Exploring Birdsong

Exploting Birdsong are a unique proposition: Matt Harrison on drums, Jonny Knight on bass/second keys, often played simultaneously, and completed by Lynsey Ward's piano and stunning vocals. Pop sensibilities and soulfully gorgeous singing meet progressive compositions, reminiscent of Iamthemorning, Steven Wilson, Kate Bush and more.

Seen by its current members as less of an artist or band than a fluid, open-ended project, Hailaker (hay-ull-ache-err)’s principal members and founders are Jemima Coulter and Ed Tullett who work between Bristol, Cardiff, and Oxfordshire. Contributing to the collective alongside Coulter and Tullett are the Portland, Oregon-based artist Mike Roth who handles artwork, and Ali Lacey of Novo Amor, amongst others.

Hailaker is makeshift, which is greatly reflected in the collective’s sound. Built around melodic, acutely felt and poetic songwriting, Hailaker is full of varied textures, electronics, and a plethora of acoustic instrumentation. Hailaker is a made up word. To its members however, it holds a heavier significance because of that. “Having a word with no defined meaning means the only association it could have is with the project. That’s so freeing because it’s completely open, and I think it’s led to us feeling infinitely free about what Hailaker is, who’s involved, what the music sounds and looks like, etc. It’s all Hailaker because it all feels like Hailaker”, Coulter explains.