Birds of passage
birds of passage is the brainchild of poet, singer, songwriter Alicia Merz. Established in 2009, birds of passage was signed to the San Diego based shoegaze label futurerecordings that same year. The highly anticipated birds of passage debut album without the world is to be released in May 2010. Alicia performed, recorded and produced the album in her home studio.
In addition to the debut album a book of poetry a garden of secrets written by Alicia Merz will be published by futurerecordings and released in May 2010.
The name birds of passage is a reference to a collection of poems of the same name by Longfellow.
Contents
Inspiration and Style
The birds of passage 'sound' is decidedly unique and has influences from genres ranging from classical and minimalist to folk and pop.
Alicia Merz incorporates electric keys, cello, harmonica, and electric guitar with aleatory elements and a minimalist approach to create atmospheric and emotional (sometimes ethereal but mostly dark) soundscapes.
When asked "what inspires you?", Alicia Merz is likely to reply; climbing trees, smelling flowers, smoking cigarettes and walking in the rain. She is also said to be inspired by Nick Drake, Nina Simone, Sigur Rós, Satie and Robert Frost.
Personal Life
Alicia Merz studied political science and philosophy at the University of Waikato before focusing her attention on music and poetry in 2007. She is married to the independent filmmaker, Christian Parahi. They have one son together.
Albums
without the world Available May 2010
Other Releases
a garden of secrets A book of poetry. Available May 2010
Collaborations and Side Projects
Using a new arrangement of Arvo Pärt's work for piano "Für Alina" birds of passage composed a version of the song "In Heaven" from the film "Eraserhead by cult director David Lynch.
The song is part of a collaborative project "Pärt Lynch", in which an ecclectic range of artists compose new arrangements of Arvo Pärt works to create a new soundtrack to the film Eraserhead.
birds of passage collaborated with the Spanish experimental IDM producer "erissoma" on the tracks "find my etchings" and "her". They plan to release an EP of their collaborations.
birds of passage has also collaborated with the American experimental bass player CJ BOYD
