BIIRD: A Phenomenon Without a Debut Record
The girl group BIIRD has achieved remarkable success, selling out venues and touring the world, all without releasing a debut record. Their journey began on St Patrick’s Day 2024, when eleven Irish traditional musicians, many meeting for the first time, stepped onto a stage in Trafalgar Square to perform for 10,000 people.
In just two years, this all-female supergroup has captivated audiences, selling out shows across the UK and Ireland, and even touring stadiums with global superstar Ed Sheeran. Their rapid ascent is primarily attributed to the electrifying strength of their live performances and powerful word-of-mouth.
Miadhachlughain O’Donnell, singer and flautist from County Down, described their initial performance as ‘mental’ and the subsequent growth as unimaginable. While the group’s early direction was uncertain to its members, founder Lisa Canny had been meticulously developing the concept of the ‘Spice Girls of trad’ for a decade.
Canny’s vision extends beyond music: “Our main objective, other than making beautiful music, is to change the image around women in trad and folk.” She highlights that while shows like Riverdance and Celtic Woman tour globally, the representation of women in these groups often feels outdated.
Lisa Canny: The ‘Baddie of Trad’
Lisa Canny, a seven-time All Ireland harp and banjo champion from County Mayo, is known as “the baddie of trad” for her unconventional approach. BIIRD fiddle player and harpist Sal Heneghan notes, “I think there’s never been anything like this done in trad before… With the all-female, and the grungy look as well.”
The group’s formation was organic, stemming from Canny’s extensive network in the traditional music scene rather than auditions. The lineup fluctuates between eight and eleven musicians, depending on the production. Concertina player Zoran Donohoe from County Cavan described the handpicking process: “We were all just so unique and so different and all had our own things going on. And she was like, ‘there needs to be a stage and a place for all of these women’.”
A Striking Aesthetic and Authentic Sound
BIIRD’s aesthetic is as striking as its size. They collaborate with Irish designers and stylists, promoting sustainable, theatrical clothing from names like Simone Rocha and Paul Costelloe. Their look—featuring corsets, glitter, heavy eyeliner, and dark tones—is a bold departure from the traditional image of Irish folk musicians. Donohoe recalls the initial shock within the trad world at their first photoshoot, but the group has embraced their unique style, finding joy in ‘dressing up’ for performances.
Despite their modern styling, BIIRD’s sound remains deeply rooted in Irish tradition, infused with a contemporary twist. Their music blends Irish lilting with a dynamic mix of drums, fiddles, flutes, harps, banjos, cello, and concertina—skills honed through years of playing intimate gigs, pub céilís, and traditional festivals.
Global Recognition and Future Plans
It was during an impromptu session in a County Wexford pub at last year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann that BIIRD first connected with Ed Sheeran. Donohoe recounted Sheeran’s immediate enthusiasm: “It was just instantly he was like, ‘you guys are great, come on tour, what do you need?… It was amazing’.” True to his word, Sheeran has championed the band, featuring them as opening acts on his ongoing Loop tour across Australia, New Zealand, and soon, the US.
Currently, BIIRD is working on their highly anticipated debut album at Decoy Studios in Melton, England. The record is expected to feature original compositions by Lisa Canny. O’Donnell expresses hope that BIIRD’s success will inspire future generations: “I think people have definitely been inspired to pick up music and learn songs – younger girls, especially, when they see women in that space… Hopefully it lives on past our time.”
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