A Chat with Marc Bird (06.06.2020)
Marc Bird is a songwriter and visual artist who has recently released his debut album Bronze. The album features evocative lyrics and pulsing synths for an experimental soundtrack of modern times. His latest release ‘Deep End’ is partially inspired by the film of the same name. We sat down with Marc Bird (MB) to talk about the new track, his music and much more!
OSR: Why did you choose to enter the music industry?
MB: I actually began my creative journey at art school. From being a teenager, I always wanted to be a visual artist and figured that would be my path. However, as soon as I started discovering bands like The Who, The Strokes and The Smiths when I was sixteen, I was hooked and it’s been music ever since!
OSR: What can you tell us about your latest release ‘Deep End’?
MB: It’s a song partially inspired by the film Deep End starring Jane Asher. I love cult British kitchen sink cinema and this film, in particular, has stuck with me for a while. It also has a great sound track featuring Can and Cat Stevens, which you should check out.
OSR: What was the recording and writing process like?
MB: I’ve been working on the songs for the album Bronze for the past two years in my small home studio. I recorded the whole thing myself, with the exception of the backing vocals, recorded by the ultra-talented Kate Edwards, who you should look for in the coming months.
Writing and recording the record on my own has led to a very introspective bunch of songs, even by my standards and limiting myself to a small selection of sounds and instruments has led to creating my most consistent sounding collection of tracks to date.
OSR: Which is more challenging for you – melody or lyrics?
MB: 100% lyrics! They tend to be the last piece in the puzzle for me and always take way longer to write than the music itself.
OSR: What do you hope people take from the single?
MB: I hope they take some hope from this song in a dark and cloudy time. It’s a chance to have a moment of quiet reflection about the past, but also not be afraid of the future, whatever it may hold.
OSR: Describe your music in three words.
MB: Introspective, shimmering, diversion.
OSR: What do you think is the best way to discover new music?
MB: I miss discovering new music in record shops! That’s always been the most exciting route of discovery for me personally. Or your local library, if they have a music section. After that, I rely on my friends, some of which have a way better music knowledge than me and getting lost down the YouTube rabbit hole for a few hours has always unearthed some hidden (or not so hidden) gems.
OSR: What does 2020 (and beyond) hold for you?
MB: Getting out there and playing my songs to a live audience hopefully, all being well. Other than that, I have another album in the works which I’m very excited about.
OSR: What advice do you have for any person planning to become a musician?
MB: Be yourself, always. No exceptions. Record everything, by whatever means.
OSR: Do you have any message for our readers?
MB: Stay safe and listen to more music!
Thanks to Marc Bird for chatting with us! You can find more about him on his Facebook, Twitter and Spotify.
