Fire: Aries’ Songs is part of a 12-collection set by British singer Birdy. After 4 albums, she decides to have an overview of her catalog, rearrange her songs, and curate them according to the twelve zodiac signs.

Choosing a career path certainly is not an easy decision. After all, it is what a person will profess for the rest of his/her life. However, what does help, or influence in some way, is the parents’ profession.

Indeed, as documented before, that happened to siblings FINNEAS and Billie Eilish, who grew up next to artistic parents. Indifferently, that is what occurred to Birdy.

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Firstly, Jasmine Lucilla Elizabeth Jennifer grew up next to books and instruments thanks to her father being a writer and her mother a musician, respectively. Hence, before age 10 ten, she learned how to play the piano and write melodies.

Consequently, this gave her the confidence to enter singing talent shows such as “Open Mic UK,” which she ended up winning in 2008. Although she was only 12 years old, she had more to prove.

Therefore, for the next 3 years, she focused on picking the right songs to turn them into covers for her self-titled debut album (2011).

Even though those not being her songs, the chosen playlist gave the audience a first look at her style to come, and of course, showcased her singing abilities.

Consequently, throughout the next two years, Birdy got to promote and sing those covers beautifully. However, in 2013 it was time to release her own written material. Undoubtedly, the first single called “Wings” proved what she was capable of.

For example, as stated in Chelsea Cutler’s post, an album gives an artist a timeframe of two to three years to release the singles and videos, do interviews and go on tour. Eventually, every musician needs to head back to the studio to repeat the cycle.

Moreover, her third and fourth LPs called “Beautiful Lies” and “Young Heart” were released in 2016 and 2021, respectively. Certainly, both albums again demonstrated her steady evolution from covers to her own written songs.

Zodiac Signs

In 2021, she embarked on an expedition to compile her records inspired by the 12 zodiac signs (e.g., Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces).

So excited to share with you 12 little collections of my music I’ve curated inspired by the zodiac signs ✨ I’ve chosen the songs from my previous three albums + Young heart & the first is ‘Air: Gemini’s Songs’ out today💛♊ https://t.co/UkGstJwCeo

📷: @affairintokyo pic.twitter.com/kENMiYKAFq

— Birdy (@birdy) May 21, 2021

Firstly, her journey started on May 21, 2021, with “Air: Geminis’ Songs” and continued through 2022 with “Fire: Aries’ Songs,” and concluded on April 20, 2022, with “Earth: Taurus’ Songs.”

Indeed, artists have to push their limits when it comes to creativity. Whereas some musicians oversaturate fans with albums every year, Birdy proves that something can be done with what you already have.

Therefore, despite not being new material, the 12-set collection feels fresh, unique, and authentic. Most definitely, it gives the fans something to cherish until the next record, which could take from 2-3 years.

Certainly, sometimes artists need to take a look at their catalog and puzzle it together with fresh new ideas. Undoubtedly, Birdy sets the bar high with her creativity.

So, what is your pick? For instance, are you choosing based on your zodiac sign or based on the compiled music? Nevertheless, make sure to listen to all 12-set records!

Similarly to Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes, Birdy’s career flourished by singing the right covers. Hence, choosing the right tunes could be the start of something great!

Finally, listen to Birdy’s “Fire: Aries’ Songs“.

1. “Light Me Up” music video by Birdy. Directed by Sophie Muller (14th Floor, Atlantic Records, 2013). ↩︎
2. “Fire: Aries’ Songs” EP by Birdy (Atlantic Records, 2022). ↩︎

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Solar Power is the third album in Lorde’s catalog. After rising to stardom in her early teens, she takes time to reflect on her choices after being blinded by fame. Now, she celebrates her overcomings while watching the sunset.

Ella Marija, from New Zealand, was always active when it came to performing arts. More specifically, she was inclined toward talent shows, where she would pick up the mic and sing.

Firstly, music composition takes time. But thanks to her mother, Ella grew up with novels in her hand, which contributed to her writing process.

In life comes a defining moment when a person can follow ordinary steps. That is, to go to school followed by university. Nevertheless, she doubled down on herself and opted out of college.

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Alike Girl in Red, she took the Do It Yourself (DIY) approach and uploaded her extended play (EP), “The Love Club” (2012) to Soundcloud.

First impressions are undoubtedly key factors in attracting the masses to differ from the rest. And Lorde had the perfect single up to her sleeve with “Royals.”

Once she had everyone’s attention, she debuted her first commercial long play (LP), “Pure Heroine” (2013). An LP, which was praised for her unique vocals.

After spending months locked in the studio writing, producing, and mastering, a musician has the opportunity to present the new material.

Generally, an album’s life cycle can only be extended for 2 years. During that period, artists release singles, and their accompanying videos, and go on tour.

After “Pure Heroine’s” cycle, Lorde published her sophomore effort, “Melodrama” (2017). An LP, which she used as an outlet to let her emotions out after a failed relationship.

Yet overcoming pain leads to success. Hence, it debuted atop the charts. The material gave her the green light to hit the road for a world tour.

On tour, artists get to explore perfect places and learn from different cultures, which can spark creativity. In 2019, she isolated and traveled to Antarctica. Earth’s 5th continental with its lowest temperatures.

If “Pure Heroine” was about youth and “Melodrama” was about breakups, her next record was about escaping. On August 20, 2021, her third LP surfaced.

Solar Power

Its first single “Solar Power,” paves the path for the record. That is, welcoming teens onto the beaches for a getaway. But once the sun sets down, there is also the dark side.

On “California,” Lorde reflects on her royal years of fame and how she succumbed to the flashes. However, on “Mood Ring,” she invites her listeners to fly somewhere eastern to watch the sunset.

Teaming up for a consecutive time with producer Jack Antonoff indeed shows what the duo is capable of crafting. A record filled with high notes and catchy choruses.

Happy summer, everyone! Watch “Secrets from a Girl” and listen to Lorde’s “Solar Power” entirely.

1. “Oceanic Feeling” music video by Lorde. Directed by Joel Kefali and Ella Yelich-O’ Connor (Universal Music New Zealand, 2022). ↩︎
2. “Solar Power” album by Lorde. Cover artwork by Ophelia Mikkelson Jones (Universal Music New Zealand, 2021). ↩︎

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Folklore and Evermore are the eighth and ninth studio albums of singer Taylor Swift, respectively. A career that started with country music quickly transcended to pop. Now, Taylor experiments with folk. But are they good?

Born on December 13, 1989, in Pennsylvania (US), Alison became fond of country music. Other respected country musicians include Johnny Cash (R.I.P.), Carrie Underwood, and Miranda Lambert, to name a few. And she was determined to be the next one.

Firstly, her self-debut album “Taylor Swift” (2006) introduced her persona to a small audience. Indeed, follow-ups “Fearless” (2008), “Speak Now” (2010), and “Red” (2012) put her on a global scale.

In late 2014, she released “1989“, a record influenced by pop, as shown on the single “Shake It Off.” Also, this period brought awareness in the music industry once Swift criticized streaming companies for low payments.

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Furthermore, “Reputation” (2017) and “Lover” (2019) proved her consistency as a mainstream artist. Admittedly, up to that point, all of her projects had been designed for radio and stadiums.

So, what happens when that formula doesn’t work out? As documented in “Miss Americana” (2020), she showed her vulnerability when “Reputation” didn’t get any recognition at the Grammys (2018).

“I’m making a better record,” she said at the time. Consequently, due to the global pandemic, not only did she resort to isolation but also built an in-house studio. Continuous sessions crafted “folklore” and “evermore.”

Folklore and Evermore

folklore

On July 24, 2020, she surprise-released “folklore.” Fifteen new solo tracks and one sole collaboration with Bon Iver on “exile.” Cuts such as “cardigan,” “seven,” and “invisible string” bring to life an unheard Swift.

Moreover, on “the last great american dynasty,” she hands in the protagonist role instead of writing from her perspective.

evermore

Surprisingly, on December 11, 2020, she did it again with “evermore.” Songs such as “willow,” “tolerate it,” and “dorothea” show the parallels between both LPs. In addition, on “no body, no crime,” she continues with the narrative storytelling.

On “folklore” and “evermore“, Taylor ditches her signature sound to experiment with indie-folk. Thus, the result is soothing ballads not meant for stadiums but to be played in your private living room.

At the 63rd Grammy Awards, “folklore” won “Album of the Year,” outwinning Dua Lipa’s “Future Nostalgia.” She is the fourth artist to win in that category for the third time (2010, 2016, 2021). Talk about coming back stronger than a ’90s trend.

Long story short (get it?), not only are they good, but I would go as far as claiming this is the best double album since Justin Timberlake’s “The 20/20 Experience“ (2013).

Watch her directed “cardigan” video and stream “evermore” in the link below.

1. “Cardigan” music video by Taylor Swift. Directed by Taylor Swift (Republic Records, 2020). ↩︎
2. “Folklore” album by Taylor Swift. Cover artwork by Beth Garrabrant (Republic Records, 2020). ↩︎
3. “Evermore” album by Taylor Swift. Cover artwork by Beth Garrabrant (Republic Records, 2020). ↩︎

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Notes from the Archive is a compilation of recordings of singer Maggie Rogers. Despite having antiquated songs, it sparks a refreshing and unique sound. How did she compile such notes for the world to enjoy?

Margaret Debay’s beginnings can be traced to Easton, Maryland (USA). Despite her parents not having any musical background, she would peek her ears at what her mother would listen to, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” (1998).

At school, most of us look forward to the recreation process and hanging out with friends. However, Maggie used the time in her favor to absorb musical knowledge.

Whether it was writing or music programming, the instruments were present. And it paid off. Thus, in 2012 she released her first project called “The Echo,” which inspired her to take it a step further.

Therefore, she packed her bags and headed to a media art institute in New York City. The epicenter of music, where artists such as Alicia Keys and Jay-Z started their careers. While at University, she put together her second body of work, “Blood Ballet” (2014).

Unfortunately, the next two years to follow, she struggled with blank pages until she worked on a song called “Alaska.” During a class session with Pharrell Williams (yes, The Neptunes), she played him the demo.

Such a positive assessment encouraged her to work on her EP, “Now That the Light Is Fading” (2017) and her major debut, “Heard It in a Past Life” (2019). Just before the year 2020 came to an end, she released “Notes from the Archive.“

Notes from the Archive

“Celadon & Gold” kicks off the folklore archive. Secondly, “Together“ lays out a much faster beat and Maggie keeps up with the tempo. “Blood Ballet” and “Symmetry” are the perfect melancholic ballads where she is able to depict a love scenario.

Furthermore, in the cut “New Song,” she exchanges a vivid conversation with singer Del Water Gap. Lastly, “Wolves” and “Satellite” evoke inner emotions.

A compilation meant to be played in the comfort of your walls, preferably at night. After listening to the melodies, it is hard to rule out what is more enjoyable, the lyrics or the instrumentation.

An important fact to mention is that the tracks are in reverse chronological order, which adds uniqueness. Just as Pharrell said, “You are doing your own thing, it’s singular.”

Watch the video for “Alaska” and listen to “Notes from the Archive: Recordings 2011-2016” in the link below.

1. “Alaska” music video by Maggie Rogers. Directed by Zia Anger (Debay Sounds, 2016). ↩︎
2. “Notes from the Archive: Recordings 2011-2016” album by Maggie Rogers. Cover artwork by Olivia Bee (Debay Sounds, 2020). ↩︎

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