Frankie Bird Takes Flight with Her Debut Album ‘Up Until Now’

Up Until Now feels like a confident leap forward from your earlier work. How did making a full-length album change your approach to songwriting and sound?

It was really exciting to have the opportunity to release a full length album as supposed to releasing singles one at a time. It meant I had to think about which songs would work well together both sonically and thematically. These songs were all written in the past couple of years so it was really a matter of choosing which 8 I wanted out in the world.

There’s a real 90s indie energy running through these tracks — who or what shaped that direction most while you were recording?

Yes definitely, I love Britpop and British guitar music so I think that’s always been a heavy influence on my sound. I write all of my songs on acoustic guitar to start with and I think that traditional songwriting method is reflected in how they turn out.

You tracked the record in Notting Hill. What was special about that studio and the team that helped bring the songs to life?

I love Notting Hill, it’s such a fun and interesting place to be in London. Fun fact – my album photoshoot was done outside some of the coloured houses there. I recorded the whole album at AudioHaus where I really enjoy working. I had a lot of fun recording the three singles there last year and knew that’s where I wanted to finish the record.

Your lyrics move between new love, heartbreak and everything in between. Was there a particular moment or relationship that tied the record together emotionally?

I’m aware. I think the hopeful and optimistic themes of the first track ‘A Lucky Day’ are the ones I relate to most currently but I wanted to include the more tearful heartbreak tracks like ‘I Can’t Do It’ to show a wide range of feelings which people will relate to at different relationship stages.

You started gigging at just sixteen in Reading pubs. How did those early experiences shape the performer and writer you are today?

I think cultivating my sound through live pub gigs and open mic nights means I always put the actual bones of the song first as supposed to production sounds and effects. I’d like to learn more about music production and writing in alternative ways but I think I’ll always be guitar focused.

There are flashes of Oasis and The Cranberries in the sound, yet it still feels distinctly yours. How do you balance nostalgia with originality?

I think it’s probably to do with the range of music I listen to. I love classic gems from past decades but I like to stay on top of what’s trending whether that be on TikTok or the charts. I think modern pop music is really exciting at the moment and I hope that influences my own songs.

Which song from Up Until Now feels closest to who you are right now, and why?

I really love ‘Skeptical’. I wrote that song ages ago and to now be able to listen to it with a full band production is amazing. It’s the album track I’m probably pushing the most in my promotion. I think it’s a song most people can relate to as it discusses being wary of changes in your life/ relationship status.

Your singles So Sky Blue, Hard to Take and Movie Night all found strong support from BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio. How has that early recognition influenced your confidence as an artist?

I had support for the lead single from this album ‘So Sky Blue’ from BBC Introducing which was lovely. The chance to hear my music on radio never gets old. It definitely makes me feel confident in what I’m doing and that people still want to hear this style of music. I’ll keep going then.

You’ve played everywhere from Brighton to Glasgow — how does the live energy feed back into your writing?

Yes, I love to travel and perform. I was at the open mic at King Tuts in Glasgow earlier this year. I love feedback from the audience about which songs in my set stood out to them. It definitely influences my decision on what to record and release. Just seeing other artists perform at these sorts of shows inspires me to write and tell more stories.

Now that Up Until Now is out in the world, what do you want listeners to feel or take away after hearing it front to back?

I hope people enjoy listening to my album and feel the kaleidoscope of emotions on it. I think indie has a reputation for being under the radar but I hope it can reach people who may discover that they enjoy guitar music more than they originally thought.