Bird

It had been several years since Bird and I had last spoken, so reconnecting over Zoom felt instantly familiar — like picking up a conversation that had simply been paused. Before we even reached the topic of new music, we found ourselves drifting through memories, life lessons, favourite records, unforgettable trips and the small joys that shape who we are.

Reflecting on her younger self, Bird laughed as she remembered being completely captivated by Radiohead at 21.

"The Bends was just constantly on," she recalled. "I listened to it non-stop until OK Computer came out."

Music has always been at the heart of Bird’s world, but so too is her appreciation for the moments and experiences that stay with you long after they’ve passed. While many people are drawn to sun-soaked beaches and traditional holiday escapes, Bird’s idea of a memorable destination lies somewhere very different.

"Iceland," she said immediately when asked about places that have left a lasting impression. The country’s vast landscapes and the wonder of the Northern Lights made a far deeper impact on her than any typical beach getaway ever could.

Back at home, however, her tastes are wonderfully uncomplicated. Bird speaks about her love of a roast dinner with the same enthusiasm someone might reserve for a major career achievement. Among her proudest culinary accomplishments is mastering the art of the perfect Yorkshire pudding — a skill she clearly takes great satisfaction in.

Naturally, the conversation eventually returned to music and performance, where Bird’s belief in the importance of connection became clear.

"Live music is all about connection," she reflected.

To explain what she meant, she shared a memory from a Smashing Pumpkins concert she attended years ago. The band had apparently argued before stepping on stage and spent much of the performance turned away from each other.

"I felt cheated," she laughed. "I hadn’t had an argument with them."

It is a simple story, but one that captures her philosophy perfectly. Audiences do not just attend live shows to hear songs performed — they come to share an experience, and artists have a responsibility to create that genuine connection.

Of course, there are always things artists look back on and wish they had done differently. For Bird, one of those things is not dedicating more time to practising the cello when she was younger. But any suggestion that this held her back creatively is quickly dismissed by the sheer range of work she has created and the confidence she now brings to her songwriting.

That confidence shines through on her forthcoming studio album, 'Held Here Together'.

The record did not begin with one defining concept or a rigid creative plan. Instead, it grew organically from a collection of songs and ideas Bird had been developing over time. Slowly, those individual pieces began to reveal themselves as part of something bigger.

"They became a really cohesive body of work," she explained.

That process is different from some of her previous projects, where Bird deliberately set herself creative restrictions to challenge her songwriting. On earlier albums, she recorded while playing every instrument herself — an approach that naturally created boundaries.

"If I’m playing everything, I have to be able to play everything that’s in the songs," she said.

Those limitations can inspire creativity, but with 'Held Here Together', Bird allowed herself the freedom to think beyond those constraints. Without needing to perform every individual part herself, she was able to explore bigger arrangements, richer textures and a more cinematic sound than she may otherwise have pursued.

Interestingly, while the album itself feels expansive, Bird’s approach to performing these songs live is almost the opposite.

With record store performances ahead and later dates supporting Ward Thomas, she is already thinking about how the songs will transform outside the studio environment.

For Bird, live performance is not about perfectly recreating every layer of a recording. Instead, it is about returning to the heart of the song.

"I want people to hear what the song sounds like in its purest form," she explained.

Often, that means little more than a voice and a handful of chords — stripping everything back to create the most direct connection possible between artist and audience.

Despite a career that continues to evolve, Bird says her ambitions remain rooted in the same place. They have simply grown alongside her experiences, opening the door to new possibilities and challenges.

When asked who she would most like to collaborate with, she admitted it is almost impossible to choose. There are countless artists she admires, but for Bird, the most meaningful collaborations are not about status or reputation — they are about working with people who can teach you something.

After some thought, one name stood out.

"I’d love to write and record with Dolly Parton," she said.

There was a sense of genuine admiration in her answer, along with an understanding that opportunities like that are precious. The chance to work alongside one of music’s greatest storytellers would be something she would treasure.

As our conversation came to an end, it became clear that 'Held Here Together' represents much more than simply another album release. It is a record shaped by experience, curiosity, creative freedom and a deeper understanding of what truly matters.

Whether she is talking about Radiohead, Icelandic landscapes, homemade Yorkshire puddings or the intimacy of a stripped-back live performance, Bird’s outlook remains centred on authenticity and connection.

Those values have guided her throughout her career — and they continue to shape the music she creates today.

If 'Held Here Together' is anything to go by, they will remain at the heart of her work for many years to come.