Photo by Alec Basse
Renowned musician Andrew Bird has revealed his latest musical endeavor, Outside Problems–a precursor and extension of his album Inside Problems–is set to release digitally on July 21 via Loma Vista Recordings. The collection of nine instrumental improvisations and melodic explorations aim to capture the essence of music in everyday life.
Bird recorded the album primarily outdoors in the picturesque surroundings of Ojai, Calif., amidst mountains and orange groves, reminiscent of his environment-based Echolocations series.
The tracks on Outside Problems, including “Epilogue,” “Mormon House Party,” and “Tik Tok,” feature arrangements and motifs that would later evolve into themes found in Inside Problems. Bird explained in a statement that none of these songs were originally intended for an album, but rather they were captured moments of melodic exploration over time. He went on to write, “I’m able to capture the sound of music in everyday life, a surprisingly hard thing to do. I was playing for the joy of it and to get these ideas out of my head. To hear them in a room.”
Accompanying the album announcement, Bird has released a music video for the track “Mo Teef.” In collaboration with Patagonia and filmmaker Tyler Manson, the video showcases stunning landscapes from various Patagonia films, highlighting the importance of environmental preservation. The video aims to raise awareness of the Earth’s vital and endangered landscapes, emphasizing the need for humanity to take responsibility for their conservation.
Bird made a direct statement about the over arching message of his artistic endeavor: “The earth is under no obligation to support life. The earth is indifferent. We personify nature and call it mother, deflecting our own obligation to preserve and protect. Nature is not a mother. Nature is our good luck, our fortune. and we are squandering it. What if preservation was our livelihood? It is.”
Outside Problems is available for pre-order, and the “Mo Teef” music video can be viewed at the provided link or below.
Furthermore, Andrew Bird will embark on the Inside Problems Tour, commencing on July 20. The tour will feature performances at notable venues such as The Bellwether in Los Angeles, along with various amphitheaters throughout the West Coast, multiple shows in Canada, and a homecoming show in his native Illinois. Uwade will join him as support on select dates.
Notably, attendees of the tour will have the opportunity to purchase a limited vinyl edition of Outside Problems as the second disc of a 2xLP tour exclusive version of Inside Problems. A wider physical release of Outside Problems is scheduled for Nov. 17.
Listen and watch the video for “Mo Teef” below.
Outside Problems Tracklist
Mancey
Epilogue
Festivus
What We Saw
Mormon House Party
Mo Teef
Heaven’s Boughs
Improvisation on a Familiar Theme
Tik Tok