Interview with Paper Bird

We got the opportunity to do an interview with Sarah Anderson, singer and trumpet player of "Paper Bird". She talks about how the band works together and what music means to them.

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1. How would you describe your music in one sentence?

It's like swimming through a pool of chocolate pudding with your mouth open.

2. Was there something like a light bulb moment when you were young, maybe a concert, a certain song or a record that made you dream about a career as a musician?

It is hard to speak for the 6 other people in Paper Bird only because we have all had different experiences growing up, but I do know that what we are creating as a group both emotionally and musically is everything we wished for in our youth. We all seemed to manifest each other at the perfect time.

3. Are there any artists that might have influenced you or inspired you some time?

I am personally influenced and inspired by humanity in general because we are all creative, artistic beings with so much to offer. I also feel inspired watching musicians play live because it is so important to create space for people to openly express themselves. It's like beauty in action.

4. How do you develop your songs? What part comes first, music or lyrics?

Every song is different...some songs are written as a group, while others are written individually or in small groups before they are polished by the entire band. Usually the instrumental part of the music comes first, and then a melody is created with lyrics and harmonies that follow. It feels like magic when we practice because everything seems to come so naturally. We all have different styles and ideas but is works to our advantage because we have created a sound that is unique and expresses us as a group and individually.

5. What song is most important to you? Why and how did it develop?

"Jesus and Arizona" has a special place in my heart because it is the first song we wrote together. We spent a few days in the mountains and randomly started playing music with no intention to start the band. Our friend Jason really pushed us to write a song, and the next day we were playing "Jesus and Arizona", and "St. Louis" on the streets of Breckenridge.

6. In what aspects did your music change compared to when you started to make music?

Our music is constantly evolving and changing because we always have new ideas, but when we first started the band we did not know each other as well as we do now. We have been living together for the past two years, which has given us the opportunity to create a supportive community. We are like family, and our music is definitely a product of the love we have for one another.

7. What has been the best experience so far, together as a band?

This summer we have been given the opportunity to travel with Tour De Fat on a big white school bus that runs on vegetable oil. Tour De Fat is sponsored by New Belgium Beer, and is a festival that tours around the United States supporting bicycle and renewable energy awareness. IT'S AMAZING!!

8. What can you tell us about your current projects?

Right now we are working on a new album and plan on releasing it Spring, 2009.

9. And what are you aspiring to in the future, what do you want to achieve?

Our dream is to use our music to bring happiness and joy into peoples lives. In the future we would also love to start a production company and an independent label.

10. With whom would you like to go on tour?

I am sure all of us would have different answers to this question and I am probably not the right person to ask because I love Hanson...hahaha. Seriously though, Hanson kicks ass. Anyway, it would be an incredible experience to tour with Wilco, Iron and Wine, De Votchka, or Jose Gonzalez. I personally would tour with anyone.

11. What record would we find in your CD-player right now?

Right now I am listening to Fleet Foxes, but we all listen to a wide variety of music and love supporting the musicians here in Denver including Ian Cooke, Laura Goldhamer, The Wheel and many many more.

12. What do you think, as artists, about platforms like mySpace?

Myspace has been great for networking and makes our music easily accessible to anyone who wants to hear it. WOO HOO!

13. myFanbase is a website that is devoted to American television shows. Do you have a favorite show?

hmmmmm...none of us really watch TV, but I love "Planet Earth" and "Blue Planet"!

Catherine Bühnsack - myFanbase