusive interviews! Today, we bring you into the world of Michael Bird, who you absolutely need to have on your radar. It’s been a while since we’ve come across an artist so sombre yet so warm.
If you are familiar with THP, you’ll know we love nature – we are honey bees after all. But, we’re not the only ones! Michael Bird has released gorgeous single ‘Roots’ from the upcoming EP, Evergreen, and we were delighted to chat to him about his creative process and so much more in this interview!
Congratulations on the release of ‘Roots.’ It’s such a poetic track! You’ve spoken about creating the sample for the track, what was that process like?
It all started in a session with Robbie Moore (AKA Buddy Analogue). We created the sample at the beginning of the record by layering lots of different sounds, then pitching it up and chopping it up. When we had the sample playing on repeat, it felt like autumn leaves were swirling around the studio. We decided to use that as our writing palette and wrote lyrics that used deciduous and evergreen trees as a metaphor.
We love the imagery of evergreen vs deciduous trees, it’s so beautiful. Are you often inspired by nature? What are some of your other major inspirations?
I grew up on a sheep farm in the middle of the Kent countryside so the woods have always been a place of confinement and inspiration for me. Very different but pain points in relationships also seem to be what I’m drawn to as a writer. I really wish I could write a happy, feel-good song but that’s never really been where I’ve been pulled.
Speaking of, your upcoming EP will be called Evergreen! What can you tell us about the project so far?
The sentiment of the next EP is summarised nicely in a lyric from the single I dropped before ‘Roots’ called ‘Creases.’ The line is: “Beyond the Borders of infatuation.” On the other side of those butterfly feelings is where the real love lies. The project will be a case for and romanticisation of longevity, whilst not neglecting its nuances and challenges. As technology advances, relationships are becoming more easily disposable. You used to have to work things out in the past as there was no one else to turn to but your neighbour and reconciliation was essential for survival. These songs are all boy/girl centered but the ideas are bigger than that.
There are a few more singles that will appear on the EP and some fun interludes, attempting to weave the project together.
The idea of hope is clearly very key in your work. What things, however small, cheer you up and give you hope?
Old people holding hands is definitely up there. Also seeing people engage in spiritual practice and self-discipline. Even seeing someone take themselves for a jog or lift weights proves that those around you are taking responsibility, bettering themselves mentally and physically so that they can fight 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 look up to?
Thank you! It’s important to note that this song was a collaboration with Robbie Moore so the credit is definitely shared!! I’m inspired by writers like Frank Ocean and Bon Iver who are able to transport you somewhere with pictures and even word sounds. Stevie Nicks and Billy Joel are up there as well with the way they can build up to lines that punch you in the gut.
I’m also a bit of a nerd, I read the bible quite a lot and when you’ve studied a piece of text for a long time, you start to uncover hyper links and themes that don’t present themselves at first. It’s the same in classical and film music… the writers return to themes which tie you into a bigger picture. I try to implement a bit of this into songs and across projects.
Your work is very detailed, both lyrically and in terms of the production. Having said that, it’s never over complicated, and every decision feels very deliberate. Do you go back and forth on decisions a lot when creating a song, or is it quite a quick process?
Sometimes, as Joni Mitchell says, you just pluck songs out of the air and sometimes I have to labour over them. I’ve got quite a brutal quality filter which works for and against me. It can be incredibly satisfying sometimes and also incredibly painful. It just depends on the day and the song.
We love how hands on you are with all aspects of your work, too! What was the experience of directing the ‘Roots’ music video like?
Rushed and stressful! I found this circle of evergreen trees planted in the middle of Sutton Park years ago and thought this would be the perfect location. I asked my photographer and longtime friend Keith Kaselampao to come and shoot it. We were losing light very quickly and literally running around the park trying to get different shots, improvising as we went. I was initially gutted as we totally lost the light for the running shot but it ended up turning out really cool with how the brake lights on the car lit me up.
Is cinematography and directing something you’d like to continue to do more of?
I’ve got a lot more elaborate music video ideas that I’d like to pull of one day which I don’t have the budget for yet. I’d definitely like to have more of a go at directing and producing but I’m a firm believer in having people around you that have studied an art-form and can articulate your vision in far more excellent and creative ways.
How important is the visual aspect of your music for you? Because as a listener, with how visceral your lyricism is, it seems super important!
It’s probably been the toughest part of my artist journey. There are so many decisions to make and forks in the road with anything creative. With the music and the imagery, you end up fighting a battle on two fronts, dealing with changing fashions and styles and then making them meet in the middle. Finding something that’s authentically you but will also translate to a portion of pop culture is really difficult.
We’re coming up to the end of 2023 now! What have been some of your highlights this year?
My highlights are the moments at live gigs where you see your songs really connecting with people. Recently, I played a small gig at my local village pub (where I had my first ever gig at 13). I played some of my unreleased songs… not from the upcoming EP but songs that will be on future albums and sharing that with them was really lovely. Another thing that was great… It’s every UK artist’s dream to be played on BBC Radio 1 one day and they played ‘Roots’ towards the end of the year. That felt like a big win.
And, other than Evergreen, what can we expect from you in 2024?
I’ve got a clear idea for the first album I want to write but I’ve got a few songs to get out to the world before then so I’m planning on putting out another short EP at the end of the year and I’ll be collaborating with other artists on singles in between the EPs. Hoping to get in front of some real-life bodies as well and play some songs.
Thanks so much again to Michael Bird for chatting to us in this exclusive interview!
So, what were your thoughts on ‘Roots?’ Are you as excited for Evergreen as we are? 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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