The earth almost looks like it's packed down and dense from so many feet treading over it.
Andrew BirdSometimes I just think we're not meant to fly halfway around the world in a day. That some kind of mutation is going to happen.
Andrew BirdIf something gets under my own skin, and keeps reoccurring, it starts to take on a certain weight and value, and I think, "I have to put this in the song. I have no choice but to mention Greek Cypriots in this song." It's a little internal challenge to myself. Like creating little imaginary rituals in yourself to help the song go from nonexisting to existing.
Andrew BirdIt's not set in stone. I like to keep it rolling and changing, and so I am like, "Great, I get to remake my song."
Andrew BirdI think jazz was just seeking respect and validity because a lot of people didn't believe it was a viable art form, and then they got a lot of attention in Europe. A lot of bands that can't catch flies in the US have these followings in Europe, [but] it's less and less the case. American audiences are way more sophisticated and adventurous than anyone thinks that they are.
Andrew Bird