I've always had levity in my songs, so I like to turn things over, twist them around, and make fun of myself.
Andrew BirdI don't write poetry and then strum some chords and then fit the words on top of the chords.
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 BirdSometimes I think I don't have much choice in the matter. It's just what happens, and I'm following my instincts the whole time.
Andrew BirdMost records, you build from the drums and bass up. This one, we started with the vocals in Nashville and recorded them live with just the guitars and tried to make that complete and lovely-sounding without any adornment at all. I really wanted to get something with the vocal that I've never gotten before Armchair Apocrypha.
Andrew Bird