So then, what’s the band name and what do you ‘do’ in the band?
My name is Tristen Bird; I am a country/roots singer songwriter. I write my own songs, sing, play banjo and guitars and record my own music.
W hat do you reckon people will say you sound like?
Hmm I feel a bit big for my boots to say it but I get a lot of comments that my music lives between Neil Young and Hank Williams.
What do you love about making music?
The magic that can happen between the players and the singers on a record and on the stage, that shiver that a great song gives you.
What do you hate about the music industry?
Excessive name dropping.
If you could travel back in time and show one of your musical heroes your stuff, who would it be and why?
It’d be Hank Williams and Cash for sure.
If you could assassinate one person or band from popular music, who would it and why?
Hmm there’s a few, but each to their own really, different people like different things so I guess all music has a place.
What can a punter expect from your live show?
Tales of a journey, darkness and light, howling violin and cello, banjo and the minor key.
What’ve you got to sell CD-wise?
My debut LP Horse to Water will be released at the Melbourne launch at Bella Union.
When’s the gig and with who?
Saturday October 22 at Bella Union at Trades Hall with the Stillsons and Mike Antoniou.
Anything else to add?
Yes, I am releasing this record in support of Birds Australia, an incredible conservation organisation based here in Melbourne. I will be touring the record across six states throughout November and racking up twenty six shows in two and a half weeks. All proceeds from my six capital city shows go directly to Bird’s Australia’s EagleCAM project. Please see birdsaustralia.com.au and tristenbird.com.au for further details.
