Travis Birds speaks with precision and purpose. He does not chase soft embellishments; his voice and his words carry the weight of intention, and the nuances of how he says something reveal more than any simple statement. For him, identity is found in the subtleties, and so he chooses each word with care. There are moments when a search for the exact sentiment stretches for hours, a burden he accepts to avoid future regret. Every taste, every utterance, feels like a direct line from the heart, a truth that can be as sharp as it is revealing. “We are layered beings,” the singer-songwriter notes, “and we must connect with our animal side because that is where authentic things take root.” Next year
With a radiant, almost celestial glow, she now performs songs that explore loneliness, freedom, desire, magic, and beauty. The aim is to turn past darkness into songs that magnetize and illuminate. The power of the spoken word remains central, and the breath of love spills through the syllables chosen for performance. One can sense that his response to the myth surrounding the period of prolific output was not only about reclaiming his voice but also about inviting a newer audience into his orbit. The elegance of his lyrical craft stands out, a keen edge that addresses a kind of sweet madness with fearless honesty. Birds is stepping into a higher flight, unafraid of the altitude or the storms that may come.
Are you the person you dream of being?
More. The artist shares how the journey has reshaped his sense of self. In the beginning, there was a longing to escape reality, a desire to slip into a realm where the impossible becomes possible. That impulse evolved into the understanding that imagination can transport the listener and the creator alike into a different world. The ambition behind releasing a third album is tied to that transformation, and it invites reflection on the path taken to arrive where he stands now.
He began his path at nineteen, a moment rife with decisions and pressure. How did that period feel?
The artist admits a rough start as a student who felt adrift. Design school offered no easy comfort, and existential doubt loomed large. Music became the lifeline that pulled him out of that void, offering a compelling escape that suggested a future could be forged through commitment to his craft.
At times he described himself as a mix of a boy and a serious man, even an ordinary bug. Is that still the voice he uses to define himself?
Transformation is constant. Today the artist embraces self-knowledge and the evolving sense of what he imagines about himself. The self-portrait has shifted from a fixed image to a living process.
Their debut Año X (2010) felt sincerely earnest. Where does the creative research begin?
Research is a busy, sometimes even dramatic endeavor for him. He jokes about chasing a modest paycheck while trying to birth something meaningful. The sources of inspiration come from lived experience, while cinematic environments—a mood, a scene—provide powerful fuel for imagination.
Is the story behind Eduardo born from personal truth?
He prefers to keep that line explored privately. When the song was written, the aim was to craft something exceptional, even if the result did not immediately reflect that goal. Sharing it at festivals revealed a force that audiences found moving, confirming the idea that some truths resonate beyond the page.
If listeners encountered Humo or Elvis in 2023, would those references still feel relevant?
There is continuity in the artist he has become. He takes pride in who he is today and acknowledges new resources and skills that now support his work. The past still informs him, but present capabilities shape how he approaches legacy.
How did the Coyotes come to curate the Pier project?
There was a sense of magic in the moment. An earlier uncertainty about the life ahead gave way to a creative spark when new material emerged. A draft found its form at the piano, was shared online, and drew encouragement from an audience that recognized its potential. The path often feels like a sequence of seemingly random moments that align to create something meaningful, even when the process seems unruly. The artist admits that some experiences might appear whimsical or nonsensical, yet they carry a strange, persistent magic that keeps him pursuing unexpected outcomes.
Which director would he like to collaborate with for a soundtrack?
Pedro Almodóvar stands out as a clear favorite, a director whose sensibility aligns with his own artistic ambitions.
What happened when revisiting Joaquín Sabina’s book 19 días y 500 noches?
This version acts as a tribute filtered through a personal lens. It was a collaborative offer, and the approach leaned toward interpretation: a blend of Maria and Travis, with a touch of humor. The result was surprisingly playful yet profoundly respectful in its homage.
Is this collaboration providing the support he sought?
Absolutely. The outcome exceeded expectations, turning a shared project into a powerful experience that amplified a cherished anthem from his youth. It felt validating and energizing to see such recognition filter into his live performances.
Has melody become a fixation?
Yes, melodies can seize him. When the spark appears, he pursues it with relentless energy, though he refuses to succumb to pressure. He can be stubborn in the moment, choosing to pause and reset when creative blocks arise, trusting the process to guide him back.
What did the creation of Mosquito Coast (2021) reveal about him?
Darkness visited during the composing phase, revealing a part of himself he hadn’t fully known. He previously resisted certain paths, yet exposure to challenging experiences offered a new vantage point, a willingness to stay with the abyss long enough to learn from it.
What drew him to the Ecuadorian jungle, and what did he run from?
The jungle became a personal sanctuary. A sense of belonging grew from a deep connection to nature, a lifelong fascination with animals, and a desire to understand his own place in the world. The journey brought both wonder and cost, a reminder that the path of artistic discovery is rarely free of sacrifice.
Why does he take time to sing each piece, rather than rushing them?
The craft feels cinematic to him. Writing is a process that deserves patience; quick consumption erodes the path and the growth built along the way. The time taken to shape a song is part of its meaning, like frames in a film that must settle before the next shot.
Do changes in the approach make his work unpredictable?
Yes, his method mirrors his life: chaotic, yet purposeful. He fuses elements, repurposes leftovers, and lets energy guide the next moment. The present becomes the fuel for what comes next, transforming intensity into new music.
Perro Desire, his 2023 album, hints at the core idea behind the project. Is the title meaningful?
Indeed: it captures a tension between instinct and longing. The dog points to instinctual desire, while desire itself speaks to the urge that pulls all beings toward something unknown and compelling.
The latest work feels brighter. Is the lighter mood intentional?
The recent performances carry more light, and the approach was gentler in approach and tone. The previous album was denser and darker, which sometimes made performing live more challenging. Now the hope is to enjoy the moment and connect with audiences on stage.
Have personal knots been untied to illuminate the work?
Self-exploration played a crucial role. Observing aspects of his life tied to The Mosquito Coast helped him shape Dog Desire. The resulting sense of freedom and self-acceptance empowered him to act more decisively in his career and personal life.
Is there poetry in songs like When the Devil Comes to See Me, Grillo, and My Airs? Do those words matter to him?
Words matter deeply. Language fascinates him, and he values clarity above all. If a phrase does not feel right, it is discarded. The goal is to convey a precise meaning that resonates with listeners, and he will revise until the message is unmistakable.
In Urgente there is a note about tempo and flow. Has he devoted long hours to matters of love?
Love remains a guiding force. He strives to be fully invested in every endeavor, though love does not always arrive easily. He keeps searching for ways to keep that spark alive, through dedication to his art and to the relationships that sustain him.
Over the years, has he censored himself?
Yes. He has learned to withhold at times, acknowledging that not every thought needs a public airing. Crafting a song means shaping phrases into headlines, and interpretation can vary as long as the core intent remains intact. He chooses restraint out of respect for the art and for the audience.