Frankie Bird Interview

We sat down with California-based singer-songwriter Frankie Bird around the release of her brand new song “When We Were Young”. Simultaneously breezy and wistful, “When We Were Young” explores the consequences that come in the wake of mixing music, love, and business; a tumultuous situation she endured firsthand. It’s a track that yearns for simpler times, arriving alongside a video that invokes nostalgia for the summer days – and the people you shared them with – that live in your mind long after you’ve experienced them.

Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind your latest track "When We Were Young”?

"When We Were Young" is about the fallout of a relationship and friendship I had after mixing music, love and business. It’s about the repercussions I faced, after being warned not to, and how I dealt with everything we built together falling apart. It’s about longing for simpler times before life’s complications got in the way, when we were young and free, not knowing if we’ll ever get that back.

Mixing music, love, and business can be a challenging combination. How did this tumultuous situation influence the creation of the song?

Songwriting wise it was something I clearly needed to process; I wrote it in 30 minutes on my guitar and it was the first song that kicked off this new project. Recording wise it was so cathartic. It was the second song I worked on with Jake Jamieson, Thomas Lea, and Austin Myles Grant who are my brilliant collaborators I made all this new music with. I serendipitously met them at a time when it felt like no one else believed in me and they embraced me fully. For the first time in a long time I found my new musical tribe after healing from the loss of my other one that this song is about.

The accompanying video for "When We Were Young" also plays a significant role in invoking nostalgia. Could you share some insights into the creative process behind the video's concept?

I wanted the video to feel really nostalgic because the whole song is about reflecting on happier youthful times. I also wanted it to look like a 70’s movie but could have taken place in any era, showcasing that the story of heartbreak, loss, and growth is a timeless one. It was important for the director, Lindsey Blaufarb, and I to tell the trajectory of the heartbreak but end on a positive note. She brilliantly came up with the tarot card concept hinting to the viewer exactly what the song is about. I love how the video closes because it represents the empowering place I’m in now. When you’re going through something painful it’s hard to see in the moment but everything that happens to you really does happen for you and you become who you’re meant to be.

Your previous song "Twenty Nothing" marked a new beginning for you with a new name, returning to your roots and childhood inspirations. How do you feel "When We Were Young" builds upon this journey and represents your musical evolution?

"When We Were Young" is such a special song to me because it was the first song I wrote for this new project and the one that got me excited about making music again. It’s one of the poppier songs from this unreleased batch but it still has a new sonic landscape for me with all real instrumentation that takes inspiration from my singer-songwriter heroes. For example, I wanted this song to have a Paul Simon and Peter Gabriel feel while adding my own spin to it. The main way I’ve evolved is I used to want to make music that was timely and followed what was popular, and now I want to make music that feels more timeless with real instruments and players who’s heart you can feel behind every note.

In your music, you draw inspiration from female singer-songwriters of the 70s and 90s. How have these artists influenced your sound and storytelling?

Those strong female storytellers have always been a huge inspiration to me but now more than ever with this new music. When I was writing I had so much building up inside that I wanted to say and went back to my roots to help me say it. Every song was written on my guitar in my home with the help of my insanely talented cousin/best friend, Maya Knowles, who guided me every step of the way making sure I was telling my story right. I wasn’t making music for anyone else but myself to help heal from what I had gone through, which is why it’s my most raw and honest work yet.

What has been the most rewarding part of creating "When We Were Young" and what do you hope your audience takes away from the song?

The most rewarding part is finally having the song out in the world and how it will enter people’s lives. Seeing a song start on my guitar, then take on a whole new life when recorded, then morph into video form, to finally being released is such a magical process. I can’t wait to hear people sing it at shows because that is always the most full circle moment. I hope my audience connects to the story, is empowered by the music, and that it makes them dance and heal with whatever they’re going through.

You were previously signed to a major label and had the opportunity to tour with renowned artists. How have those experiences influenced your growth and approach to creating music?

Those experiences shaped everything in me and the kind of artist I want to be and the kind of people I want surrounding me. Getting to tour with artists I admire and witnessing how they work was also a huge learning experience. I was a sponge soaking up everything, figuring out exactly what I wanted and more importantly exactly what I didn’t want. This time around I have all those answers and lessons as I move forward with this new music.

Lastly, what's next for Frankie Bird after the release of "When We Were Young"? Are there any exciting projects or collaborations on the horizon that you can share with your fans?

Frankie Bird is just getting started! 2 songs out in the world and many many more to come. More music, more videos, and hopefully a tour. This is just the beginning and I couldn’t be more excited about what the future holds and the music I get to share! I’ve never been prouder.