She's soaring. She's flying high. She's about to take flight. Any fowl puns and cliched sentences are justified when referring to singer/songwriter Birdy. The 18-year-old wunderkind is a rising star here in the states, but across the globe, she's a superstar - scoring platinum and gold hits from her native England to Australia. It's only a matter of time before Birdy becomes a household name in America. OK, who am I kidding? She probably already is. Case in point: she's already appeared on numerous television shows from Ellen DeGeneres to Queen Latifah, has had songs featured on blockbuster film soundtracks from The Hunger Games to most recently The Fault in Our Stars, she's toured all over (she just wrapped up an opening slot for Christina Perri), and just dropped her debut album Fire Within this month, and it's already gaining traction. How could it not?
As evidenced by the album and her previously released Breathe EP, Birdy has the makings of Adele-like stardom. Listen to her voice. Watch her play piano. Watch and listen to her sing while she plays piano. Watch me as I watch and listen to her doing both. It's incredible stuff. What did you do by the time you turned 18? Certainly none of this. My claim to fame at that age was getting drunk at the prom off one too many Zimas. Clearly, Birdy, at the very least, tops my accomplishments in my teen years. But enough of my triumphs, and back to Birdy and her Fire Within, which was actually released in England last year. The album features her penmanship along with songs written by powerhouses Ryan Tedder, Sia, and Mumford & Sons' Ben Lovett. The LP also includes her smash cover of Bon Iver's "Skinny Love."
Lucky for me, the singer/songwriter performed that song as well as album cut "No Angel" exclusively for A-Sides with Jon Chattman, and spoke about her debut here in the states, the Bon Iver classic track, and more. Watch it below, and tell me if you hear a pin drop. Filmed for A-Sides at the Atlantic Records offices in New York City by www.wearepopstudios.com.
"No Angel" and "Skinny Love"
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About A-Sides Music
Jon Hartman's "A-Sides Music" series was established in August 2011 and usually features artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series focuses on the artist making art in a low-threatening, extremely informal (sometimes humorous) way. No bells, no whistles -- just the music performed in a random, low-key setting followed by an unrehearsed chat. In an industry where everything often gets overblown and over manufactured, I'm hoping this is refreshing. Artists have included: fun, Courtney Love, Air Supply, Birdy, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Pharrell Williams, American Authors, Imagine Dragons, Gary Clark Jr., and more! A-Sides theme written and performed by Blondfire.