Introducing #228 - Ladybyrd
Let us introduce you to eighteen year old newcomer Ladybyrd - who has just released her debut single ‘Too Close To Call’.
Having spent most of her youth living a relatively sheltered existence. While the life experiences she draws upon in her songs are largely based upon classical coming-of-age emotions - relationships, desire, longing and regrets - a bigger influence is her fascination with literature and film. Those characters have lived lives far richer and complex than she is, which infuses her songwriting with a grander dramatic scale to boost her teenage tumultuousness. Those elements are all evident in her debut single ‘Too Close To Call’ - which also provides us with a taster of her debut EP due out this Autumn.
Ladybyrd took a moment to talk to us about her music.
Hey there Ladybyrd - how are you? So your debut track is finally here - how does it feel to have it out there in the world?
Hey, I’m well thank you! Yes, I’m super excited to have it out there. It feels like it’s been such a long time waiting to release some of my music. It feels good not to have to say ‘coming soon’ so often anymore and I can now instead direct people to my Spotify page!
It is called ‘Too Close To Call’ - can you tell us what the track is about?
This track was written based on a fictional story about a couple that I had written lyric ideas about in my notes app. I often picture cinematic scenes and story lines and write along that, if I’m not currently inspired by situations in my life. It’s a song about being infatuated with someone you know isn’t right for you - or you know you can’t have. And, since writing it in August, I have now been able to relate to these lyrics with situations in my own life.
It is the first song from your debut EP - when can we get to hear that?
I’ve got a few more singles to get through before I can announce that…
Where are you based? What are your favorite things to do there?
I’m based in London - I love it here. I moved in August so its almost been a year and it's been so great. So many amazing people and fun opportunities. I love going to the classic touristy areas and taking in the beauty of it all, and going for long walks and discovering new places to eat and hang out. And one of my favourite things to do is just simply sit at the top of a bus with my headphones on and just watch the scenes and the people in the city!
What are the key influences in your music?
Recently I’ve been very influenced by female artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Gracie Abrams and Taylor Swift. Lyrics are often what stand out to me the most in songs - and I’m certainly influenced by these artists and their masterful song craft. My music is also heavily influenced by what I'm absorbing at the time of writing a song - what books I’m reading, what films I’ve watched and art I’ve found. One of the first ever half-decent songs I wrote (I was 14) was based on a painting that really spoke to me. So the art I’m surrounded with will always have the biggest influence for my music.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never listened to your music before?
An indie-tinged voyage into eclectic modern pop, combining strong melodies with guitar-infused symphonic soundscapes.
Now the debut track is out there - what next for you?
I have more singles lined up.. and I’m so excited for you to hear them! The next one is quite different from this one, it has orchestral elements in there too, but I love it equally.
