What music is for | Wallis Bird

This section explores Wallace Bird's early and lifelong connection to music, beginning with her first guitar at six months old. Wallace describes her energy on stage as almost 'cosmic,' feeling that her vibrant performance is influenced by an external force, which she openly embraces. She recounts her origins in Ireland, her early memories involving music and pain following a childhood accident, and her renewed passion for music as a means of healing during recent grief. Wallace emphasizes her desire to create moments of joy and connection through her performances and her belief that her musical energy is both innate and externally handed to her.

Wallace Bird discusses her songwriting process, describing songs as her 'friends' and emphasizing the importance of listening deeply to what these 'friends' tell her. She visualizes her lyrics and melodies as landscapes, colors, and textures, which helps her access emotional depths and craft more evocative music. Wallace also talks about the balance between allowing a song to 'want' something and respecting its 'voice.' Her approach involves a mix of craft, visual imagination, and emotional honesty, aiming to create music that is genuine and resonant.

Wallace shares her engagement with social activism, particularly around issues like queer rights, refugees, migrants, and anti-racism. She describes her song 'As The River Flows' as a vessel for empathy and solidarity, capturing the struggle of refugees crossing the Mediterranean. Wallace views her music as inherently political, reflecting on the idea that simply existing in the world is a political act. Her performances often carry sideways political messages that advocate for equity and human dignity, highlighting her commitment to using her art for social betterment.

Wallace's reputation for energetic performances is rooted in a sense of being 'handed' her energy from the cosmos. She describes her connection with the audience as vital, intentionally engaging those who seem disengaged in order to uplift and create a shared experience. Off-stage, Wallace feels similarly warm and approachable, emphasizing her genuine love for people and her desire to foster community through music. She recounts challenges with difficult rooms but maintains persistence and optimism, viewing each performance as a chance to inspire and connect.

Wallace reflects on her evolving relationship with music, especially after recent periods of grief and loss. She talks about revisiting her earlier songs like 'Indictum' and how her understanding of them has deepened with age. Wallace emphasizes the significance of protecting the emotional integrity of her songs during performance while maintaining a sense of objectivity. She shares her perspectives on listening to the world and music with openness and enjoyment, instead of criticism, and values the unpredictability of inspiration—finding creativity in everyday moments and small spaces.