Birdeatsbaby are a group of multi-instrumentalists that blend elements of rock, metal and cinematic music to create a sound that’s striking and unique. They have toured extensively through the UK, US, Germany and Mexico, supporting bands such as ASP,Coppelius and The Courtesans. Their previous releases have been produced by Paul Reeve of Muse fame and John Fryer (Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails…). Recently, one of their songs featured in ‘Close to Me’, in the hit Channel 4 thriller starring Connie Nielson and Christopher Eccleston.
The band’s last album, The World Conspires, was a pivotal part of their musical evolution that gained them notability in the spheres of modern progressive rock and metal when it was reviewed by the likes of Orkus and Prog Magazine.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Birdeatsbaby about the latest release (Ribbons), motivations, memories and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
What’s something you’d like readers to know about your latest project?
The songs from HEX are a step for Birdeatsbaby into new territory. While we are going further into metal and progressive genres, visually we have also changed the aesthetic of the band. The World Conspires (our previous release) was incredibly theatrical and extroverted in expression, where as this album is subtle, mysterious and enigmatic. The songs are harder to understand, rhythmically quite complex and it’s something that will grow over time instead of being instantly pleasing. We’d like our listeners to travel with us into unknown, musical landscapes and be challenged, not just entertained. It’s certainly not an album for everyone, perhaps for those looking for something to unravel.
How does this project compare with your other release(s)? Was there anything specific you were trying to accomplish?
I think for us, every album has been a concept, a journey, and an expression of how the world around us is affecting us as people and musicians. Right now, the world is a very dark place, and I’ve always tried to reflect how I’m feeling through my music. HEX is a particularly introverted album, as the last few years have been incredibly lonely in many ways, we’ve not been able to tour, or connect with our fans in person. I think there is a general consensus that the world is hurtling towards its own destruction, and that’s a terrifying thought. I think the music from HEX is a projection of this darkness. In many ways this album has been a way for us to process this, and turn it into something creative to keep us focused through an incredibly difficult time.
What motivates you to create music?
I don’t think I am so much motivated to create music, more it’s something that I need to do, it’s not a choice. Ever since a young age I have been using music to express things I’ve found too difficult to articulate in other forms, it was always an outlet for depression, and my mental health. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t obsessed with music, I think I have been writing since the age of 9 and it’s never stopped since.
What’s one of your first or most powerful music memories? Did that play any role in driving you to create?
When I was in my very early teens my parents took me to a big church of hundreds of people – everyone was singing in harmonies and many people were ad-libbing in tongues (when a Christian is using an unknown language of the Holy Spirit). I remember finding the whole experience really incredible, how a group of voices and musical instruments could make such a beautiful noise together, it had a profound effect on me. I don’t practice Christianity anymore but I feel like the church was integral to my musical training and influenced the way I write when it comes to arrangement and the layering of instruments. For me, a live gig can feel like a very spiritual experience, it’s my own version of church.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
Martin Grech is a huge inspiration to me; I would love to one day collaborate with him. His multi-instrumental arrangements and unusual voice really appeals to me, he is truly original and also seems to have this really dark edge to his music that I find an affinity with. I haven’t asked him as I’m afraid he might say no, but if you haven’t heard his music, I highly recommend the albums Hush Mortal Core and Unholy (favourite song, Guiltless).
What was the last song you listened to? And who is one of your favorite all-time bands/artists?
The last song I listened to was “One of Us is the Killer” by Dillinger Escape Plan and one of my favourite all time bands is Lamb of God – they have written some of the best metal bands out there and continue to put out really, really incredible music. Something about their fast 6/8 grooves really appeals to me and I never get bored of Randy Blythe’s voice, it sounds like the gates of hell opening!
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
Probably our YouTube channel is the best place – all our music videos from 2009 are there and you can see how the band has changed and evolved over the last decade. Apart from that, try our patreon page and our bandcamp page as there’s a lot of exclusive music there that you can’t find elsewhere. I don’t really like Spotify as a platform, I think it’s sucking the life out of independent music.
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Thank you for having me. I appreciate the originality of the questions, and hope you enjoy the rest of the music to come from HEX.
