Introducing Get To Know… Jade Bird

Presenting a raw, country tinge on debut EP ‘Something American’, this songwriter is destined for big things.

14th August 2018

Hello and welcome to DIY’s new introducing feature, Get To Know… With two new acts a week, the feature pretty much does what it says on the tin: getting you a little bit closer to the buzziest new acts that have been catching our eye as of late, and working out what makes them tick.

Recently we’ve got acquainted with new Saddle Creek signing Tomberlin and Dirty Hit-signed superstar-in-waiting No Rome. Next up, it’s Jade Bird!

Releasing her debut EP ‘Something American’ last year, the London-based songwriter releases raw, country-tinged songs that are sung firmly from the heart. Continuing this promise with a stream of 2018 singles, it’s clear she’s headed for big things.

Stream ‘Something American’ and read our interview with her below.

Catch up with all our Get To Know… features to date here.

Describe your music to us in the form of a Tinder bio.

Bahaha!!!! Funny, flirty *teehee* - but mess around and I’ll rip your balls off.

What’s your earliest musical memory?

I think playing an old Madonna (in her rave era *90s baby alert*) CD, and kinda going for it … I can only have been about 3 or 4 years old but I remember loving the blue on blue background.

Who were some artists that inspired you when you were just starting out (and why)?

When I was starting out songwriting I was super into The Civil Wars, BRMC & Mazzy Star … I loved lyrics that would kind of hit you at the end of the chorus.. it’s strange how it’s changed, I think Elliot Smith is my hero right now - he’s pure and unbeatable.

You’re based in London - do you feel like there’s a strong scene in the capital at the moment? Are there other artists breaking through at the same time that you take inspiration from?

I think there is a scene in London. Obviously we’ve just had a huge wave of grime, which for young people was the new punk you know? It’s hard inspiration wise as I’d say I’m quite different from any scenes at the moment… purposefully in a way… artists that are really killing it for me are Phoebe Bridgers and Cherry Glazer - “Apocalypstick” is quite the jam.

"I think Elliot Smith is my hero right now - he’s pure and unbeatable."

Who is your dream collaborator and why?

It’s hard to say, I’m enjoying writing on my own at the moment and I’m not co-writing any songs for my first album, but a deceased collaborator maybe John Lennon, that surrealistic/traditional way of songwriting is something else. Alive… I think Brian Wilson from the Beach Boys and Father John Misty are amazing, or Gaga… she’s a powerhouse.

Musically or otherwise, what are you most looking forward to in 2018?

Tour!!!! It’s my first headline tour in the USA and biggest in the U.K. plus some of my first European dates - me and the band are like a total family so it’s going to be GOOOOD.

If people could take away one thing from your music, what would it be?

I guess I want people to know that being different is vital, and just because everyone else is doing/liking a trend it really doesn’t mean you have to. Good music, is good music.

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