Marc Bird is a singer-songwriter based in our very own county of Yorkshire! I recently shared his track, Mother Mother, here, hoping our readers would enjoy it as much as I did! If you missed it, you can find the song at the end of this interview. Marc also has some tour dates coming up in the area soon, so if you like the track, don’t forget to head down and see him perform!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a track titled Mother Mother, which we reviewed. What can you tell us about the song?
Mother Mother is part autobiographical and part based on the true story of the flooding of the towns of Measand and Mardale Green, when a dam was built to create Haweswater Reservoir in the Lake District in 1929.
How has the reception been for Mother Mother and where can it be purchased?
It’s been really positive so far, including being featured on the Unsigned Guides Spotlight blog. You can download the track from https://ma…ndcamp.com
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
Yes, I have another single called Avatar which is due to be released on 14th October. This is the final and third single from my debut EP called Parting, which is out in November.
You have an EP coming out soon titled Parting. What can you tell us about the EP and when will it be released?
The EP is a collection of songs about loss and hair. It’s out on 18th November.
Has the pandemic hindered your work much?
To be completely honest, it helped it in a way. At the moment, I’m not a full time musician (I have a day job), so during a devastating and crazy time, I was really thankful for the additional time I had to create. I recorded and released an album and wrote a whole other seven track EP in that time, not to mention starting on other ideas which I’m working on now.
Your music has a poppy indie folk sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
One of my favourite artists at the moment is Aldous Harding. But my solo project is inspired by all sorts… from The Wicker Man soundtrack to Jaques Brel. I’ve been in heavier bands in the past and I’m enjoying playing around with softer, more melodic psychedelic folk arrangements.
You’re from Sunderland. Where are you based now and what is the local music scene like?
I’m now based in Mytholmroyd, which is next door to Hebden Bridge. I’m completely new to the scene down here. Come and say hello!
Do you have any UK tour dates lined up?
I have an EP launch at Northern Guitars in Leeds on 17th November. Prior to that I’m playing a solo set at Stod Fold Brewery in Halifax on 30th October.
What can people expect from one of your shows and why should people come and see you perform live?
You should expect a very intimate performance of my songs. My band tend to play very quietly, which is nice as you can hear every instrument, including viola, guitar, synth, bass and drums. Oh, and lots of hair gel.
Any last words for the fans?
Come to my EP launch on 17th November at Northern Guitars in Leeds. I’ll have physical copies of my new EP for sale and if you’re feeling flush you may even walk away with a new Les Paul.