Becky and the Birds Soars with Emotional Depth in Only Music Makes Me Cry Now
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Swedish artist Thea Gustafsson, known by her stage name Becky and the Birds, has carved out a unique space in the music industry with her distinct blend of emotional lyricism and avant-garde production. Her debut full-length album, Only Music Makes Me Cry Now, set for release in November 2024, showcases her growth both as a producer and songwriter. Drawing from a wide range of influences and personal experiences, this album marks a new chapter in Gustafsson’s career, highlighting her ability to craft raw, emotionally charged songs that resonate with listeners.
Gustafsson’s musical journey began in her hometown of Örebro, Sweden, where she was immersed in music from an early age, thanks to her father’s influence. Her classical training in violin as a child set the foundation for her deep understanding of composition, but it was her later exposure to pop music while studying at Stockholm’s prestigious Musikmakarna that shaped her current artistic direction. Working closely with global pop icons like Avicii, she learned the intricacies of songwriting and production, which she skillfully applies in her own work. Influences from artists such as Seinabo Sey and Lapsley, combined with inspiration drawn from films and literature, create a rich and varied palette in her music.
With her previous releases, such as the Trasslig EP, Becky and the Birds established a sound defined by vulnerability and strength, using her platform to explore complex emotions and the multidimensionality of women. Only Music Makes Me Cry Now continues that narrative but with deeper personal reflection. The lead single, “I Made My Baby Cry,” is a striking post-breakup ballad that showcases Gustafsson’s mastery in layering ethereal strings, haunting choral vocals, and delicate piano melodies. The track is both intimate and grand, capturing the pain of heartbreak with striking authenticity. As Gustafsson mentions, the song was born out of the emotional turmoil following a breakup, adding another layer of depth to her storytelling.
In creating Only Music Makes Me Cry Now, Gustafsson returns to her roots while embracing newfound artistic freedom. The album is a cathartic exploration of healing, using soundscapes that weave together ambient city noise, old demos, and natural audio snippets to capture the intensity of her emotional journey. Her work, reminiscent of artists like Dijon and Charlotte Wells, merges experimental production with accessible pop elements, creating a sound that is at once innovative and deeply personal. This album stands as her most profound and compelling project to date, blending vulnerability with sonic complexity and pushing the boundaries of her own creativity.
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