@instereovideos Sorry dear, dare I say, he's not called a hipster or a scenester or whatever. It comes down to that he is a musician. He's clearly passionate about music, and I wouldn't ever call a love for music narcissism. Who cares if it's one man or a band or an orchestra. It's music. Yes, people have different tastes. It doesn't mean that any musician that plays anything that's not 'mainstream' is necessarily egotistical or narcissistic.
He's too brillient. I think nature balanced out his brillience with an adequate supply of madness as well. That's not to say I wouldn't mind having it.
Looking at the arguments in these comments makes me a little sad. Personally, I love his music and i think he is brilliant, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Almost everyone I have shown his music to dislikes him, and that's alright. I know what he makes me feel; uplifted, thoughtful, peaceful and whole. And you know what? That's enough for me.
@ClearBlueSilence I dissagre. Not everyone is entitled to an opinion.. Atleast not when they are bluntly wrong. Some people are just idiots.. I can, however, understand your logic.. Sadly it only effects people that are willing to respect and enjoy. =/
please dont LIKE statements like "the 31 people who dislike this will be caught in a feedback loop" its so stupid and non-progressive. Its not a clever observation no matter what the author seems to think. We know this right?. x
@oldfashionedbc I have seen him multiple times, and I know he uses the Line6 DL4 Delay Modeler to record his loops. One of the pots on the pedal allows you to slow down the loop.
I love just watching him play the music; his head bobs to the beat and his eyes shut, and he's just feelin it in every bone of his body, the music that be creates is everything that he feels and its how every good piece of sound is made. Man I love it.
Another scenester with a loop machine and a xylophone. Sorry guys, don't mean to be a critic, but this one-man loop thing is way overdone... and everyone who does it takes that "i'm unique" attitude. It's narcissistic, and lame. And if that wasn't enough, he had to go with the "morning paper and coffee" lyrics.
And just to clarify for him, the eyes feel strained when you close them because they're trying to see your eyelids. They're not trying to "see themselves." But nice try at sounding deep.
@jasopiate aww, that's a shame. I was really hoping that some fans of this guy would "waste their time" on me. I feel really inadequate right now because of you.
Do you think a xylophone and a radiohead cd would help my image?
@instereovideos You're clearly very good at hating everything and being ironically above it because you're too cool but at the same time too cool to be too cool. I don't see why I should attempt to stand in the way and cramp your style.
@HaydenBye1221 well... that's why you don't call him a scenester. Get out more, and you will have "heard someone like him." A lot of them. And they'll annoy you.
@instereovideos Dude seriously? There are other people like him? Awesome, could you give me some names? I love this guy so I think I would like these other people.
@instereovideos I use a loop machine and sometimes a xylophone, and there are others who are in three piece bands, and others who make sample based music, or just playing instrumental piano. A lot of people do the same things, but it's how they do them that makes them stand out. Sure anyone can buy an instrument or loop pedal both are just musical tools, but it's not the tools that matter it's the person manning them. If you can't understand that you are quite superficial in your perspective.
If you like this kind of looping music check out 'Like A Villain' from Portland! She's great! myspace . com/hollandandrews She mainly loops with a clarinet, glockenspiel and other instruments.
Andrew Bird is actually not all that new. Unlike so many fame sweped wonders, he actually worked hard to get where he is today. In fact, his adjustment to fame was a bit hard, as he would still rush over to sell cds, but now he has people to do that for him! :) (and any Dr. who fans out there think he has the basic dress style of David Tennant, or is that just me?)
Very close to genius, although to me thats more of a term that requires a number of years to settle in. Regardless Andrew Bird is by far one of the most talented musicians playing contemporary music.
The 5 senses are just a filter. They depict the physical world and our brain is the one that actually deciphers the external information. It's impossible for the ear to hear itself because the ear itself doesn't have a brain of its own. Our 5 senses allow us to hear, see, touch, smell, and taste but our brain is why we can perceive and interpret.
i guess im slightly biased as im already an andrew bird fan watching this...but i think the fact remains that he is highly inventive and intelligent man, and, yeahhh, i guess his lyrics are a little odd but he knows that. :') for me, it makes listening to him better.
You know when people say, "You don't like the lyrics? Well you just don't _understand_ them."
Yeah, I hate it when they do that. However, Andrew Bird is an amazing lyricist. Some of the pictures he paints with his words masterfully capture and compliment the surrounding soundscapes, not sit on top of them like most of the trite in the charts.
I reckon the first track's lyrics are supposed to be deliberately mundane, and for reasons I nor seemingly anyone here understands.
@Tredicity The reason that the first track's lyrics are mundane is because of the song's subject matter. The title of the track is "The Happy Birthday Song". To me, he's making it sound like even though our birthdays are supposed to be all special and unique, they really are just another day. And in fact if you look at the birthdays closely then you realize that you're getting older and closer to dying everyday. Although I think there's a line that talks about living like "like it's gonna
@Tredicity cont....be your last day". So i'm thinking that he wants to send the message that we need to live life more fully, carpe diem, etc. But he does it through what sounds like a depressing tone to the lyrics, which makes it all the better. I personally think that Andrew Bird is one of the better lyricists in the music world out there today.
Love the whistling. I think Zoe Keating does the looping with more grace, but the playfulness is enjoyable. Never heard a musician talk about autoimmune diseases on stage. Great stuff!
@monsieurpoopy Still in the making. Just like all of his songs, past present and future. But more to the point, I believe that particular one is a bit more complete in the sense that it has an ending.
reminds me of Comus - Drip Drip an old old prog band/song using acoustics and violins with a really characterful voice, strange sensitively violent imagery like his.
Robert Fripp did this in the mid-70's with Brian Eno, minus a violin. Composing this kind of music would be frustrating for me, because it is very limiting. I love exploring soundscapes, but I need them to appear instantly, not gradually. I appreciate what this guy does though. I doubt he's listened to any Terry Riley. :p
@Tengent That is exactly what is so impressive about it. The fact that it is so limiting is what makes it brilliant. Listening to it and watching him create the sounds he creates, you wouldn't know he was limiting himself in any way.
i saw andrew bird last year with his band, he was equally incredible and creative. He's just such a real guy when he's performing. He makes mistakes in the middle and goes "woops," and laughs it off. If you don't like the music then that is opinion. Regardless, the intricacy of his music and the caliber of his talent is unquestionably awe-inspiring. If you're too proud to admit that then go put on some blink 182 and have a blast. *sarcasm font needed*
I hear influences from The Cure and System of a Down mixed with this semi-tonal modern classical (oxymoron) that is popular today. Does anyone else hear Radiohead as well? I loved his performance but I think he needs to clean up his background loops, it sounds too muddy like trying to taste one flavour in a mouthful of Skittles. Regardless, the world would be a suicide machine without people like him.
Please just appreciate the way Andrew Bird can make a person swoon, and how much of a genius he is. Bold statement, yes, but in my limited experience, I completely stand by that statement.
2. He's not trying to impress anyone with the looping. He just loves making music, and this is just the way he chooses to make it. Why does this bother people?
3. He started looping out of necessity when his band couldn't make it to a gig. He found that it worked well for him so he continued working that way.
4. There is too much negativity in this world. Chill out.
@GrudgyDiablo I am completely entitled to my opinion, and I think it's very sad that you insult me only for not appreciating something you obviously like. Once you learn that not everyone must agree with your taste of art, we can perhaps have a conversation about the point I was trying to make. I wish you great wisdome.
when you think he's reached the top, he just keeps going higher. Andrew Bird's talent is limitless. Looking forward to seeing the outcome of the "heartbreak" song.
I saw Andrew Bird at Oran Mor in Glasgow on Thu 14th May 2009 with out his band and it was an absolute treat, to see and hear him master this type of music. I don't know about music so I can only say how somthing feels to me and listening to Andrew at his gig in Glasgow was amazing it felt that even his whistling and voice was used like an highly tuned instrument, well worth seeing.
If one is interested in layering music...you can listen to Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull. Some of his songs from the 70's includes up to eight instruments plus singing. No computers recording and repeating. Not at the same time of course; but the complexity is far beyond this performer. This performer, however, is a great violinist and singer.
@qigong1001 In the 1970's, tape looping would've been used, which is repeating. What Jethro Tull and Andrew Bird do is the same:looping. As a musician who loops, I can tell you there is no way to loop without technology. It doesn't make you any less more of a musician for using it either. It's about how creative you are with it.
@funkyjawa Lets give credit to those who deserve it then. Many artists have used it in the earlier days without the instant technology. I'm not sure, but Anderson would use it in his live performances as well. But since you agree its nothing to really get excited about, I'm just not seeing how this "one man orchestra" is so special. I'd much rather hear him just play the violin without the gimmicks and simple xylophone riffs. He is a very good violinist.
I felt so honoured watching this. It felt very intimate, like I was actually watching him in person. Can't wait to hear what happens to the new song (Loops/Heartbreak). Long live Andrew Bird.
@hydrademian You've got a good point, at least on the surface level. But, when you're able to (on the fly) get all that to work and then to harmonize both instrumentals and vocals (or whistles), there's a lot of talented display here. His pedal board features pedals that distort in certain ways too. So, there really is a lot going on here. Also, it's true that "every kid" can potentially do what he's doing with music software—but, music software is severely different than live performance.
@eternalround I agree. was he performing at any other stage, I would have certainly responded more positively. I just don't think his art is inspiring enough for the TED stage. But that's my opinion. Thanks for your friendly and intelligent reply.
that song at 9.26 looks like to have emerged as his new single eyeoneye
cooperiscool9 2 days ago
@instereovideos Sorry dear, dare I say, he's not called a hipster or a scenester or whatever. It comes down to that he is a musician. He's clearly passionate about music, and I wouldn't ever call a love for music narcissism. Who cares if it's one man or a band or an orchestra. It's music. Yes, people have different tastes. It doesn't mean that any musician that plays anything that's not 'mainstream' is necessarily egotistical or narcissistic.
unimaginablyawesome 1 week ago 2
can someone plz tell me what kind of loop machine he's using? thanks.
hojho23 1 week ago
sounds like some far eastern influences; the lyrics are deep, inspiring, and amazing (probaly the reason why he is featured during a TEDtalk).
MrDJtwista 2 months ago
@manstone123123123 It's also another iteration of 'Happy Birthday Song' from the album 'Mysterious Production of Eggs'
mdboop 4 months ago
Astonishing... does anyone knows if there is an mp3 version of these songs?
maxogar 5 months ago
I think he's the van gogh of music
margittarget 5 months ago
He's too brillient. I think nature balanced out his brillience with an adequate supply of madness as well. That's not to say I wouldn't mind having it.
margittarget 5 months ago
my eyes have tried to see themselves, but not while I was trying to sleep
margittarget 5 months ago
Looking at the arguments in these comments makes me a little sad. Personally, I love his music and i think he is brilliant, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Almost everyone I have shown his music to dislikes him, and that's alright. I know what he makes me feel; uplifted, thoughtful, peaceful and whole. And you know what? That's enough for me.
ClearBlueSilence 6 months ago
@ClearBlueSilence I dissagre. Not everyone is entitled to an opinion.. Atleast not when they are bluntly wrong. Some people are just idiots.. I can, however, understand your logic.. Sadly it only effects people that are willing to respect and enjoy. =/
Crazyrat84 5 months ago
@Crazyrat84 I'm glad you understand! I do wish that more people would give him a chance, though. I think people can be too quick to dismiss.
ClearBlueSilence 5 months ago
You can see the music flowing out of him!!!
Bobman4671 6 months ago
Uh... He should just not talk.
MrTanookiMario 6 months ago
@MrTanookiMario wow.. You are a sad person.. You should not talk. He got sooo much more then you ever will have to say. I feel bad for you.
Crazyrat84 5 months ago
@Crazyrat84 ...
MrTanookiMario 5 months ago
anyone know the name of the first song he plays?
thisguyrichard 6 months ago
@thisguyrichard
it is his live version of 'the birthday song'
PolyHeXanidE 6 months ago
"I'm not gonna hurt you." Oh Andrew.
melissagalatas 7 months ago
watch?v=
Lre9fg
EGmDc
Check this out!
NinhPianoAndArt 7 months ago
He makes me smile.
BehindTheSea29 7 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
please dont LIKE statements like "the 31 people who dislike this will be caught in a feedback loop" its so stupid and non-progressive. Its not a clever observation no matter what the author seems to think. We know this right?. x
tobyisatramp 8 months ago
Comment removed
tobyisatramp 8 months ago
anyone know what pedal he used to slow down his loops?
oldfashionedbc 8 months ago
@oldfashionedbc I have seen him multiple times, and I know he uses the Line6 DL4 Delay Modeler to record his loops. One of the pots on the pedal allows you to slow down the loop.
thecitruscommander 8 months ago
He uses whistling to magnificent effect. It is really quite amazing to hear.
Skyhawk161 9 months ago 2
The melody of the second song sounds a lot like "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison. Especially @ 9:40.
olishant 9 months ago
That's not a xylophone. That's a bells set. Know your stuff TED. :P
JordanClunn 9 months ago
What a talent !
sollostyles 9 months ago
I love just watching him play the music; his head bobs to the beat and his eyes shut, and he's just feelin it in every bone of his body, the music that be creates is everything that he feels and its how every good piece of sound is made. Man I love it.
MCR2LOVER101 10 months ago 2
Comment removed
Bjarkediedrage 10 months ago
The "doesn't have a name yet" at 9:26 song is really good! And yes, there is definitely some Thom Yorke over him!
Bjarkediedrage 10 months ago 10
@Bjarkediedrage how trippy. I just came to this video after listening to a Thom Yorke song XD nice
astralacuity 3 months ago
Andrew Bird, will you come to west Lafayette for performance? Like you so much!
Evaping 11 months ago
I laugh in awe every time i hear the first song, i just love it so much i cant take it! haha! yes!
skatefarmerftw 11 months ago
@instereovideos whoo. sounds like you've got this system figured out.
HankLOSTie2 11 months ago
oh he's that guy who plays the birds in Bambi!
flosssiewill 1 year ago
I wish I could whistle like that........ he sounds like one of the birds singing from Snow White
Balan0s 1 year ago 2
Comment removed
Balan0s 1 year ago
Beardyman.
IGotDoubleBs 1 year ago 6
@IGotDoubleBs sexyman.
astralacuity 3 months ago
@IGotDoubleBs you've offended my family take that back at once
astralacuity 1 week ago
Does anyone know if the songs that Andrew Bird plays in the video have names?
daftroses 1 year ago
@daftroses the first one is "The Happy Birthday Song," don't know about the second, but the third one he said was "Weather Systems."
deathhippy97 1 year ago
Since English is not my first language i find it difficult describing how this makes me feel.. Amazing..
Crazyrat84 1 year ago
purely sublime..
awaltzingreen 1 year ago 2
@awaltzingreen no, this is andrew bird.
FillyChee 1 year ago
@FillyChee lol look up sublime
nelson3300 8 months ago
Eik
androidspace 1 year ago
Another scenester with a loop machine and a xylophone. Sorry guys, don't mean to be a critic, but this one-man loop thing is way overdone... and everyone who does it takes that "i'm unique" attitude. It's narcissistic, and lame. And if that wasn't enough, he had to go with the "morning paper and coffee" lyrics.
And just to clarify for him, the eyes feel strained when you close them because they're trying to see your eyelids. They're not trying to "see themselves." But nice try at sounding deep.
instereovideos 1 year ago
@instereovideos Nice try at sounding like you know what you're talking about.
dancetoska 1 year ago
@dancetoska sorry i hurt your feelings. I'm sure hours in your room of listening to this guy will make it all better for you.
instereovideos 1 year ago
@instereovideos No need to worry about me. No hurt feelings here. I just feel sorry for people how wouldn't know genius if it bit them in the ass.
dancetoska 1 year ago
Comment removed
instereovideos 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@dancetoska awww, so combative... don't cry. I'd take it all back, if it wasn't true.
instereovideos 1 year ago
@instereovideos You are a truly sad individual. I won't waste my time arguing with you, but I do pity you.
jasopiate 1 year ago 3
@jasopiate aww, that's a shame. I was really hoping that some fans of this guy would "waste their time" on me. I feel really inadequate right now because of you.
Do you think a xylophone and a radiohead cd would help my image?
instereovideos 1 year ago
@instereovideos You're clearly very good at hating everything and being ironically above it because you're too cool but at the same time too cool to be too cool. I don't see why I should attempt to stand in the way and cramp your style.
jasopiate 1 year ago 3
@instereovideos Haters gonna hate. That's all I have to say.
deathhippy97 1 year ago 2
@deathhippy97 And lame music is gonna be lame. That's all I have to say.
instereovideos 1 year ago
@instereovideos Must I repeat myself?
deathhippy97 1 year ago
@instereovideos seems youre in over your head here... you can only hate what you don't understand. maybe try not to judge so much?
davidthrow 1 year ago
@davidthrow Nah, you can hate plenty of things that you understand. Do you really not understand that?
instereovideos 1 year ago
@instereovideos SNAP! turn that shit right around on me. you're wrong. but touche.
davidthrow 1 year ago
@instereovideos It's kind of hard to call a violin prodigy a scenester and I have never heard anyone like him.
HaydenBye1221 1 year ago
@HaydenBye1221 well... that's why you don't call him a scenester. Get out more, and you will have "heard someone like him." A lot of them. And they'll annoy you.
instereovideos 1 year ago
@instereovideos Dude seriously? There are other people like him? Awesome, could you give me some names? I love this guy so I think I would like these other people.
deathhippy97 1 year ago
@instereovideos I use a loop machine and sometimes a xylophone, and there are others who are in three piece bands, and others who make sample based music, or just playing instrumental piano. A lot of people do the same things, but it's how they do them that makes them stand out. Sure anyone can buy an instrument or loop pedal both are just musical tools, but it's not the tools that matter it's the person manning them. If you can't understand that you are quite superficial in your perspective.
zonybenvid 3 months ago 2
@zonybenvid thanks for the "how-to-be-a-hipster" infomercial.
instereovideos 3 months ago
Comment removed
zonybenvid 3 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@instereovideos Thanks for proving my point. Kudos.
zonybenvid 3 months ago
If you like this kind of looping music check out 'Like A Villain' from Portland! She's great! myspace . com/hollandandrews She mainly loops with a clarinet, glockenspiel and other instruments.
Brambleiah 1 year ago
Most inspirational thing I've seen in a LONG time
skatefarmerftw 1 year ago
whats the first song called?
ferociousfeet0 1 year ago
@ferociousfeet0 The Happy Birthday Song :)
1Learn2Swim1 1 year ago
Andrew Bird is actually not all that new. Unlike so many fame sweped wonders, he actually worked hard to get where he is today. In fact, his adjustment to fame was a bit hard, as he would still rush over to sell cds, but now he has people to do that for him! :) (and any Dr. who fans out there think he has the basic dress style of David Tennant, or is that just me?)
KrikXela 1 year ago 3
@KrikXela The sock monkey he always has on stage is dressed EXACTLY like David Tennant as the Doctor. Also, I agree with everything you said. :)
TheNamingOfThings 1 year ago
@KrikXela They even look very similar. If a movie were ever to be made about Andrew, I'd want DTen to play him :)
dancetoska 1 year ago
Oh, lovely Eargasm!
MsTOlofi 1 year ago
Reminds me of Imogen Heap. She does the same thing with the looping.
fuzzylogic11 1 year ago
he's just up there doing his thing.. amazing!! its like he doesnt even know theres an audience..
if i was in his place i would have been *SHIT* scared :P :P
kennethdrozario1 1 year ago
Comment removed
kennethdrozario1 1 year ago
Very close to genius, although to me thats more of a term that requires a number of years to settle in. Regardless Andrew Bird is by far one of the most talented musicians playing contemporary music.
Paddykahn 1 year ago 3
The "nameless" song in this TED talk emerged as "Oh Baltimore" without the lyrics on Fingerlings 4 that was just released.... just wondrous.
simonjsadler 1 year ago 2
The 5 senses are just a filter. They depict the physical world and our brain is the one that actually deciphers the external information. It's impossible for the ear to hear itself because the ear itself doesn't have a brain of its own. Our 5 senses allow us to hear, see, touch, smell, and taste but our brain is why we can perceive and interpret.
zulubeatz817 1 year ago 2
Sir you are a genius in my opinion, brilliant.
russellbar01 1 year ago
What's the first chord of The Happy Birthday song. I need to know it.
Bobman4671 1 year ago
I was watching this before going to bed and he just had to mention the thing about the eyes. Damnit haha
ChefOnAField 1 year ago 3
This has been flagged as spam show
@SadCephalopod hahahah. best comment i've read in a while, that was good, man.
treysawyer 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
fake and gay
welkerhunter 1 year ago
is TED giving LSD before their talks?
Well done.
elTioPepe 1 year ago
The 31 people who dislike this will be caught in a feedback loop
SadCephalopod 1 year ago 33
@SadCephalopod hahahah. best comment i've read in a while, that was good, man.
treysawyer 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@SadCephalopod hahahah. best comment i've read in a while, that was good, man.
treysawyer 1 year ago
oh my lord,,,,yeah my lord ....its looks and sound's ,George Harrison and john Lennon,,,,message(s)...
riobaker99 1 year ago
i love violas....
catvamp13mishka 1 year ago
@catvamp13mishka I thought it's a violin?
ridgeruna 1 year ago
@ridgeruna it might be....crap now im not sure xD
catvamp13mishka 1 year ago
Just brilliant.
TheSpartanMichael 1 year ago
i guess im slightly biased as im already an andrew bird fan watching this...but i think the fact remains that he is highly inventive and intelligent man, and, yeahhh, i guess his lyrics are a little odd but he knows that. :') for me, it makes listening to him better.
soundofsettlingx 1 year ago
wtf... "I slowly and so softly, do the dishes, to feed the fishes".. (shrug)
Subfightr 1 year ago
@Subfightr
he scrapes food off of dishes and into the fish tanks; effectively cleaning the dishes and feeding the fishes with the resulting byproduct
Iwatchthesevids 1 year ago
@Iwatchthesevids oh I see. That's neat. Thank you friend :)
Subfightr 1 year ago
You know when people say, "You don't like the lyrics? Well you just don't _understand_ them."
Yeah, I hate it when they do that. However, Andrew Bird is an amazing lyricist. Some of the pictures he paints with his words masterfully capture and compliment the surrounding soundscapes, not sit on top of them like most of the trite in the charts.
I reckon the first track's lyrics are supposed to be deliberately mundane, and for reasons I nor seemingly anyone here understands.
Tredicity 1 year ago
@Tredicity The reason that the first track's lyrics are mundane is because of the song's subject matter. The title of the track is "The Happy Birthday Song". To me, he's making it sound like even though our birthdays are supposed to be all special and unique, they really are just another day. And in fact if you look at the birthdays closely then you realize that you're getting older and closer to dying everyday. Although I think there's a line that talks about living like "like it's gonna
timmybro10 1 year ago
@Tredicity cont....be your last day". So i'm thinking that he wants to send the message that we need to live life more fully, carpe diem, etc. But he does it through what sounds like a depressing tone to the lyrics, which makes it all the better. I personally think that Andrew Bird is one of the better lyricists in the music world out there today.
timmybro10 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
do not want
lopeyschools 1 year ago
15:56 to the end. Oh my gaaaaaaaaaaaawd.
SirMik003 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
What is the spinning thing at 17:49?
zicimwaw 1 year ago
What is the spinning thing at 17:43?
zicimwaw 1 year ago
That man can whistle.
clixx13 1 year ago 3
This blew my mind a little bit. He is a genius.
emmargh32111 1 year ago
A guy with passion for music right here. His singing voice reminds me of jeff buckley and Thom yorke. anyone else agree?
Seagerash 1 year ago 28
@Seagerash Yep; I came here to see if he reminds anyone else of Thom Yorke.
SkpVwls 1 year ago
@Seagerash Fuck yeah I agree. :)
Bobman4671 1 year ago
@Seagerash yes. I do agree that he's among the millions of cliched dudes who rip off jeff buckley and thom yorke.
instereovideos 1 year ago
@instereovideos lol
dancetoska 1 year ago
Comment removed
Seagerash 1 year ago
the very beginning is exactly like the water jet cilice / ethiobirds
kaylashalaylaaaaa 1 year ago
I wish people would stop comparing artists, just enjoy the music that is being created!!
blake1756 1 year ago 4
Love the whistling. I think Zoe Keating does the looping with more grace, but the playfulness is enjoyable. Never heard a musician talk about autoimmune diseases on stage. Great stuff!
BodaciousBurnley 1 year ago
Was really impressed until he started singing. Those lyrics.... Well, it's still amazing, but ok :D
MikeoWar 1 year ago
Since this was filmed back in February, does anyone know if the second piece has been released? Or is it still in the making?
monsieurpoopy 1 year ago
@monsieurpoopy Still in the making. Just like all of his songs, past present and future. But more to the point, I believe that particular one is a bit more complete in the sense that it has an ending.
dancetoska 1 year ago
reminds me of Comus - Drip Drip an old old prog band/song using acoustics and violins with a really characterful voice, strange sensitively violent imagery like his.
tyrannicoystercult 1 year ago
Robert Fripp did this in the mid-70's with Brian Eno, minus a violin. Composing this kind of music would be frustrating for me, because it is very limiting. I love exploring soundscapes, but I need them to appear instantly, not gradually. I appreciate what this guy does though. I doubt he's listened to any Terry Riley. :p
Tengent 1 year ago
@Tengent That is exactly what is so impressive about it. The fact that it is so limiting is what makes it brilliant. Listening to it and watching him create the sounds he creates, you wouldn't know he was limiting himself in any way.
dancetoska 1 year ago
nahhhhh
cottonshrinks 1 year ago
Everyone needs to look up DUB FX... a street performer who does this same thing with house beats.
cattboy 1 year ago
Awesome! Haters gonna hate! You can't make music this beautiful and original without earning some detractors.
JosephKnight93 1 year ago
i saw andrew bird last year with his band, he was equally incredible and creative. He's just such a real guy when he's performing. He makes mistakes in the middle and goes "woops," and laughs it off. If you don't like the music then that is opinion. Regardless, the intricacy of his music and the caliber of his talent is unquestionably awe-inspiring. If you're too proud to admit that then go put on some blink 182 and have a blast. *sarcasm font needed*
detroitrockmichael 1 year ago
Finally, a wonderful TED music guest.
OregonCoastGhost 1 year ago 3
Great job Andrew! Hope to hear more of your creative music!
Bazmari 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
11:18-12:28 is pure pleasure- should be extended to an entire song!
brianwythe 1 year ago
Comment removed
brianwythe 1 year ago
his whistle sounds like a Theremin instrument.
SagaWrath 1 year ago
23 people dislike good honest music... :-/
oshea90220 1 year ago
finally some music on ted that isn't completely spacey lol
consummateVssss 1 year ago
I read this as Angry Birds...
5am152 1 year ago 4
Weird... but awesome.
Pylo01 1 year ago
do not watch this high....no really....don't!
porqcaterynka 1 year ago
I hear influences from The Cure and System of a Down mixed with this semi-tonal modern classical (oxymoron) that is popular today. Does anyone else hear Radiohead as well? I loved his performance but I think he needs to clean up his background loops, it sounds too muddy like trying to taste one flavour in a mouthful of Skittles. Regardless, the world would be a suicide machine without people like him.
TheCraich 1 year ago
Please stop bickering on Youtube.
Please just appreciate the way Andrew Bird can make a person swoon, and how much of a genius he is. Bold statement, yes, but in my limited experience, I completely stand by that statement.
timmybro10 1 year ago
I'm not one to idolize but....
I totally love this man and am so jealous of anyone who has every seen him live.
kazigi 1 year ago
1. Andrew Bird is a BRILLIANT musician.
2. He's not trying to impress anyone with the looping. He just loves making music, and this is just the way he chooses to make it. Why does this bother people?
3. He started looping out of necessity when his band couldn't make it to a gig. He found that it worked well for him so he continued working that way.
4. There is too much negativity in this world. Chill out.
TheNamingOfThings 1 year ago 95
@TheNamingOfThings very well put. :) too much hatefulness, not enough appreciation of beauty for what it is.
desu2u 1 year ago
anyone knows what machine he uses for the loops? thanks
ZztPT 1 year ago
@GrudgyDiablo what he's doing seriously isn't that difficult, and I'm a musician and audio engineer, so I'm not a "fucking philistine"
DCioccoloni 1 year ago
Shit, TED really gets it wrong when it comes to music.
DCioccoloni 1 year ago
WOW! I love this :D :D :D He's fantastic! Absolutely beautiful.
colinlikeschapstick 1 year ago
For those of you who like sample-incorporation, check out a live version on YouTube "Imogen Heap Live at Indie 103 - Part 1: Just For Now".
WhoTheFRELL 1 year ago
Music and texture = Amazing! Beautiful!!!
Lyricism/vocals = not for me. artsy fartsy empty to my ear.
overall i like it! sounds good and interesting to watch the process. again. that's just how it strikes me.
caseyforever 1 year ago
@GrudgyDiablo I am completely entitled to my opinion, and I think it's very sad that you insult me only for not appreciating something you obviously like. Once you learn that not everyone must agree with your taste of art, we can perhaps have a conversation about the point I was trying to make. I wish you great wisdome.
hydrademian 1 year ago
when you think he's reached the top, he just keeps going higher. Andrew Bird's talent is limitless. Looking forward to seeing the outcome of the "heartbreak" song.
Keep flying Bird =)
sanitythroughmadness 1 year ago
I saw Andrew Bird at Oran Mor in Glasgow on Thu 14th May 2009 with out his band and it was an absolute treat, to see and hear him master this type of music. I don't know about music so I can only say how somthing feels to me and listening to Andrew at his gig in Glasgow was amazing it felt that even his whistling and voice was used like an highly tuned instrument, well worth seeing.
thebreathingman 1 year ago
creatief baasje
ikdoemoeilijk 1 year ago
If one is interested in layering music...you can listen to Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull. Some of his songs from the 70's includes up to eight instruments plus singing. No computers recording and repeating. Not at the same time of course; but the complexity is far beyond this performer. This performer, however, is a great violinist and singer.
qigong1001 1 year ago
@qigong1001 In the 1970's, tape looping would've been used, which is repeating. What Jethro Tull and Andrew Bird do is the same:looping. As a musician who loops, I can tell you there is no way to loop without technology. It doesn't make you any less more of a musician for using it either. It's about how creative you are with it.
funkyjawa 1 year ago
@funkyjawa Lets give credit to those who deserve it then. Many artists have used it in the earlier days without the instant technology. I'm not sure, but Anderson would use it in his live performances as well. But since you agree its nothing to really get excited about, I'm just not seeing how this "one man orchestra" is so special. I'd much rather hear him just play the violin without the gimmicks and simple xylophone riffs. He is a very good violinist.
qigong1001 1 year ago
This dude gets a lot of poon.
jasonlajoie 1 year ago 30
I felt so honoured watching this. It felt very intimate, like I was actually watching him in person. Can't wait to hear what happens to the new song (Loops/Heartbreak). Long live Andrew Bird.
merillupin 1 year ago 3
he wants to feed the fishes. lmao!!
tranceman14 1 year ago
Really, really cool video. He does a lot of looping, but each layer is rich and beautiful in a folky kind of way.
Thanks for the vid.
walkermusic 1 year ago
Was nice. Thanks Bird and Ted
GrimSoul66 1 year ago
whats so special about playing music and putting it on loop, and keep adding new elements. sounds like what every kid can do with any music software
hydrademian 1 year ago
@hydrademian You've got a good point, at least on the surface level. But, when you're able to (on the fly) get all that to work and then to harmonize both instrumentals and vocals (or whistles), there's a lot of talented display here. His pedal board features pedals that distort in certain ways too. So, there really is a lot going on here. Also, it's true that "every kid" can potentially do what he's doing with music software—but, music software is severely different than live performance.
eternalround 1 year ago 2
@eternalround I agree. was he performing at any other stage, I would have certainly responded more positively. I just don't think his art is inspiring enough for the TED stage. But that's my opinion. Thanks for your friendly and intelligent reply.
hydrademian 1 year ago
I liked this until he started singing.
20060815 1 year ago
I love you guys. The commenters. I love you
olsern 1 year ago
loved this
SheepRCool17 1 year ago
Ed Alleyne Johnson with knobs on! Not original but fantastic.
MusicStudyMan 1 year ago