Little Birdy have been busily working in the rehearsal studio preparing tracks for the follow up to 2006’s Hollywood, and now they’re ready to unveil their work with a special gig at Melbourne’s HiFi Bar. FL intruded on the rehearsals for just a moment, prying Katy Steele away from her bandmates to ask a few questions about the as yet untitled third album and the world of Little Birdy.
So just what can fans expect to hear when they venture down to the show? While Katy perhaps jokingly suggests that she has “a heavy metal drop D song in 6/8” to try out on the unsuspecting punters, it seems that her bandmates may overrule her judgement by slipping a few of the ballads they’ve been working on into the set. Not that Katy’s the sort of character who’s likely to be easily overruled. Asked what advice she’s traded with her brother (Luke Steele of Sleepy Jackson fame) since they both flew to musical fame, Katy cheekily suggests that he’s picked up a few make-up tips. It’s advice that he seems to have taken to heart if the promotional shots for Personality can be used in judgement.
Much like the second Sleepy Jackson album, Little Birdy’s last record received something of a mixed response from the critics. It seemed that after the well received debut BigBigLove there may be a slight touch of the dreaded ‘sophomore album’. Or maybe just a little tall poppy syndrome. Katy noted in interviews that she “tended to get angry” with the reviews, but she dismisses the idea that the media could have affected the band’s approach when working on their new record. “Not really,” she claims. “I don’t read press. I’ve said some things which I guess I regret. But is there really anyone out there who doesn’t regret anything they’ve said?”
“It’s kinda hard when things get drawn out. I’ve realised that music is all about what you’re into at that point in your life, that’s all it is. I don’t think anyone wants something that is based around spontaneity to be analysed the way that it is. So, no, we have always done, and always will do, whatever we feel like doing, and that’s the real beauty of making music.”
Given that Inside I’m Crying, Outside I’m Dancing was the working title for the album that ended up with the simpler title Hollywood, what suggestions have come up for the new album title? “Album titles are hard,” admits Katy. She reveals that the band has a working title they’re happy with, but she’s not giving anything away. “I think the most important things about a title are that it’s visual, intriguing and simple. There’s so much importance on album titles which does make it quite a stress, but the only way to combat that is to take your time with it.” And that seems to include not unveiling it too early.
Whatever they decide to title their latest offering, the HiFi show gives the band and their fans the chance to hear how the latest batch of tunes sound in the Little Birdy show. As well as testing out the new material, the band is just plain eager to just get up in front of an audience and play again. “It has been such a long time that we are aching in our bones to get under the lights and get lost in the moment. We have had some really memorable shows at the HiFi, so we’re hoping to just make it a special night for everyone involved.”
Little Birdy play the HiFi Bar in Melbourne on 26 July, with support from Dash and Will (touted as Australia’s answer to Tegan and Sarah), as well as Skipping Girl Vinegar. It’s sure to be a great show and a first chance to hear your new favourite Little Birdy tunes. Maybe they’ll even tell you the title of their third record?
