Music, Style & Culture

| Magazine : Online : Radio : Mobile

An Experiment On A Bird In The Air Pump

Here, one third of the band, X-Bird (bass, vocals, drums), talks us through a few of her influences.

An Experiment On A Bird In The Air Pump release their new EP 'Buy A Life' today through their own label Buy A Life, and they'll be celebrating with a launch party on Thursday 10th December at The Victoria in London.

Here one third of the band, X-Bird (bass, vocals, drums), talks us through a few of her influences, from some film people we've never heard of (until now, obviously) to her parents, and The Strokes (we know who they are).

Mahalia Jackson

There's a video of Mahalia Jackson singing Summertime and Motherless Child on YouTube and it is one of the most awe-inspiring things you will ever hear. It is so rare to hear a vocalist who has the ability to create such depth and emotion with their voice, Mahalia Jackson does exactly this and it tears away at your heart when you listen to it. When I sing or play an instrument, the sound I create is a manifestation of any inner turmoil or joy im feeling at that given moment. It's a sonic representation of who I feel I am.

Maya Deren

My other creative passion in life is making videos and one film that really expanded my creative horizon was, 'Meshes Of The Afternoon' by Maya Deren. It highlighted for me the magical element of filmmaking. One minute you can flying in the air, the next sitting at the dinner table with 3 of your clones, you can be in your living room and the next moment be on a beach. Deren created these beautiful dream sequences with such rhythm; you couldn't help but become immersed in the flow of her work. Even the way she spoke had rhythm; you were constantly hynotised by almost every creative and human aspect of her.

Scary Movies

Ever since I was kid, I've been into watching horror movies. Watching films like Nightmare On Elm St and Halloween got me into films in the first place. I was lucky enough to grow up within a loving family environment so watching horror movies was like the ultimate escape. There's something exhilarating about getting scared senseless, screaming your lungs out and throwing your popcorn into the air simultaneously- it's probably the only time I can multi-task. Of course we all know its make believe and watch these horrific scenes with the notion, 'its only a movie, its only a movie' constantly at the back of our minds but somehow our brain tricks us into feeling sheer terror. The accelerated thud of my heart against my ribcage is so exciting. My imagination runs riot and before I know it, all of a sudden the person sitting next to me is beginning to resemble Regan from The Exorcist. This is what music is, the ultimate escape. Films in a sense are another representation of this. I make music to reach my private island just like how I watch horror movies to escape the humdrum of reality.

Cigarettes

Not that I'm condoning smoking yourself to an early grave. I'm fully aware of the health implications behind this 'dirty habit' but y'know what? I can't help myself and right now I don't care, oh the joys of having youth on my side right...? I'm not much of a drinker and drugs don't really interest me so I guess my main vice is fags and mini skirts. Also if I can be plainly honest with myself, I'm hopelessly addicted. Cigarettes have featured heavily during my induction into trying to gain some semblance of 'adulthood'. Sneaking a fag at the bus stop, smoking in the queue when lining up for gigs and such when I was 17 in an effort to be 'cool'…oh dear. It was an emblem of 'adulthood' when I was growing up and I fell for it hook, line and sinker. I'll sit and smoke till my lungs give out whilst writing lyrics and apparently I'm beginning to sound like Marge Simpson, I'm telling myself this will give my singing voice an extra dimension though. Perhaps it's time for me to give up?

The Only Constant

I'm originally from a film and video background and studied video and film at Art College a couple of years ago. My videos are almost like another layer of skin. They are visual representations of whatever is currently irking my mental state be it my want to better understand myself from a biological standing point or my want to predict the future. All in a sense encapsulate a form of my identity. In past projects I have used video as a cathartic medium from which I expel my notions on death, puberty and sex. I've recently helped set up The Only Constant video and film collective and we're having monthly screening and open discussion nights next year at Corsica Studios. The inspirations I have aren't exclusively 'musical' and I feel it is imperative to constantly creatively evolve. From video, music became a natural creative progression for me and again I have found myself back at the start with The Only Constant. Making videos is a way for me to air out any cobwebs. The collective decided on the name, The Only Constant, as the urge to create is the only constant aspect of our lives.

Hollywood Babylon

Kenneth Anger's book on Hollywood trash, decadence and SCANDAL during a bygone Hollywood era. There is something intriguing about past Hollywood gods and goddesses. I suppose the fire they had to 'make it' is very similar if not the same as the fire anyone who has an ounce of ambition has. Ambition can be frightening as much as it is inspiring. Ambition acted upon in an extremely tunnel visional manner can turn angels into monsters. In Hollywood Babylon there was something extreme about the ways in which people went about making it to the top. It's a selfish game that highlights the absolute importance of being only able to depend on oneself. Those who depended on others usually ended up in the gutter. More than a lifestyle bible it's a cautionary tale…

The Strokes

There is always one band that is instrumental in getting you into music in the first place. One of those bands for me was The Strokes. When The Modern Age Ep came out it was like listening to a breath of fresh air. Then when the album came out, all hell broke loose. Is This It is one of my favorite albums of all time and I think its one of those albums that people will still be referencing in years to come. It's timeless. If An Experiment On A Bird In The Air Pump can write a record that is equally as timeless, I'll die happy. I met some of my closest friends at a Strokes show eight years ago and because of this The Strokes are a constant reminder to me of how music can bring people together.

My Parents

My parents are a constant inspiration to me. At first it was the sheer act of rebellion, which was inspirational. What child wants to be exactly as their parents want them to be? My parents wanted me to study something at university that would eventually mean, a job. I decided to go to Art College and make videos. My parents wanted me to get a job, I formed a band. There were constant 'head against a brick wall' moments with my parents and me but you need these trials in order to better understand yourself. I think the act of rebellion you have with your parents is instrumental in developing your own voice. You'll need it because you'll be facing some major demons as you get older.

Teiji Ito

Listening to the soundtrack that Teiji Ito made for Maya Deren's film, 'Meshes Of The Afternoon' really got me into the drums. The soundtrack is sparse and primal, each beat hitting you continually in the gut. Some moments of rhythm in the soundtrack are quite sparse and disjointed, which I find utterly fascinating. It's almost as if you're trying to second-guess the next beat and because of this you get reeled in. I find the rhythm and the beat of drums very alluring. It is as if you can channel spirits through the rhythm of it all. Sometimes I feel the movement of a song gets carried away by the drums, the rhythm makes me move!

Dancing

When you dance, you surrender yourself to whatever sound is inspiring you to move and because of this you wholeheartedly throw yourself into abandon. I find this moment of complete calm and harmony manifesting itself in outer body chaos absolutely inspirational.