After introducing himself with his vibrant debut single 'I'm Losing You' last year, Berlin-based singer-songwriter Lady Bird Lad is back once again with his woozy new outing 'More Than Enough'.
Lifted from his forthcoming debut EP, which is set to land in early March, 'More Than Enough' makes for a beautifully rich and tender listen. With his warm and soaring vocal performance layered across a sweeping folk-pop production from start to finish, he is certainly cementing himself as one of the more emotive names on the rise right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I truly fell in love with was the piano. My father played piano to me as a baby/toddler and I was really taken by it. My parents sent me to piano lessons as a 5 year old which I didn’t really enjoy as much as just being in my own world and figuring out things by ear. I didn’t know this at the time but it was also where I could express my emotions and ideas in a raw, intimate way. In playing piano I experienced and still experience being truly present and engulfed in the music.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
As a young lad, I was drawn to the oldies artists my parents were listening to and I liked to listen to Simon & Garfunkel, The Beatles, and the Beach Boys amongst others. I also really enjoyed my older siblings' music. A big favourite for me was The White Stripes. When I was 12 years old my sister's friend took me with him to see them play in Marley Park in Dublin and he (very responsibly) handed me to his friend who was right up the front in the pit. Learned to headbang. I loved anything with heavy and loud guitars.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I owned was Eminem's “The Eminem Show”. I actually took it from my sister and played it on repeat on my little CD Walkman D-E330.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
One song I wish I’d written? Gah! There are so many, but one that stands out is the classic “Still Crazy After All These Years” by Paul Simon. I love to play this song. I love the gospel chords underneath the song and the storytelling and Paul Simon’s delivery. *Chefs Kiss*
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
When writing new music, often I start with recording little ideas on my phone and one of the ideas strikes me as having something about it that feels worth pursuing further. I love trying to build a demo early on in the writing experience because I often hear the instrumentation and production at the same time as the song is coming together lyrically and melodically.
My favourite way to write is to be alone in an empty apartment, although I do enjoy writing with others too. Something I like to do is some Yoga and meditation, but If I’m not being too disciplined a 2-minute headstand usually gets the creative juices (and blood) flowing.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I absolutely love Conor O’Brien’s band/musical project Villagers. I really like the band FIZZ which came onto the scene in 2023. I am a big fan of the individual members of the band and their music - Orla Gartland, Greta Issac, Martin Luke Brown & Dodie.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Villagers.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part of being a musician is the opportunities music offers to connect with other humans. Over the years at different points, people have shared with me how much certain songs have meant to them. Having people share with you vulnerably how a 3 or 4-minute piece of words, melody, and music that you wrote in your bedroom was the soundtrack to an important moment in their life - is just pure magic and extremely humbling and rewarding. Getting out of my own way and just trying to receive a download from the cosmos/God/Nature/Universe in the form of a song idea and then working to finish it. One minute you have nothing, and the next minute you have a song - that is a mega feeling!
And what is the most frustrating part?
Navigating the ever-changing industry while staying true to my artistic vision can be challenging. Being a “content” creator, competing with algorithms and high saturation of information to reach people.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
A big one for me has always been “do it because you love it”. Be ambitious, optimistic, open-minded, curious, willing to get uncomfortable, ask for help & help others. Look after your voice and body. Learn from mistakes, make amends where necessary, forgive yourself and others, and move on.
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Lady Bird Lad's new single 'More Than Enough' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.