Sidney Bird
Interview Conducted on Feb. 17, 2022
By Dan Locke
Sidney Bird is a southwestern darling making a name for herself in New York City. Born and raised in Arizona, Bird holds her own in the western pop scene, alongside artists like Kacey Musgraves and Leon Bridges. A true crossover act, she feels a strong creative impulse when home in Arizona, writing all of her songs there before fleshing them out with producers in Brooklyn. “I grew up listening to Barenaked Ladies, Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell,” says Bird. “Then became obsessed with Katy Perry, Britney Spears––all the popstars.”
Bird’s background in comedy and musical theater fuels a deep love for world-building and storytelling: “Sometimes I feel like I’m playing characters through my music, using them as a vehicle to express honest and genuine feelings.” Her 2020 debut album “Bad Timing,” featuring singles like “Kisses” and “Wild,” has garnered over 1.7 million combined streams to date. In 2021, Bird followed up with her EP “Big Heart,” debuting the project live at Rockwood Music Hall at the end of the year. With a wealth of music ready for release and a dedicated community of listeners, Bird is well-positioned to make 2022 her year.
You are from Phoenix AZ. What is your upbringing?
Yes, born and raised in Phoenix, AZ!
How did you discover music?
Honestly, my dad is constantly singing on our home karaoke machine.
How did you start to write music?
In high school. I didn’t do it seriously; it was more therapeutic.
How did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
My mom got me a guitar in middle school! My sister put stickers all over it. I don’t have it anymore. I wish I did.
What is your guitar of choice now? Year, make and model?
I love my gibson electric guitar.
How often do you play the banjo?
Not often… but I need to more.
You also have background in musical theater and comedy. What type of comedy do you enjoy?
Yes I do!!! I am obsessed with sketch comedy.
You graduated from the University of Southern California. What was your major?
I got a BA in Dramatic Arts.
Tell me about working with Whole Z?
We met each other while I was working for WeWork. He was the first music producer I’d ever met and he was the first person to believe in me!
Are you still doing sketch comedy?
I always write down ideas in my notebook 🙂
Is it true that you did a internship on Jimmy Fallon show and Saturday Night Live?
It is!
How did you get your bands name?
My last name is Hulburd. Bird sounds cuter and easier to remember.
Describe your music.
I would describe it as pop western.
What was your first performance at like?
Scary! But so much fun. I want to perform every day.
Royalties never appear like magic. Royalties are only sent to you through work undertaken by a PRO to ensure that their members are getting paid. If you’re not yet signed up to a Performing Right Organization like ASCAP, BMI or SESAC, you may not be receiving all the royalties you deserve.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP ?
BMI
What makes a good songwriter?
Practice and edge!
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
I wrote this song in high school called California… I did not record it
What is the process of writing your music?
I usually start with some kind of hook and then go from there
Tell me about your song “Brooklyn Baby” which get released on Feb. 22nd?
Yes!! I am so excited about this song. It is very poppy and young. It’s about being really excited but afraid to grow up.
What is your favorite track on your album?
Can’t say 🙂
Digital vs. vinyl?
Vinyl
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
Crash Into Me by Dave Matthews Band. To me it means adolescents.
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
No I don’t! I think it has made artists more creative and connected to their fans.
Do you think that Covid-19 has been a plus to an artist career?
I do.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
Writing, cooking, and reading.
How do you stay healthy during the lockdown?
Cooking!! And therapy 🙂
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
Reading books.
Recently the virus has come back with the Delta outbreak, then you Omicron, which as cause many people in the industry to worry about the future of live music.
How would you like live shows to be held and still keep you and fans safe.
I would have to require everyone to be vaxxed to see me in concert!
What is your happy place?
Arizona
