Andrew Wegman Bird is an American musician, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He was initially known through his work with the band Squirrel Nut Zippers before forming Bowl of Fire, and is now best known as a solo musician. Andrew Bird takes five minutes to share with us some of the artists and songs that have shaped his life! The singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist will be returning to Australia this year off the back of his latest release Are You Serious.
What is the one song that reminds you of growing up, and why?
If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me – The Bellamy Brothers. I grew up playing classical music but my dad kept things real with some questionable country and he played this song all the time in the car.
What is the song that gets you on the dancefloor every time?
I’ve Been Watching You (Move Your Sexy Body) – Parliament Funkadelic, or James Brown.
What is the song that’s always busted out when no-one is around – why?
Herbie Hancock – Mwandishi. I listen to it in my studio on electrostatic speakers and it’s the trippiest listen ever. Not a hit with my family though.
What is the album on high rotation in your car at the moment?
Jackie Mittoo Studio One Hits.
What was your wedding song?
Schubert Piano Trio in E flat. The slow movement.
Your favourite songs to cover at the moment?
Too Close / On My Way To Heaven by The Staples Singers. Anything by The Handsome Family. Perfect Day by Lou Reed. Harvest by Neil Young.
If you could sing a duet with anyone dead or alive, who would it be?
Nina Simone.
Your all-time blues hero is… why?
Charley Patton. He didn’t fit the mould of the 12-bar blues.
His songs have a hymn-like quality; they feel like they belong to the Caribbean as much as Mississippi. No-one has really sounded like him since.
Andrew Bird performs at Bluesfest opening night. For program and ticket info go to bluesfest.com.au.
