Review by Patrick Joseph
"Fly Bird" is a gripping piece of music loaded with intensity and emotion. The groove is delicate yet driving, giving the song an insistent feeling. The use of organ and Rhodes gives the music a deep, colorful sound. Messenger provides this extremely catchy and well-written song with a phenomenal vocal performance. Her vocals are controlled and deliberate yet beautifully ornamented. The overall feeling of the song is uplifting and cathartic.
Lyrically, "Fly Bird" is a template of inspiration to those who are moving on from a relationship.
“It’s getting late and I’m tired of this pain, Energy is failing nothing is the same.”
Messenger’s delivery betrays knowing wisdom, making the lyrics even more impactful.
“We both know you need to fly, Life moves on and people change.”
The down-to-earth, conversational nature of these lyrics is perfect for the song.
The arrangement of "Fly Bird" is unbelievably effective. The use of percussion and staccato guitar give the rhythm section a huge boost. Sophisticated pocked playing by the drums and bass gives the song big energy. The use of a bass pedal tone during verses makes the harmonic motion of the chorus ultra-effective. Instrumentation, songwriting, and a show-stopping vocal performance converge to result in an undeniably great song. "Fly Bird" is a highly moving, well produced work of art.
About Julia Messenger
Julia Messenger’s exquisite vocal technique and unique ability to get to the heart of a song have earned her rave reviews around the world. This versatile singer-songwriter, with a magnetic stage presence and voice expressing an incredible range of tone, mood, and emotion, has a busy career both in Australia and abroad. Dubbed a 'world-class' singer by fans and press alike, her songs and productions have appeared on albums alongside names such as Amy Winehouse, Norah Jones, Joss Stone, Moby, Bebel Gilberto, Boozoo Bajou, Nitin Sawhney, Groove Armada, Ursula Rucker, Goldfrapp, Kruder & Dorfmeister, Zero 7, Rae & Christian, Basement Jaxx, Jamie Callum, Sarah McLachlan, and Julee Cruise. As a songwriter/singer and producer she has co-written and appeared on albums with legendary musicians of our time such as Klaus Schulze (Tangerine Dream/ Alphaville), Ferry Corsten (#5 DJ in the world today), Kraftwerk and the list goes on. Her voice also sparked the interest of ‘Kraftwerk’s’ Henning Schmitz. One of their collaborations ‘Look Up Look Down’ was mentioned in the New York Times as one of the top 10 on the playlist for U.S. restaurants (along with Queen Latifah and Nat King Cole). Her voice has been likened to such artists as Sade, Dido, Norah Jones, Ursula Rucker, Lisa Gerrard, Annie Lennox, Sinead O’Connor, and Donna Summer, - although given the diversity of these artists, her style is her own. Her vocals have been called ‘sultry, sexy, superb, stunning, sweet, scorching, intense, dizzying, cream, aromatic, bewitching, exotic, exceptional, luxurious’.. and the list goes on. As such, she is consistently asked to collaborate with a variety of artists around the world all at the top of their field, and sings anything well from jazz, pop, and all styles of electronica. Her songs range from quirky, fun, and danceable; or they entice a level of intimacy, drama, and movement. In all her music, she aims to form a connection with other people and to help them feel less of an island. Either through melody or rhythm, she strives to make music that people can feel themselves through. Stream on Soundcloud Stream on Spotify Follow on Instagram Learn more on their website!