[ "BIIRD had never played together when they stepped on stage in Trafalgar Square to face 10,000 people on St Patrick's Day 2024. Eleven Irish traditional musicians stood side-by-side in elaborate costumes, some meeting for the first time only hours before the performance.", "Two years later, the all-female supergroup has sold out venues across the UK and Ireland, toured stadiums with Ed Sheeran, and built a global following - all without releasing a debut record. Their rise has been rapid, driven almost entirely by the strength of their live performances and word of mouth.", "For singer and flautist Miadhachlughain O'Donnell, from County Down, the scale of what the group are now doing would have seemed unimaginable during that first performance.", "'It was mental, to be honest,' she said. 'It was done in the blink of an eye… I don't think we had another gig for a couple of months, I didn't really know where it was going to go from there.'", "While BIIRD's direction of flight may have been uncertain to its members at first, founder Lisa Canny had been quietly developing the 'Spice Girls of trad' concept for about a decade.", "'Our main objective, other than making beautiful music, is to change the image around women in trad and folk,' Canny said. 'There are these incredible shows that tour the world but the representation of women in these groups is still very much outdated.'", "BIIRD champions a bold new image for traditional Irish music, employing striking fashion choices while maintaining the authenticity of their music rooted in tradition.", "The group’s performances blend traditional Irish lilting with contemporary drums and strings, their songs echoing the sounds developed over years of house parties and traditional festivals.", "Their upcoming debut album, a collection of original compositions recorded at Decoy Studios, reflects the evolving sound and vision of BIIRD as they prepare for continued tours with Ed Sheeran in the United States.", "As they pave the way for a new generation of musicians, O'Donnell hopes to inspire young girls, saying, 'Hopefully it lives on past our time.'" ]
BIIRD: The Irish Supergroup Making Waves Without a Record
BIIRD: The Irish Supergroup Making Waves Without a Record
Learn how BIIRD, an all-female traditional Irish music group, has become a sensation, selling out venues and touring the globe without releasing a debut record.
Emerging from humble beginnings in 2024, BIIRD has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. The all-female supergroup has performed for thousands, toured with Ed Sheeran, and built a stunning live following, all without a single record. Founded with the vision of changing the perception of women in trad music, they reinvigorate traditional Irish sounds with modern aesthetics. The group is currently preparing their debut album and is achieving remarkable success.
