Tilly Birds (ทิลลี่เบิร์ด/ ทิลลี่เบิร์ดส) recently made their comeback with a new English single, titled “Retro-39”. The anticipated track marks Tilly Birds’ latest endeavour to attract more international listeners to their soundscape. Over the years, they have performed at festivals and concerts throughout Asia, always eager to be where audiences are waiting to see them. Their previous English release, the hard-hitting rock track ‘White Pills’, has become a staple of their setlist and eventually found its way into the studio before reaching listeners as far afield as Latin America earlier this year. ‘Retro-39’ is their second fully English-language track, which the trio collaborated on in every aspect, with a touch of assistance from their friend Pat, who added the finishing touches.
Regarding its direction, Third (vocals) mentioned that the band felt a need for something lighter following ‘White Pills’. Milo (drums) elaborated, noting that since they had been performing the song for two years and were preparing for their next album, it made sense to create something entirely fresh. “Songs are like people; they age. This song made us realise that we’re growing up and that we needed to make music that reflects where we are in our lives at this moment.”
Kicking off from that feeling, Billy (guitar) and Milo began with a tune. ‘Retro-39’ is crafted to be both a nostalgic nod to the past and a fresh experience for listeners, and the band is clear about their ambitions for the track. “This is probably the brightest song we’ve ever created. We’re going to draw them in with this. This is the bait,” quips Billy. “We want this to become the first doorway into discovering Tilly Birds,” Milo adds. “It’s a timeless pop jam, and we’re incredibly proud to share it with all of you.”
1. How did you come up with “Retro-39” as the title?
Tilly Birds: We accidentally stumbled upon this shoebox tape recorder called “Retro-39” and we tried to put it in the song and somehow it fit the song perfectly in both music and context. We tried to use a different name for the song but ended up just going with “Retro-39”.
2. What is the creative process behind “Retro-39”?
Tilly Birds: We just wanted to have some fun with this one. Our music is usually less intense and a bit serious, but this time we aimed for something that could brighten up any gloomy day.
3. How many movie or music video references were included and why did you add it in “Retro-39”?
Tilly Birds: Probably more than 10, because it just popped up in my head (3rd) while listening to the song, and it’d be nice to pay tribute to the movies I grew up with.
4. What’s your favourite reference and why?
Tilly Birds: I gotta say “Notting Hill” because it’s such a 90s gem. But apart from the films, music pop culture references were also included, and my favorite was “The Bends” Album from Radiohead.
5. How long did it take to complete the melody for “Retro-39”?
Tilly Birds: At first, it didn’t take too long to write each part, but the chorus took a bit longer to finish. Big thanks to Mr. Pat Toro for helping us nail that missing piece!
6. What’s your favourite lyric in the song and why?
Tilly Birds: I love the opening line, “My phone’s underwater.” It just sets the vibe perfectly and hints at what the song’s about without giving too much away.
7. What emotion did you wish this song would portray most?
Tilly Birds: Nostalgia and romantic feelings take you back in time.
8. What instruments did you include to achieve the “retro” vibes in this song?
Tilly Birds: There isn’t any one instrument that makes it feel retro, but if anything gives it that vibe, it’s the groove—mostly the drums and bass. That steady rhythm just has a timeless feel to it.
9. What genre of music does this song fall into and why did you choose this genre?
Tilly Birds: We think it would fall somewhere between synth-pop and indie-rock. There’s no specific reason behind this. It’s just a result of us trying to experiment and have fun and this is what we ended up with.
10. If there are any, which artists inspired you to create this kind of music?
Tilly Birds: While making this one, we were listening to Fleetwood Mac, Caroline Polachek, L’impératrice, and a bunch more that gave us the right mood to start the process.
11. What is the most distinct characteristic of this song/music video?
Tilly Birds: Probably how fun and cute it is.
12. Which part of the song is your favorite?
Tilly Birds: From 0.00 to 3.29
13. This is quite different from your past English release, “White Pills”, did you find any difficulties or problems while in the making of “Retro-39”?
Tilly Birds: Not really, all of our songs usually have their unique quality to them. So you could say that every song has its own struggles along the way or none at all if you think about it.
14. Will you create more English songs in the future?
Tilly Birds: We have a full album coming for you. Stay tuned.
15. What is your dream for the future of Tilly Birds?
Tilly Birds: Release more albums, gain new fans, embark on a tour.
Watch the music video for “Retro-39”:
