Wildbirds & Peacedrums Interview

Swedish husband and wife duo Andreas Werliin and Mariam Wallentin make up the band Wildbirds & Peacedrums, a creative, new-wave mix of intoxicating drum beats, jumpy percussion and powerful vocals. They have been described as a soulful act with a fearless freedom when performing on stage, and they say no performance will ever be the same twice. With influences ranging from rap to jazz the final product is a sound not to be missed. You may have to follow them around to experience all of it though, as they say their music is forever evolving and changing for the better. Just what we like to hear from a brave new band.

How did you two meet?

Mariam: We meet in Gothenburg about five years ago through mutual friends and through playing with the same musicians. We were actually at a party in a big collective house I lived in and I asked Andreas if he wanted to come into my room and try out a new frame drum I had (haha, a bit tacky, I know) but anyway, on that road we went down…

Andreas: And we ended up as a couple who felt that there has to be something more done about the music we played…It took two years of talking after that before the band got formed.

Can you elaborate on how your relationship as musicians as well as partners has affected your music and your lifestyle?

M: Right now, our music is our lifestyle and our lifestyle is our music, and at the core of all this is us as individuals, as partners and as members of the band. So, everything kind of blends together.

A: Since we were kids, the both of us always had the music as our first priority – now we just do it together. But we’re trying to separate the music and the relationship; it’s important to separate our love for each other and our love for the music.

It must be easier to travel and be on the road when you have each other for company. Does there ever become a point where you both need creative space within your music? How do you deal with this?

M: We both need a lot of space and freedom, so when we need to be by ourselves we just try our best to take the time for it. Hang with friends, do yoga, play with other people. It can be hard sometimes feeling like the same person because we spend so much time together, but yes, it is also a blessing to share all this with someone chosen.

A: In the music we have all the creative space we need – it’s the private part that has to take the hit sometimes, being workaholics as we are.

Someone said that they thought your music sounded as if you had never heard any other music in your life time. Where do your inspirations come from?

A: Growing up in the 80s and 90s has coloured us a lot. It was cool to both listen to your parents’ vinyl collection and to MTV rap. Later I got into a lot of experimental rock and free jazz. But I’ve always been restless – I have a big need to be independent. Wildbirds & Peacedrums finally got to be the band where I felt that the music was good, new and honest.

M: I’m inspired by everything free and soulful – big emotions, and just plain power. I’m normally drawn to deep, dark voices. I grew up with Aretha, Nina and Sarah Vaughn close to my heart. I listen to a lot of radio right now; peoples talking voices are so inspiring!

You’re said to have a passionate and uninhibited stage presence when you perform live. Is this something you’re aware of? Is it the impression you want to give off, or simply an emotional and physical response to your music?

A: Pure, unfiltered, raw energy is where it should start and end. What happens in between is kind of irrelevant.

M:  In a way I’ve always seen myself as a musician more than an artist in that sense, that I always put the music first, instead of thinking too much about how I look or act on stage.

What sort of experience are you trying to give to your audience when they come and see you perform?

M: A lot of power, freedom and passion. We try to give away pieces of our hearts every night. Because we love to improvise and feel the energy of every different night, I don’t think there will ever be two concerts with us that will sound exactly the same, ever. Music should always be alive, and something alive is always in motion.

Do you think aesthetics like lighting, stage set up, and costumes etc are important for bands and musicians today?

A: I’ve heard that the eyes are 70% of the live performance, so of course is it important that you show the people what you want to give them. But it always starts with what kind of energy you are giving from the stage – then it can be the strangest sound and worst fitting outfits on stage.

Can you explain your creative process when coming up with new material?

M: I write the lyrics first, and then Andreas and I create the atmosphere around that together. We both like to create and to be in charge, and we try to have a good balance when blending both of our input together.

A: The first time we play a whole song is often on stage.

I hear you’ve recently asked drummers to join you on stage at The Coronet in London to jam together and create a new sound.

A: We got the invitation to do this from the booking agent Q-Junction in Bristol – they saw us at a festival in Berlin last summer. We ended the festival early morning and it got crazy and a lot of people entered the stage for a big drum jam! It was amazing. This will be different though – a bit more controlled, I hope. Or not…

M: I think it will be massive, to create an intense and atmospheric piece of music together with other people. So exciting!

Things seem to be on the up for Wildbirds & Peacedrums. I guess because you’re married there is a bond and partnership between you that means things could grow and develop for some years to come. Is this something that you foresee happening?

M: Definitely, we try to work it slow. We don’t fancy having an instant hit and then being forgotten a year later. We want to make long living music. But still be brave.

A: I want to learn how to record with this band – the live performances are good, but not the studio confidence, yet! Otherwise, I want to travel together as much as possible

How do you unwind? Do you guys have any other creative outlet that keeps you busy when you are not playing gigs? Do you spend a lot of time in Sweden?

A: We haven’t done anything but play the last 2 years, so I guess the things that you can bring in your suitcase have to fulfil the uncreative needs – running shoes, a “nail-rug” and DVDs.

M: We haven’t been in Sweden for a long time, really, but we’re moving to Stockholm in the fall. Just being a lot closer to the ocean and unwinding with our friends will make our creativity blossom.