London-based singer-songwriter Ladybyrd is embarking on a new chapter with the her latest single ‘Open Cage’. The artist discusses her love for film music, the story behind ‘Open Cage’ and a chance meeting with Tom Cruise…
Hi Ladybyrd, how has your 2024 been so far?
Hello! My 2024 has been brilliant so far thank you — I’m so happy to be back to releasing music after a year of focusing on writing more and finding my sound. It feels like the beginning of a new chapter.
Can you tell us about how you originally got into music?
I grew up in a musical household so I have always been surrounded by it. I had classical piano lessons, taught myself the guitar and started writing songs when I was 11. I started to show produced demos of those songs to friends and family when I was 13 and I’ve continued to grow as an artist since then. I got discovered through a family friend showing one of these early demos to someone he knew in the industry. So, after I finished my A-levels I’ve been co-writing with others and recording loads of music.
How did you come up with your artist name ‘Ladybyrd’?
Ladybyrd was a nickname that my grandfather – whom I never got to meet – gave to my mum, who then passed it on to me. Although it’s personal to me, I think it’s a beautiful name that represents my music really well. We changed the spelling slightly as we thought it was more interesting – and it reminds me of the famous British composer, William Byrd.
Your new single, ‘Open Cage’ is out March 22nd. What influenced the track artistically?
I wanted to write a more angsty guitar-led song after having written a few lighter songs on the piano. It is always amazing to see how songs evolve. My producer and I played some chords and a guitar riff and then suddenly all of the lyrics came to me and I couldn’t stop writing! I try to illustrate the feeling of being trapped, as well as the emotion of longing. There are also lots of vocal ‘ahhhs’ in the background of the song that have been pitched higher to sound more like screams for a more dramatic effect. In the music video, I’m in a metaphorical cage created by spotlights. I move in and out of the lights representing the indecisiveness of whether to stay or leave a relationship.
‘Open Cage’ has a very cinematic sound – you’re inspired by film scores and have even worked on music for an upcoming TV show with the ‘Mission Impossible’ composer. How did this collaboration come about?
This came about because I approached Tom Cruise in London, and got chatting about music and my love for film scores!
Do you have any other dream collaborations?
I admire so many artists and composers that it would be hard to name just a few. At the moment if I had to pick one, it would be M83. I am so inspired by his compositions — in particular, his soundtrack for the film ‘Oblivion’.
What inspired the lyrics for ‘Open Cage?’
I wrote ‘Open Cage’ about the emotional struggle within a troubled relationship. The lyrics paint a picture of feeling trapped, as if confined within a cage, wanting more, yet simultaneously possessing the freedom to walk away from it all. It captures the inner battle and the longing to keep the relationship alive, fueled by the deep love and passion that still remains, despite its imperfections.
You launched your music in 2022 and have already received a great amount of praise and acclaim, from the likes of Sunday Times and BBC Introducing. What do you hope to achieve in 2024?
I hope to continue to release the music I love and connect with as many people as possible through it. I want to be able to do more shows, and I dream of playing at venues like the Royal Albert Hall one day – although that is a slightly longer-term goal! I would also love to get one of my songs into a film.
Lastly, what are you currently working on and can give us a glimpse into what’s next for Ladybyrd?
I am currently finishing my album, which will be out early next year. In the meantime, there will be plenty of singles coming out this year that I am super excited to release 🙂
Listen to ‘Open Cage’ below, and find out more about Ladybyrd and her music online on Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, and TikTok.
