Andrew Bird

Chicago-based film score composer, multi-instrumentalist and lyricist Andrew Bird picked up his first violin at the age of four and spent his formative years soaking up classical repertoire completely by ear. As a teen Bird became interested in a variety of styles including early jazz, country blues and gypsy music, synthesizing them into his unique brand of pop. Since beginning his recording career in 1997 he has released 11 albums, his first solo record Weather Systems coming in 2003. Bird has gone on to record with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and perform at New York's Carnegie Hall. Most recently Bird composed his first ever film score for the movie Norman (hailed as a probing, thoughtful score by The New York Times; available now on Mom + Pop), contributed to the soundtrack of The Muppets and collaborated with inventor Ian Schneller on Sonic Arboretum, an installation at New York's Guggenheim Museum and Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art.

Andrew Bird appears in the following:

Andrew Bird

Friday, April 12, 2019

Andrew Bird performs.

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Andrew Bird: "Greenland on My Mind"

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Sometimes you just need to get away from it all. Andrew Bird and the Hands of Glory perform “Dear Old Greenland,” a song about escaping to the remotest location imaginable.

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Bonus Track: Death, Be Not Now

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Andrew Bird, Tift Merritt, Hari Kondabolu, and Jennifer Egan join Kurt Andersen in this radio play about confronting the fear of death — and getting on with the business of living.

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Andrew Bird: Live from Brooklyn

Friday, July 11, 2014

Andrew Bird and the Hands of Glory play live at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and he talks with bandmate Tift Merritt about how to overcome the fears that go along with being a performer.

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Bonus Track: Death, Be Not Now

Friday, June 20, 2014

Andrew Bird, Tift Merritt, Hari Kondabolu, and Jennifer Egan join Kurt Andersen in this radio play about confronting the fear of death — and getting on with the business of living.

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Andrew Bird: Greenland on My Mind

Friday, June 20, 2014

Sometimes you just need to get away from it all. Andrew Bird and the Hands of Glory perform “Dear Old Greenland,” a song about escaping to the remotest location imaginable.

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Andrew Bird: Live from the Greene Space

Friday, March 30, 2012

Andrew Bird’s brand of indie rock doesn’t sound like anyone else’s. The violinist, singer, and film composer uses digital delay and electronics to blend the sounds of pop and chamber music. He’ll play songs from his new album, “Break It Yourself,” live in the Greene Space.

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The Greene Space

Andrew Bird performs "Orpheo" Live on Soundcheck

Friday, March 30, 2012

2:00 PM

Chicago-based film score composer, multi-instrumentalist and lyricist Andrew Bird joins John Schaefer in The Greene Space to play songs from his new album, "Break It Yourself" live on Soundcheck.

Gateway Albums: Two Lists

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Singer-songwriter Andrew Bird and music writer Michael Azerrad join us today to talk about "gateway albums," those curiosity-sparking releases that compel a listener to dig deeper into a particular genre or artist. Check out their personal lists of gateway albums below. Tell us: What's your gateway album? What did it help you discover?

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Gateway Albums

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

A best-of Bob Marley collection called "Legend" continues to convert passing fans into reggae enthusiasts. Today: gateway albums of all genres that compel listeners to dig deeper, with singer-songwriter Andrew Bird and journalist Michael Azerrad. Also: alternative-rock godfather Robyn Hitchcock and his band perform live in our studio.

Plus: We ...

Andrew Bird

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Chicago-based multi-instrumentalist and lyricist Andrew Bird mixes jazz, gypsy, folk, and rock elements to create his own unique musical style. The classically trained violinist found a place for his unconventional sound as an auxiliary member of the Squirrel Nut Zippers in the 1990s. As a solo artist, Bird has released ...

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A Secretary of the Arts for America?

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

When music impresario Quincy Jones appeared on Soundcheck in December, he said the first thing he would do is “beg” President Obama to establish a cabinet-level position for the arts. Today, we revisit that conversation with a debate on whether a “secretary for the arts” is really a good idea. ...

Best Live Performances of 2007 (2)

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Our look back at live performances from 2007 continues with Andrew Bird and Meshell Ndegeocello.

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Best Live Performances, Part III

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Soundcheck is highlighting some of this year's most memorable live performances in our studio. Today’s show includes pop star Tori Amos, pianist Simone Dinnerstein, soul band Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, singer-songwriter Andrew Bird, and more.