Meeting the Birds Of Prrrey while they are Still Growing In Place.

Birds Of Prrrey are one of the rare alternative indie rock band that have swept my heart since their emergence in the local scene around 2023. They recently released around July 6th, a EP titled Yet, We're Still Growing In Place. A title that is quite contradictory to what the group has been experiencing on the street levels. This years, they played Pouzza, they will soon, on the 26th of July, play Birdball which will be happening at La Sottorena serving as their EP release party. Why the fuck to they celebrate so late when their listenings has gone up and everybody has posted their story about being in heaven while listening to the new release weeks ago? Well simply because nothing is a hurry, it'll all come along in due time. The band has no interest in stressing things out, they go on gradually, giving blood were needed without ever straining themselves to a point of disdain of the once hobbyesque music making activity now becomed a more serious concern. They passed on CKUT Radio for a live session, they've had local people around Montreal interview them and have since their begining amassed a fast growing experience on stage and in studio crafting their way up the local music scene particularly the Alternative Indie Rock scene. Their songs kind of remind me of The Beaches, Blondie and Mazzy Stars depending what song in their short but great roster. Previously this year, I've had the chance to get a hold of their precious time to discuss their parcours as a band and their vision of the band and it's impact around.

On March 24th the day of my birthday in 2023, the birds took on their first flight on stage, but before banding together, they bonded over live shows at multiple occassions and somehow around January, as a joke Clarence suggested they start a band,

''I kind of peer pressured, in a friendly way of course, Grace into picking up the bass since she was playing violon and Noelle and I went to the same high school so knowing Noelle was spending her music classes drumming I thought well why not start a band! And for my part, I had always hummed tunes in my spare time while dedicating some hours to my guitar in my bedroom. And now that I could capture my thoughts on a microphone I thought why not scream!'' -Clarence

And so they borrowed a friend's bass, bought a amplifier to go with it from marketplace and around January, they assembled in a jam space and there forth Clarence went from humming tunes to screaming out at a microphone and gracefully, the Birds of Prrrey molted their first set of highly colored, weatherproof and of course mansplanning proof feathers. In music or any other industry of sector of activity, there's always a reality of man versus woman, and although modern times aim to dim such disparities, competition and comparison are still part of the game. But for Birds Of Prrrey, a female trio, man's ridiculous comments and ways are nothing to be afraid of and simply put, they won't tone or lower down their volume for em' nor will they accept any of their bullshit. Hence they'll even go as far as peckering any twat that dares try and scramble their eggs!

''In some people's mouth being a girlband'll be a great thing, an honorable example, but some have been trying to trump us and discourage us. Some have said it was a gateway to get in the scene easier, be viewed and respected more, some have booked us labelling us a girl band for their share, and hell some have even tried spoking our wheel by say for example, unplugging an amp just before we start playing. Clumsy mistake or not in some cases, it surely didn't pass unotice.''

Noelle even recounted of a time they were told they played too loud and only man should be allowed such volumes onstage. But happily, the bands doesn't plan backing down upon such evil ways.

''Every time we were being pointed out as a Girl Band, it pushed us to give even more, play louder in some cases, play faster and overall be better. The opposition triggered a rage inside us that hence pushed us to surpass ourselves even more. The local scene is filled with brilliance, the spectators in general come to see us and encourage us and other bands. International artist come around Montreal having heard of the local scene and it's many talents. Thus, we don't want to let the few negative experiences ruin this project. We come in with a positive and open-minded attitude.''

Hence I believe it is only fair to say that those who dare mess with the bird shall witness it's wrath and could end up being peckered out of the way. I did wonder how the ensemble managed to do promotion knowing that the trio grew up with internet well established and being part of a band now a days comes with all the public image. It comes with some promotion duty and a certain presence around the fans for simple diverting or news concerning the band. Birds Of Prrrey are not your boring neighborhood band and have developped a friendly and funny attitude concerning online activities on platforms such as Instagram and others. And although time isn't unlimited for rehearsals, shows and bonding time, they always find time to fit it all including a general impactful modern days online presence.

''We've developped a diverting funny friendly approach. For I, Clarence, I can say I don't spend more than four to five minute creating content and I believe this nonchalent approach simply shows our desire to simply enjoy the whole ride. In an optic that we don't want to use internet to be too serious, we look forward to thank fans, to showcase our shows and great stage moments but in the end, we also just want to keep this internet thing fun. We do memes, funny little videos and collage just to bring a positive vibe in a world that is packed with seriousness and it's fair share of tragedies and other unfaire horrible things. So Birds Of Prrrey aim to lighten things up on internet all the while using it to spread out the word on our existence. We definitely don't feel the need to pose so seriously or advertise our band with serious content, or advertisement that you see for the big bands, we like the DIY content approach a lot!''

Speaking of DIY content, a question came inevitably, I they could, would they record all their stuff DIY. Do they believe the now popular DIY recording approach is something viable and optimal? Is their new record DIY? Will they one day have a DIY record ? Is Birds Of Prrrey in any way DIY?

''Well what happens is we got to work with guys from Concordia for False Hopes which was released around July of 2023 and so, as Grace states, it was kind of scary to go out and choose someone else knowing the last time it had worked well. But also we knew we were satisfied and hugely well received and supported working with them. ''

Them being Ben and Math whom they worked in the studio allowing their new EP to come out the way it is sonically and all the production to it.

'' Hum if we could work out the DIY setup and steps to record all the instruments by ourselves I believe we would definitely do such thing because since the begining, the band has always enjoyed to dip toes in the DIY process of things. Our first stickers were hand drawn due to lack of conaissance of digital approach. Sadly due to lack of time and space it's quite impossible to take the time to DIY our recordings. Luckily for us, working with producers and recording engineers became easier and communicating our musical ideas, although not easy at first, we got around it quite easily and we hence learned how to do it better with more confidence.''

Grace states she was quite afraid of judgement of not being able to communicate well her ideas, giving the wrong impressions on talent wise to others, but she does acknowledge that over time she realised the band had the right to sound any fucking way they envisaged and whatever end result they'd obtain as long as it was fitting for the three members, that's all that counts!

''For the more recent songs, they definitely felt easier to record and pass on through the mics due to their longevity in our heads. False Hopes had six months of noodling before being recorded, while the EP's songs were lugged around and hence it became more a labour of love once the moment came to record it. What were trying to say is we are way more comfortable recording songs once we know how they should sound tone and structure wise. Noodling around with ideas is one thing but phrasing the words in the right way is what brings the edge to the whole music thing for us. That's what separates great artists from those who do cool but not memorable or relatable stuff.''

What about live, do you guys model new songs as soon as possible or is the craft more meticulous? Is this a Pink Floyd approach were live jams craft studio sounds or the other way around more like a Eagles approach were every note is rehearsed before the public gets the slightest glimpse at the works?

''Hum currently we are sitting on a lot of material, but we aren't the kind of group that'll pop out sketches and just jam them out on stage to figure out how they should be played or their musical direction. We love to suck in all in during practices, sculpt out the details and see how big each ideas are and once the three know what they have to play and were there is some loose to pull a couple strings, then they are brought up on stages for the hectic crowds to hear. Like definitely we aren't ready yet to just play and fuck up if we fuck up, we have a certain pride in executing things well and precisely so for now, we still take a lot of time to rehearse and forge songs before taking the beasts on the road. Although I guess there's exception as for that time we played I Love It by Charlie XCX at Traxide and although we'd only practiced it once, people went crazy! And to this day I can't really recall the words, but I guess being Traxide, we could allow ourselves to be a bit messy!''

They played that cover once again recently and I can definitely say they nailed it fucking well. As for future plan, and their pace of advancement and their engagement in their work, generally all are fucking happy yet there is a but, but a positive but.

'' We're definitely happy with how things are going, simply for me (Grace) I at times can be envious of other bands advancement and pace musically speaking, but hey, we'll make it even if we have to take more time. Yeah quite right, I'd love to personally master double kick À La John Bonham says Noelle laughing, and I, Clarence, would love to come up with a trillion fueled skull ripping riffs on the spot!''

(Laughter can be heard from all)

In general Birds Of Prrrey are the kind of birds that learned how to fly gradually, they didn't have it in em' since day one. They had the basic knowledge surrounding music but working the three girls together, spending time playing and bonding over their mutual love for music allowed the band to advance. But as they say, the scene around Montreal was also a great factor, fans coming to show them their appreciation and respect gave the girls confidence. The people they worked with in studio, on stages spiked em' with a more daring attitude knowing they could go forward with their ideas and crazy ideas. But most of all, it was their love and sheer determination for the music that pushed em' to front music before anything else.

''At times, we schedule shows and I (Noelle) wouldn't even look at my personal schedule, like I didn't care if I was working or what so ever. I just badly obssessed about playing with my two bandmates. That's just how much I wanted to play and succeed and still is the case.''

Birds Of Prrrey had great help in the studio, they had the support of people live but all this was possible due to them. They came in the game being honest, cherishing every moment for it's buck and to this day, they want one thing, to give their best to their love of music and to the fans! They are truly a authentic band and I hope they keep growing. For their new EP, I personally adored A Man Invented Shoelaces and if I had to recommend another it would be, Training Wheels which truly reminded me of a time when younger a girl had been run over by a car as she fell off her bike and I had actually gone to help her but I really felt scared and this song just brings tears as I think about me as a child scared and horrified as I witnessed my friends leg get crushed under the car. Now before you leave, here's how my last live encounter with them at Traxide on June 30th went.

Ah Traxide, in my brain chemicals of delightment are oozed all over. Traxide, the place where Browsville junky's could find relief and a sense of comfort. A place where Renton the main junky protagonist in Trainspotting could've dropped his suppositories in the worst bathrooms of Montreal. The venue's filled with youth who take pictures besides the slumpy looking rooms washed up and rotting with heroin fiends. The place were most concert goers are raised far from the vices of crack and needles infested arms and underwears yet mingle with local attendees who indulge at Traxide on a more regular basis due to young depraved dissilusionned settings and families thus finding a safe spot over at Traxide. I've once came afcross one bastard who told me he was the next Slim Shady, his dad was gone, mother shot up on the block while he sold smack to finance his dream of becoming the follow-up to the Stooges. Was he at the time indulged in jaunty maneuvrism with the stuff he sold you ask ? Well that you'll have to ask him, but id you were to ask me, I'd say yes, because no sane sober person would want to follow the path and career choices or even try to best what The Stooges did. Anyway, Traxide, the place where Mama's and Papa's girsl and boys meet up and rub shoulders with the streets' washed up rattlesnakes and simultaneously enjoy nights filled over the top riffs, cigarette smoke and sweaty headbutss. On June 30th, I came up with a friend after fighting and bribbing our way through the tunnels of Montreal and then scavenging our way through the streets near the Venue. Once there, a jagged off pilled up man is zooming and looming across the way and he cares not of who we are and were we are going, simply he screams and screams and demands a reform of the ethereal world. Next up, a guy walking with Amanda, ex Chicken Suit singer says Hi, I retort Hey and we head on our way stop at a local corner store, buy booze, smoke a spliff to split my neurons more and finally we are gone. I'm high, my breaths so slow, every step feels like I'm walking on the moon, I think of The Police, ah Sting, you really are a great bastard, english people can write about anything take Bowie, Elton John and The Police, they've all written songs on the moon while never landing a feet on it. Finally, we have arrived at the venue, I meet some local kids who'll garnish the floor later on during showtime, we get inside, we wait, and suddenly WHAM!

Poolgirl are on stage, twings and flings are heard, my ears are right next to the amps and I realize I don't have my earplugs, fuck it I tell myself, there's worst than that in life. I'm really high, the sound isn't great at least not for the vocals, I can't hear what the purple haired singer sings. But she's definitely on to something trying to capture the crowd's attention, swirling, laughing with the admirers, responding to some comments, hypnotizing us song after song. Her bandmates are there holding it all together, allowing for a great fucking set. Fetishwear and Boy Destroyer, the two songs that are demoed on streaming platforms are enchanting, enthralling, they fit exactly what new wave alternative rock is and on stage, their rendition is impeccable. For the rest of their set, which lasted say 30 minutes, which leaves us with 25minutes they played other songs and I believe a cover, but with the sound and my ears so awful, I can't put words on what they played. But one thing I know is that when their allowed time came to an end, I was sad, I wanted more. I felt like a drunken junkie who'd been expulsed of the bar at 3 am and wanted more. I wanted more, I would've begged for more, and now all I could do was compliment the girls on their set and go outside to breathe a tad of fresh air and luckily meet people who offered me and my friend some fresh grapes.

Back inside after forcing my tired muscles, Birds Of Prrrey were onstage, and well, they simply blew and tore the place apart! A cover of I Love It from Icona Pop was played at a pace that I still can't believe, it felt like they were about to set the whole place on fire, it was country Johnny Cash style of fast playing. Like he use to say, If we could play faster we sure would. For the rest, they played what is now part of Yet We Are Still Growing in Place, which was really fun and intringuing to hear! The first song titled A Man Invented Shoelaces has a great rythm at the start which is then joined with the voice that glides softly over the bass and the guitar which lead to the chorus reminding me of a certain Mazzy Star, but with a bit more edge to the whole intensity which is appropriate for today's indie, alternative local scene. What is great with this song is the construction, this isn't your regular pop song structure, it's a rollercoaster that steers you all kinds of direction while keeping it's direction. OMGCROWSEVERYWHERE.COM2003$ tends more to a punk alternative Radiohead heated moment and the lyrics while not necesseraly comprehensible remain appreciable, adding more thrill and excitement a feeling of being hurried over while not necessarely understanding where it leads. Hatemail and Noelle's Emo Song brings us back to a Cranberries/Mazzy Star kind of songwriting where the person want's to be loved, craves attention, drowning in sorrow and desperation, eyes riveted to the person or thing they crave. The synth on Noelle's Emo Song seems to clip but now a days anything stands for a artistic approach and therefore I believe it's meant purposefully! Training Wheels reminded me of my first parties where I got drunk, 2000's hit songs alternative played and I was stumbling a bit drunk wondering where I would sleep thinking to myself how much an incredible life I was living unbeknowst to me of all hardships growing up had coming. While having a laid back feel to the whole EP, the effort put into it is felt with the quality of it's content. It ain't the most elaborate material out there, but it showcases a band who's ready to dive head first into the record industry. It also showcases their energy that they've had on stage since their begining in the local scene and a great continuity to their first release False Hope!

Fresh Wax was next on the bill, a band so many told much gonzo about. Boundless atmospheric uptight straight razor blade edge music. That what these two freaks are doing. Nothing more nothing less. It's a sensation to see to smart whips all dressed up to conjure satanic meanings through wave and synths and guitar effects along a maybe 30 to 45 minute set of music. Is it what a mainstream public would want? Maybe not, but they might just be the next Kraftwerk on speed and maybe one day they'll adjust their numbers to a wider public. But one thing for sure, on stage, their pure maniacs filled to the brim with genius. They're laced with creativity and an energy although a bit of a bubble and headtrip at times but still very enjoyable.

Finally came Heavenly Blue, a Toronto based group whose ressemblance with Poolgirl and Birds of Prrrey was quite remarkable. They performed marvellously. Gabe the Keith Richards looking guitarist (at least at the moment at Traxide when I saw him) was just fucking squeezing the guitar, the riffs, ripping down every ounce out of every songs and sending all of his rage and sheer determination to the crowd while the singer just moved so hectically all around stage! The songs weren't the main concern to me, just as righteousness has never been a political speech concern. It's always been about the act, the show given around the meat around the bone and Heavenly Blue cleverly pulled a brilliant stunt at Traxide. The crowds energy peaked and after all the intensity during the night, it was only fair the last band set the roof on fire and that precisely what was done. They came down from Toronto and succeedingly left a everlasting impression on everyones mind.

First picture is the Birds Of Prrrey's cover for their recent release done by Sherry and the next one is a picture that comes from their gig in Toronto around June 4th taken by either Vicki or kamyarghanean.