British-Irish artist Bird (born Janie Price) joined Jason English at AmericanaFest 2025 to discuss a career that feels less like a straight line and more like a deliberate exploration of artistic "fligh." A classically trained cellist and drummer, Bird has spent over a decade releasing a diverse discography—from the folky-pop of her debut to the cinematic depths of her recent work.

Bird’s journey into film began as a "catalyst" to keep her music alive when a major project stalled during COVID-19. Her first short, Wider than the Sky, earned festival accolades, leading her to create You Found a Friend in Elvis. This documentary investigates a surreal story involving Roy Orbison’s alleged attempt to save Elvis Presley’s body. She is now moving toward her first full-length feature, a music-centric story she hopes to release by late 2026.

Returning to her roots, Bird is currently releasing two connected EPs: Heads or Tales and the forthcoming Strangers Folk. She describes the latter as having a "folk horror influence" inspired by the soundtrack of the cult film The Wickerman. These projects will eventually be merged into a limited edition vinyl.

For Bird, curiosity is a vital human trait. "The minute we stop being curious, I think we go into a very, very dark place," she notes, emphasizing that inquisitiveness allows us to "open our minds up". Whether she is touring the UK as "Artist of the Month" for Caffè Nero or performing at Folk Alliance in New Orleans, Bird remains driven by the desire to make "life-enriching" art