Birds of Wales
is an Indie/Folk Rock band based in Ontario in Canada, composed of
Morgan Ross (lead vocals, guitar), Mike Caputo (lead guitar), Moe Smith
(bass) and Jesse Smith (drums).
Birds of Wales are garnering the attention of fans on both sides of the
Atlantic. Known for great songwriting and outstanding live
performances. Within months of playing their first show together, the
band had headlined to sell-out audiences at notable venues, released a
self-titled CD in Canada to strong, positive reviews, had Ralph James
of the The Agency Group pick them up for representation, and played the
first of several successful tours in Europe.
Tracks from Birds of Wales' first CD received regular airplay on
Canadian commercial radio, and have been broadcast across North America
on XM and Sirius Satellite Radio. In fact, "My Lady; in July" was the
most played song on "The Verge," XM's new music station, in June 2006.
Birds of Wales has also earned the attention of fans in Europe,
releasing their "Fall of the 49" CD in the UK and Spain on Invisible
Hands Music (Thomas Dolby, The JAM) following three successful European
tours in nine months time. The band inked a deal with The Agency Group
for their North American representation. Then they sealed another deal
with London-based label, Invisible Hands Music, to distribute their EP
in the UK. The band's songs began to show up on radio airwaves in South
England and Wales. The first single from this disc, "Cinderella (Has
Nothing on You)", was featured on a compilation CD - 560,000 copies of
which were distributed throughout Ireland. The video for Cinderella
also spent several weeks in rotation on MuchMoreMusic in Canada. Also,
"My Lady; in July" will appear in Rob Heydon's upcoming film, Ecstasy,
a film based on a book by the same author as Trainspotting.
Birds of Wales finished their summer touring season with a spot at
Toronto's Virgin Festival. The band headed to Vancouver's Mushroom
Studios with producer Jeff Dawson (Daniel Powter, Kelly Rowland) to
record their second album.
Interview with Morgan Ross, singer
of Birds of Wales:
S: When and how was Birds of
Wales born?
M:
Birds of Wales started when I met and spent time with the two lead
singers of Canadian band, Stabilo, while in University. They encouraged
me to pursue music and record a album. I moved to Vancouver to record a
record, and finally moved to Toronto with the new record, and
eventually auditioned people to be in the band.
S: Where
is the name of the band coming from?
M:
I grew up with a Cockatoo, and my mother is patriotically Welsh. It
just fit.
S: How and when did all begin
with music?
M:
I grew up in choir, and listening to music with my mom. At some point
it was my life.
S: What
are the positive and negative sides of being a musician in Canada?
M:
On the positive front, we get to meet thousands of great people every
year, all across the world, and gather 100's of great stories.
On the negative front we still have to carry gear.
S: Do you feel anxious before a
show?
M:
How and if I'm anxious is dependant on which show it is. Typically I am
not anxious, but every once in a while I'll feel like puking before. I
normally keep things together just to keep my band at ease.
S: What musicians or artists had
an influence in your life and in your work?
M:
The Shins were very important to me, as were the Canadian band, The
Weakerthans. Lyrically the Weakerthans inspired, and continue to
inspire me.
S: Do you remember what was the
first CD you bought?
M:
The first Tape I bought was a R and B singer named Gabrielle. She had a
eye patch like a pirate and I liked one of her songs. The first CD
was.. I believe The Doors Greatest hits.
S: Do you think the emotion is
different between a song in English and in another language?
M:
All I know is that songs sound far more intelligent when they're in a
language I don't understand.
S: How could you define the
music of Birds of Wales?
M:
Folky indie rock. Something to tap your toe to, and ideally walk away
inspired by.
S: Do you agree with Victor Hugo
who said :"Melancholy is the pleasure of being sad"?
M:
As a artist I strongly believe most of our greatest work is often
simply the translation of having a rough day, week or year.
S: When you write a song you
follow your heart, your brain or your hand?
M: When
writing songs I often find inspiration from everything- more often the
heart though.
S: What is your favourite song
of Birds of Wales and why?
M:
I think the best song I have ever written is "My Lady in July". I am
proud of the honesty, and the lyrics. I have also had dozens of people
write to tell me they used it as their wedding song.
S: As musician, what is your
feeling about Internet?
M:
The internet is a beautiful and expedited manner in which everyone can
promote and deliver their music - no matter who they are, or how much
funding they have.
S: Do you consider yourselves as
"philanthropists"?
M:
We try to play fund raising/benefit shows as often as possible. We care
about things, and do what we can to help. Philanthropy is something we
all should strive for.
S: Can you describe what is a
typical Birds of Wales's day?
M:
My typical day revolves around trying to find a good mexican
restaurant, working on a song, going to rehearsal and likely going for
a nice walk around Toronto.
S: What are your hobbies aside
music?
M:
I went to University for History and Political Science, so I find great
pleasure in keeping up to date with whats going on in the world.
S: Are
you venturesome person?
M:
I personally am very adventuresome. I'm rarely in one city for more
than a few days.
S: Where would you like to play
in the future, is there a place in the world you would love to visit?
M: I have
always wanted to play in France. We have played many shows in the UK,
Spain, Holland, but never France.
S: Are
there any things, which you are afraid of? Do you have any fears?
M:
Empty shows.
S: What is the best moment and
best place to listen to your music?
M: A living
room with nice headphones.
S: As
our website is dedicated to Manic Street Preachers maybe can you say
some words about them?
M:
I'm saddened by the news that they are now claiming Richey James
Edwards in now assumed Deceased. Hopefully he is just really good at
hiding. This said- ideally things like this can bring forward proper
and healthy discussion on the topic of mental illness.
S: I
know it’s a difficult question, but if you would have to keep
just one album from your CD collection what album would it be?
M:
The Shins - Oh Inverted World
S: What was the last song you
listened to before the interview? And, if you know, which one will be
the next?
M: A demo I
did with a friend. Anything by Neil Young.
S: Can you tell us the name of
one French song, or singer, or band?
M:
I really enjoy the singer, "M". His songs are catchy and wonderful, and
even though I don't know what he's saying, I still really enjoy them.
S: And say something in French?
M:
Je vais bien, merci. Et toi?
Lait de Poule!
S: What are your plans for the
nearest future?
M:
Our album will be released in early 2009, followed by extensive touring.
S: And finally, what’s
the most important thing in life for you?
M: My
family and friends, followed by my Gibson Hummingbird Acoustic.
MANY thanks to Morgan and to Birds of Wales for the interview!
More informations about Birds of Wales:
- on their site:
http://www.birdsofwales.com
- on their Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/birdsofwales