Q&A: Becky and the Birds' New Album, ‘Only music makes me cry now’ Showcases a Bold and Creative Vision
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY FAITH LUEVANOS ☆
Photo By Oliver Lindqvist
FROM THE BRILLIANT MIND OF THEA GUSTAFSSON COMES NEW ALBUM – Only music makes me cry now under the moniker of Becky and the Birds. The Swedish producer, songwriter, and vocalist has returned with an exemplary work of art, raw and well-crafted. Gustafsson discussed the importance of putting music out under a moniker, stating, “It’s a way of letting your vulnerability come through while protecting yourself.” and the new album is definite proof of her talent and vulnerability.
Known for her bold blend of alternative R&B, pop, and electronic music, Gustafsson successfully corrals these genres to create music that makes the listener feel something. Her immersive soundscapes are paired with soulful and introspective lyrics guided by the inspiration of orchestral music. By drawing inspiration from this wide range of genres, Becky and the Birds can reach new and exciting emotional depths through her form of sonic innovation.
Only music makes me cry now is a captivating dive into themes of heartbreak, healing, and introspection, giving Gustafsson a chance to embrace her creative freedom and what she describes as an emotional release. Each track feels like a personal diary entry, all while showcasing the complexities of her production and pushing the boundaries of her artistry.
Luna received the opportunity to talk with Becky and the Birds about her newfound creative freedom, her creative process, the origin of her moniker, and more. Read the full interview below.
Photo By Oliver Lindqvist
LUNA: Within this new era of music, you’re discovering the development of your sound as well as creative freedom. What were some of the key factors that pushed you towards this new sound?
BATB: I think once you’ve felt imprisoned in any way, the feeling of freedom is so much more powerful. I’m grateful for all of my projects and everything that has come with them. And with this project, I’m especially grateful for the creative freedom that this album gave me and continues to give me in every way. I think maturing in your project and in your music just helps with letting things go and letting the music be whatever it wants to be.
LUNA: Everything you create is completely done by you: writing, recording, and producing. What does that creative process look like for you? Is it easy to fall into musical rabbit holes creating everything solo?
BATB: My creative process is different every time. But one thing that it always has in common is that it’s driven by a feeling. I think emotions are the most inspiring thing and it’s so beautiful to dig deep into that. But sure, being on your own, and diving deep into your emotions, also comes with a lot of rabbit hole moments. I do, however, think it’s good to be there, you know? At least for a while. You learn a lot about yourself when you face yourself and your craft in those moments.
LUNA: Where did the moniker “Becky & The Birds” come from originally?
BATB: I think having an ”alter ego” is important for me because it’s a way of letting your vulnerability come through while protecting yourself. So, it always felt right to me to put a name on my project that can stand for every aspect of just that project.
For my first EP, which was the first project and the first songs I ever produced, I found this sample online of a woman who called herself Becky and she talked about how she was friends with birds. I found that sample to be so intriguing and so captivating, so I kept it in one of my songs. And when the first EP was done and I was playing around with different names, Becky came to mind because I related to her in some sense. It felt just perfect.
LUNA: Where did you get your start creating music? And how did this develop to where you are now?
BATB: I’ve always been creating music in one way or another. But my first pieces of music were actually made for the violin and orchestras. I was playing in a lot of orchestras and the whole soundscape of orchestral music has always been one of my main inspirations. I think the way my music is now is a whole puzzle filled with pieces of inspiration from my childhood and my upbringing. I grew up listening to jazz, klezmer, and classical music thanks to my dad and, of course, R&B and hip hop through my sister. And when I listen to my music today, and to the things I’m making, it just makes so much sense. I feel like I’m all of that at the same time.
LUNA: Elton John played “I made my baby cry” on his radio show; being recognized by him is so incredible! What were your feelings surrounding that moment?
BATB: It was such a beautiful moment. And I think it was especially beautiful because it was something that I would’ve never foreseen. To get appreciation and love and praise from someone without asking for it or anticipating it is amazing. And especially when it comes from Elton John.
LUNA: What message are you hoping to convey to listeners when the new album is released?
BATB: I want to leave the album open enough for anyone to come in with themselves. That means that I want the listener to feel, think, and go through whatever they want or need to feel, think, or go through while listening to the album.
LUNA: This new album feels incredibly personal and introspective for you. Can you share any key memories or highlights from making the album?
BATB: Recording myself while playing piano and singing in the beginning stage was so beautiful. Because it all came from a place in my subconscious. I was just playing and singing whatever I was feeling and going through in that moment and it truly became my form of therapy. And then to use those recordings and sample myself while letting those recordings lead the way was so interesting. A lot of the time, they didn’t have a BPM and sometimes they were very abstract and obscure, but I loved the process of using everything. Nothing went to waste. It was this whole recycling thing going on.
LUNA: Since you’re in charge of each stage of a song, how do you avoid creative blocks while making music?
BATB: I think you just have to remind yourself that it’s your art. And your art can be whatever you want it to be. If you’re sitting with a verse and can’t come up with a chorus, then maybe it doesn’t need to have a chorus. Why would it need a chorus? Just let it be whatever it wants to be. It’s supposed to be fun and freeing, so let it be that.
LUNA: Where do you tend to pull inspiration from to create such ethereal soundscapes?
BATB: I’m very inspired by movies. Especially indie movies. Aftersun had a huge impact on me because I think Charlotte Wells did such a good job of leaving the plot open enough for the audience to come in with their own projections. But I would also say that I’m extremely inspired by people who are authentic, and authentic in their work and craft. I don’t care how many listeners or followers you have, if you make something that is true to you and that you truly love, it will be inspiring to me. I just love it when people’s minds are free.
LUNA: How would you ask listeners to enjoy the album?
BATB: No shuffle! (laughs) Because I think if you listen to it closely, it can help you find a way out of whatever you’re going through. But do it from the start. Not from the end. Or, actually, do it however you want to.
Photo By Oliver Lindqvist
