Birds of passage

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birds of passage is the brainchild of poet, singer, songwriter Alicia Merz. Established in 2009, birds of passage was signed to the San Diego based shoegaze label futurerecordings that same year. The debut birds of passage album without the world was released in May 2010. Alicia Merz performed, recorded and produced the album in her home studio.

In addition to the debut album a book of poetry written by Alicia Merz, "a garden of secrets", was published by futurerecordings and released in May 2010.

The name birds of passage is a reference to a collection of poems of the same name by Longfellow.

Inspiration and Style

The birds of passage 'sound' has influences from a diverse range of genres; from classical and minimalist to folk and pop.

Alicia Merz incorporates electric keys, cello, harmonica, and electric guitar with aleatory elements and a minimalist approach to create atmospheric and emotional (sometimes ethereal but mostly dark) soundscapes.

When asked "what inspires you?", Alicia Merz is likely to reply; climbing trees, smelling flowers, smoking cigarettes and walking in the rain. She is also said to be inspired by Nick Drake, Nina Simone, Sigur Rós, Satie and Robert Frost.

Personal Life

Alicia Merz studied political science and philosophy at the University of Waikato before focusing her attention on music and poetry in 2007. She is married to the independent filmmaker, Christian Parahi. They have one son together.

Albums

without the world

Other Releases

a garden of secrets A book of poetry.

Collaborations and Side Projects

Using a new arrangement of Arvo Pärt's work for piano "Für Alina" birds of passage composed a version of the song "In Heaven" from the film Eraserhead by cult director David Lynch.

The song is part of a collaborative project "Pärt Lynch", in which a diverse range of artists compose new arrangements of Arvo Pärt works to create a new soundtrack to the film Eraserhead.

birds of passage collaborated with the Spanish experimental IDM producer "erissoma" on the tracks "find my etchings" and "her". They plan to release an EP of their collaborations.

birds of passage has also collaborated with the American experimental bass player CJ BOYD

A collaboration is in the works for a free to download EP with the Portuguese poet and mastermind behind experimental IDM collective Subterminal, Leonardo Rosado. The EP is to be released by Feedback Loop Label

Alicia Merz is also currently working on a side project 'Boy and the Brook', with her brother; Leeds based singer/songwriter Bruno Merz.

External Links