Six Of The Best: Birthmarks
‘…And Then The Rain Stopped’ is an astounding debut album from Birthmarks. Released in 2020, it’s a 21st century musical classic.
The new renaissance is rich with potential. The times have sparked natural creative charismatics into world stage potential. This, in turn, compels TheZineUK documentary to bear witness. What’s being achieved, on the whole, is as unreal as what we are living through.
A golden thread (i.e. fave) and soundtrack of our tapestry, Birthmarks remain an essential band. In an interview with Daniel Cross we pondered that 2020 had some good points, too, right?
“Obviously this year hasn't really gone to plan for anyone but there's still been some really special moments. Releasing the album was the really big thing for us and the reception was truly mind blowing. The album came from such a raw place and I was nervous about being so exposed but it kinda felt like an exorcism when it was finally out... in a good way.”
We had a really fun run of shows at the start of the year and although it's heartbreaking that we couldn't continue playing, i'm really grateful that we at least had the chance. Also doing the live streams at the start of the first lockdown was super fucking strange but really enjoyable as well, it felt like a little club for a while.”
TheZineUK were among the wide ranging response of music fans blown-away by the sheer honesty and expansive tempest of ‘…And Then The Rain Stopped’.. (Ooh, album launch All Cools Day? - …but then the gigs stopped!). It stands as an evocative soundtrack of an era we’ll never forget.
The film short for LP track, ‘One Pulse’:
I am really happy for ANY artists who got to perform this year. Here’s looking to brighter days…
Do you have any hopes, plans or wishes for whatever the future brings?
Daniel: “We'd love to be playing live as soon as it's safe and 'viable' but for now we're focusing on the next record. We're about half way through the demoing of the tracks and for me the songs are my favourite that I've ever written. It's sounding more delicate and dark, I'm trying to use a certain palette of sounds to give the record a distinct identity. I'd like to record the album early next year and get it out as soon as possible.
I'm also planning to do a solo live stream from my studio soon, which is always a strange experience.”
I, for one, will definitely keep an eye and ear out for that. I have enjoyed the Birthmarks streams -performances and conversations - this year, which leads onto wondering…
which are the songs and albums that have warmed your ears and soul?
“My album of the year has to be 'Græ' by Moses Sumney, it's such a complex, beautiful, genre bending record, a complete masterpiece.”
“I loved the Poisonous Birds EP 'We Can Never Not Be All Of Us', it's super trippy raw atmosphere has been a welcome comforting soundtrack to some hard times this year.”
“According to my Spotify wrapped, Billy Joel has really warmed my ears, but I can't say that was a conscious warming.”
Good calls, both.
WHAT a time to be alive (for some of the very best and most enlightening reasons).
Alongside the sounds, are there any images that have been essential in your eyes
”Oh man, I think we've consumed so much film and television this year. I was really into ‘Succession’, but I think only for the theme song. Me and Jonno both adored ‘Anima’ by Thom Yorke and Paul Thomas Anderson. I thought ‘The Lighthouse’ was genius.”
Terra Nexus art show at Proposition Studios
“I haven't been to too much art stuff this year but the best show that I saw was Terra Nexus at Proposition Studios on the Old Kent Road.”
Terra Nexus art show at Proposition Studios
“It was an immersive experience questioning where humans sit in the biosphere, some of the artwork was really incredible especially Catriona Robertson, Triptych and Wumzum.”
Terra Nexus art show at Proposition Studios
Music, Art, Movements…
Which campaigns, movements and or charities of any kind, have inspired you?
“BLM and Black Minds Matter UK have both meant a great deal to all three of us. I recognise my own white male privilege but that's only through really learning what that means and learning to unlearn effectively racist lessons taught in our environments.”
“It was really inspiring to see millions of people marching across the world especially during a pandemic and I hope that real change can continue to come soon.
The Nick Alexander Memorial Trust is a charity that's very close to my heart and has continued to inspire year upon year. The charity was set up by Zoe Alexander in memory of her brother Nick who was tragically killed in the terror attack at the Bataclan in Paris five years ago.”
“I'm lucky enough to have known Nick and what they're doing on behalf of him is truly beautiful. The organisation provides grants for musical equipment to community groups and small charities. They were also kind enough to offer support to those of us whose income was affected by the collapse of live music in March. The family are just amazing people.”
Agreed, all of these restore faith in humanity. Something positive.
Speaking of which, what have you created in 2020 that lifts you?
“As awful and stressful as everything has been, it has felt like a gift at points to have time and space to write and record but I know that comes from a privileged position and I don't want to take that for granted. I've been trying to learn how to play piano properly and that's created a very comfortable mindful place of focus and catharsis. I've personally seen the worst in people this year but also the best, it feels as if there's a certain sense of community that has been created and I feel an awful lot tighter and closer to people in general, I guess we've all been shaken out of our own worlds.”
“I'm really proud of the 'Mental' live stream that we did as well, building a platform to speak about mental health is very important to me and the conversation that it started won't ever close.”
Thank you for sharing something so personal and engaged, also for the music (and this wonderful interview/more over the last few years).
See you again, hopefully soon.
And then the article stopped.