The Unlikely Rise of BIIRD: What This Means for Traditional Music and Feminism

BIIRD, a group of 11 Irish musicians, has taken the world by storm without releasing a single record. Their story is one of rapid ascension, driven largely by electrifying live performances and word-of-mouth enthusiasm. Founder Lisa Canny quietly assembled the talented ensemble over a decade.

Canny’s vision for BIIRD was never just about creating a musical collective; she aimed to shake up the traditional music scene by showcasing an all-female group. The “Spice Girls of trad” moniker hints at the seismic shift BIIRD has brought to an industry where women have historically been underrepresented. Canny herself notes, “There are these incredible shows that tour the world like Riverdance and Celtic Woman… but the representation of women in these groups is still very much outdated.”

BIIRD’s emergence coincides with a broader cultural movement towards greater inclusivity and representation. The group’s innovative approach to traditional music has not only reinvigorated the genre but also provided a platform for talented women who might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

One of the most striking aspects of BIIRD’s story is their subversion of traditional images of Irish musicians. Gone are the tweed jackets and fiddle cases; in their place, elaborate costumes, corsets, and a dash of punk aesthetic. Concertina player Zoran Donohoe recalls their first photo shoot: “Everyone in the trad world was like, ‘what the hell is going on here?’ We were all a bit shocked, but now we’re used to it and we love dressing up – it’s like putting on a costume every day.”

BIIRD’s fashion choices signal a desire to break free from traditional music’s confines. By embracing contemporary styles and collaborating with Irish designers, they’ve created a visual identity that is at once nostalgic for traditional Ireland while firmly rooted in the present.

Ed Sheeran’s decision to invite BIIRD onto his Loop tour marked a turning point in their journey. The collaboration not only exposed the group to new audiences but also provided a chance to showcase their unique sound. It was during an impromptu session that Sheeran first discovered BIIRD, and it’s clear he saw something special in them.

The partnership between BIIRD and Sheeran has been mutually beneficial, introducing the latter to new fans and helping them reach a broader audience. However, this collaboration also raises questions about the role of men in promoting women’s work in traditional music.

With their debut album nearing completion at Decoy Studios in Melton, England, BIIRD is on the cusp of entering the next phase of their journey. While fans eagerly anticipate the release, it’s worth noting that this record will be a departure from their live performances, which have thus far defined their public persona.

As BIIRD continues to ride the wave of their success, it’s essential to remember that their story is not merely one of individual talent but also of collective effort and vision. Lisa Canny’s decade-long journey to assemble this group has yielded something remarkable – a testament to what can happen when women come together with shared purpose.

The release of BIIRD’s debut album will undoubtedly be met with great fanfare, but it’s the work they’ve done thus far that truly merits celebration. By challenging traditional expectations and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in traditional music, BIIRD has paved a new path for future generations of musicians – women and men alike.

It was on St Patrick’s Day 2024, surrounded by 10,000 people in Trafalgar Square, that BIIRD first took the stage – an all-female group from Ireland about to change the face of traditional music forever.