Andrew Bird's one-man orchestra of the imagination

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13 жыл бұрын

www.ted.com Musical innovator Andrew Bird winds together his trademark violin technique with xylophone, vocals and sophisticated electronic looping. Add in his uncanny ability to whistle anything, and he becomes a riveting one-man orchestra.
TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. Featured speakers have included Al Gore on climate change, Philippe Starck on design, Jill Bolte Taylor on observing her own stroke, Nicholas Negroponte on One Laptop per Child, Jane Goodall on chimpanzees, Bill Gates on malaria and mosquitoes, Pattie Maes on the "Sixth Sense" wearable tech, and "Lost" producer JJ Abrams on the allure of mystery. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, development and the arts. Closed captions and translated subtitles in a variety of languages are now available on TED.com, at www.ted.com/translate. Watch a highlight reel of the Top 10 TEDTalks at www.ted.com/index.php/talks/top10

Пікірлер: 417

@frwhitejr12 11 жыл бұрын

Dude, most musicians write "in timely fashion" for their music producers & their followers. Andrew's stuff bubbles out from a deeper place in the mind that you can't control. Welcome to the world of true art.

@user-cf2xi5wd2d 10 ай бұрын

🤟

@josephj735 11 жыл бұрын

0:23 The Happy Birthday Song 9:30 Eyeoneye 13:10 Weather Systems Now you all can look them up in the future!!!

@lucymaybe 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you from the future.

@fibromyalgiaow5519 4 жыл бұрын

Vasilieva same! ;)

@jesse995 3 жыл бұрын

First song is Ethio invention number one/ Happy birthday song I think

@pensamientointrusivo5603 3 жыл бұрын

*Damn, Thanks. xD*

@pranavlimaye 3 жыл бұрын

0:23 9:30 13:10

@billybuckmusic 4 жыл бұрын

I love how modest he is. He's like an awkward middle schooler saying "thanks" and then leaving the stage.

@kazigi 13 жыл бұрын

I'm not one to idolize but.... I totally love this man and am so jealous of anyone who has every seen him live.

@boogiechiln 8 жыл бұрын

Andrew is something to see live. I've been privileged to witness his genius multiple times, it's mind blowing

@robbie5696 6 жыл бұрын

Totally agree!

@pineapplecircus 2 жыл бұрын

Yes!!!! His live performances are hypnotic, the way he loops blending new tech with whistling and a violin and the wats he uses that violin as like 4 instruments ,so fun to watch what you are hearing developing b4 your eyes

@AndrewG7862 12 жыл бұрын

Just went to a show of his last night. Oh how I wish his records were able to capture the magic of his live performances. It's insane how talented he is, and how he can utterly transform a song from record to live. Simply genius. Nowadays most live performers aren't nearly as good as their recorded selves - it's just the opposite for Andrew Bird. Anytime Andrew Bird comes to your town, missing seeing him live is a mistake.

@maureenharrison6170 Жыл бұрын

I want to see him so much! He is captivating

@beempboomp 8 жыл бұрын

He should call his songs duets, because the way he plays makes the violin almost come alive and sing for itself.

@fantasticsituation9461 6 жыл бұрын

hahaha adam i fucking creased at your comment

@frwhitejr12 11 жыл бұрын

Exactly. He's so at home & comfortable playing music for & with people, and yet its excruciatingly painful & difficult for him to record his music in a studio, even when said studio is on his remote farm in rural Illinois. The reality of this strikes you when you see him perform live in person-he seems to spiritually/mentally blend with his audience in a terribly profound way, creating a great deal of joy in the people he plays for.

@user-dj1eb9ed5x 9 жыл бұрын

If it is the end of the world or last day of my life, I wish I could listen to Andrew on the radio till he says 'good night' and I can close my eyes.

@tokaytessy 6 жыл бұрын

Amen

@billyguns6975 4 жыл бұрын

111!

@Holderlin 9 ай бұрын

❤❤❤❤

@ciosborn 11 жыл бұрын

A true creative genius engulfed in sensory exploration and expression. No one like... him. He lifts me up and out of this world.

@maureenharrison6170 Жыл бұрын

I've never experienced a musician in such a way. As said, he's pure art

@alfredozuniga5507 9 жыл бұрын

i can't wait to introduce my children to his music.

@CarlosSantana-re2tm 6 жыл бұрын

Alfredo Zuniga me toooooo

@JaymeCurley 5 жыл бұрын

Has my son nearly 2 years ago now and he's been listening since the womb lol a lot of his baby videos have AB music to them. And he still loves it!

@jjeshop 4 жыл бұрын

I make mine listen to a lot of Andrew bird. It's just a portion of their daily training.

@mary-tk2is 3 жыл бұрын

Have you yet? My son recently listened to The Mysterious Production of Eggs & told me he really likes it. Made me so happy! :)

@user-xu9ot9zk9q 5 жыл бұрын

I always come back to watch his performance here... even after six years. Still breathtaking as the first time

@joshfisher3190 10 жыл бұрын

UM WHY DIDN'T ANYONE TELL ME THERE WAS AN ANDREW BIRD TED TALK!?!

@RobertSlover 5 жыл бұрын

oh because you don't matter anymore than anyone else... wanker...

@gracieayers8706 5 жыл бұрын

same. I AM SHOOKITH

@groffpaula 5 жыл бұрын

YES! That's how I feel

@hasbethperez5598 4 жыл бұрын

I know rigth?

@Schrodj1 4 жыл бұрын

youtube must have, you dork

@lilflanges 8 жыл бұрын

Makes me keep my hope that good musicians like andrew bird are still out there. A truly great musician.

@imrebroce1 10 жыл бұрын

Second song turned out to be Eyeoneye, so cool to see it in a developmental state!

@JsRf13 7 жыл бұрын

the song name is even cooler with that anecdote that he mentions before playing it too! :)

@charliesmillie9977 6 жыл бұрын

There's a hint of Hole in the Ocean Floor in the opener as well, when he lays down the long bow lines.

@brooksrobinson113 5 жыл бұрын

Seeing him in Austin, Texas in October this year. Been waiting for this since I was 13. i'm 25.

@Nat-yp4jp 4 жыл бұрын

How was it?👏

@schizamm 12 жыл бұрын

The first song he played was called Hot Math. It's on the album Useless Creatures. Second was called Eyeoneye from Break It Yourself. Third (obviously) was Weather Systems, title track from the album of the same name. All on itunes

@mollymartino7736 10 жыл бұрын

He is utterly mesmerizing.

@thelittlejacob1 9 жыл бұрын

A truly enlightened man.

@merillupin 13 жыл бұрын

I felt so honoured watching this. It felt very intimate, like I was actually watching him in person. Can't wait to hear what happens to the new song (Loops/Heartbreak). Long live Andrew Bird.

@ateendas9854 2 жыл бұрын

i was 12 when i first watched this, my brother showed it to me. i learnt how to whistle properly to the tunes of the songs he performed here. indelible and precious.

@Crazyrat84 13 жыл бұрын

Since English is not my first language i find it difficult describing how this makes me feel.. Amazing..

@algernon7272 8 жыл бұрын

How do people down vote this seriously I could fall asleep listening to this guy, btw that's a good thing

@TheNamingOfThings 13 жыл бұрын

1. Andrew Bird is a BRILLIANT musician. 2. He's not trying to impress anyone with the looping. He just loves making music, and this is just the way he chooses to make it. Why does this bother people? 3. He started looping out of necessity when his band couldn't make it to a gig. He found that it worked well for him so he continued working that way. 4. There is too much negativity in this world. Chill out.

@DarwinsBeerReviews 13 жыл бұрын

Never knew being a TED fan and Andrew Bird fan would come together. LOve it!

@TheGhostRhythms 8 жыл бұрын

Sometimes, he sounds like Tim Buckley. Gorgeous performance, by the way. I like the guy, he has a NPR Tiny desk live that is greeeeat.

@kmcg1246 5 жыл бұрын

TheGhostRhythms Yes, that gorgeous pitch perfect warble

@seanfloler 12 жыл бұрын

i wish people had the capabilty to apreciate and understand what is simple and as utterly beautiful as music. If this type of music was on the radio, the world would be so much better.

@lilablassblau8723 7 жыл бұрын

This is just so good, when I watched it for the first time I felt like it just changed everything

@ravencole2740 4 жыл бұрын

Standing ovation. Simply incredible. Mesmerizing.

@gracieayers8706 5 жыл бұрын

I went to search Andrew Bird talks about Violins, then I saw Ted Talk and I spit out my hypothetical tea.

@TheEggBeast 13 жыл бұрын

I can't even imagine being able to play back so many different parts so flawlessly, much less in front of a large crowd. This is awesome!

@sanitythroughmadness 13 жыл бұрын

when you think he's reached the top, he just keeps going higher. Andrew Bird's talent is limitless. Looking forward to seeing the outcome of the "heartbreak" song. Keep flying Bird =)

@tejanosx5 11 жыл бұрын

Andrew Bird is a human canary.

@CirraHalter 11 жыл бұрын

When he goes into the "wooooo" falsetto it's so beautifully haunting!

@virgiltibbs6971 5 жыл бұрын

Bird is in my top 5 for sure.

@jonahfarrell6235 3 жыл бұрын

Who else? I need more like Bird

@akeithing1841 Жыл бұрын

@@jonahfarrell6235 Elliott Smith, Mitski

@elibrown5260 9 жыл бұрын

This is such a wonderful performance of his. I could listen to it every day.

@mermaidelly 9 жыл бұрын

15:23 absolutely enchanting

@jnfrle 4 жыл бұрын

That whistle harmony at 1:39

@thebreathingman 13 жыл бұрын

I saw Andrew Bird at Oran Mor in Glasgow on Thu 14th May 2009 with out his band and it was an absolute treat, to see and hear him master this type of music. I don't know about music so I can only say how somthing feels to me and listening to Andrew at his gig in Glasgow was amazing it felt that even his whistling and voice was used like an highly tuned instrument, well worth seeing.

@ayngemac 10 жыл бұрын

I thought I was the only one whose eyes did that.

@RumzDizzle 12 жыл бұрын

That just made me regret quiting violin when I was in 8th grade...

@KellyOKellyComedy 12 жыл бұрын

I had the pleasure of seeing him in Dublin this year at a festival. Truly awesome. I'm so glad a person like this is in our world. My dad said the only good thing anyone has ever done for anyone is play music. I'd agree.

@DarrenCase001 12 жыл бұрын

It's so cool to hear this song since his new album is out and see how it has transformed. Hey Andrew, you're going to call this song Eyeoneye.

@shenandoahgreco 12 жыл бұрын

the music of adrew bird resonates through me and gives me opportunity to feel the boundries of my soul.

@rickolson3114 3 жыл бұрын

Went to your concert in Eugene Oregon in the early 20's...love it

@RandoPandaSmiles 13 жыл бұрын

Finally, a wonderful TED music guest.

@patydcs 10 жыл бұрын

Extraordinary.

@MrLazy912 12 жыл бұрын

It's so wonderful to see the song realised after having watched this video.

@Bjarkediedrage 13 жыл бұрын

The "doesn't have a name yet" at 9:26 song is really good! And yes, there is definitely some Thom Yorke over him!

@Stuffcakes 12 жыл бұрын

Wow, i think it would be awesome to see him live!

@KateLouise 13 жыл бұрын

@Neylonx (continued) Have you listened to and tried to understand the heartbreaking aria from Madame Butterfly, that never fails to make me weep but also to think of how woman are treated, how cultural divides only seem to get bigger, and that the love of a mother for her child is one of the most beautiful things in this world. I too love a heart thumping, mind freeing techno beat, packed in with friends and strangers alike moving and dancing in perfect harmony its awesome.

@ieshiagoosby8202 11 жыл бұрын

Wow...he us absolutely amazing. That last song was awesome!!

@lenguajejuanista9098 4 жыл бұрын

Al escucharlo pienso en lo que hubiera hecho Bach con un Loop!!! Tremendo. Gracias por compartir.

@t-boygames2580 5 жыл бұрын

So glad you chose this song to introduce those who don’t know your magic ❤️

@DingoDjango 13 жыл бұрын

I love this guy's quirkiness, been listening to him for a few months. Am I the only one bothered by TED videos being uploaded to KZfaq at higher quality than they are on their website?

@liambautista-desbois6271 8 жыл бұрын

His music is almost enchanting

@terrestrialbioluminescent7611 7 жыл бұрын

almost?

@mistervoxius 12 жыл бұрын

i want to know how he does so many loops with such a low noise level. Whenever i try looping multiple instruments i end up with lots of low end noise. he is a friggin genius, by the way.

@maureenharrison6170 Жыл бұрын

He is beyond genius. He completely transmits resonance. Frequency. It reminds me of the yogis. Experiencing healing resonance through sound, mantra and in Bird's case, one with the angels. Supreme gratitude!

@mywienersbetter 7 жыл бұрын

wish they could have a recording of what he first played :( im mesmerized by everything that song holds

@garrettmitchell5657 6 жыл бұрын

They kinda do; it's a fusion of "Ethio Invention I" and "The Happy Birthday Song"

@simonjsadler 13 жыл бұрын

The "nameless" song in this TED talk emerged as "Oh Baltimore" without the lyrics on Fingerlings 4 that was just released.... just wondrous.

@detroitrockmichael 13 жыл бұрын

i saw andrew bird last year with his band, he was equally incredible and creative. He's just such a real guy when he's performing. He makes mistakes in the middle and goes "woops," and laughs it off. If you don't like the music then that is opinion. Regardless, the intricacy of his music and the caliber of his talent is unquestionably awe-inspiring. If you're too proud to admit that then go put on some blink 182 and have a blast. *sarcasm font needed*

@Bobman4671 13 жыл бұрын

You can see the music flowing out of him!!!

@abraham_myshkin 8 жыл бұрын

1. Happy Birthday Song - 0:14

@salvation7141 10 жыл бұрын

this guys talks to his violin. mad props from this pianist.

@sonyalmon 13 жыл бұрын

I love Andrew Bird... so much.

@skatefarmerftw 13 жыл бұрын

Most inspirational thing I've seen in a LONG time

@motivatedtocomment 3 жыл бұрын

Lovely musical loops, much like we live our lives, yet more lyrical

@alyssa4818 9 жыл бұрын

The last piece he played was mesmerizing. Ahgggghgg 😍

@mysharone 12 жыл бұрын

looking forward to spending an evening with him and his music tomorrow night!

@awaltzingreen 13 жыл бұрын

purely sublime..

@Snailinthemoss 4 жыл бұрын

Oh Baltimore always tugs my heartstrings

@sorry987654321 12 жыл бұрын

He's so lovely.

@yoko59lee 12 жыл бұрын

I can't stop listen to Andrew

@sentinela8775 6 жыл бұрын

I was afraid music was dead until I met Andrew Bird's music.

@maureenharrison6170 Жыл бұрын

I began to wonder about whether music would just slide into the abyss of capitalism or raise itself up through the miasma. Andrew Bird expresses a journey through love itself. Thank you Andrew Bird

@PiaAmorin 5 жыл бұрын

Oh my goodness, the end!

@JeSais100 10 жыл бұрын

Beautiful

@scoopscipotatoe Жыл бұрын

This man is the Wes Anderson of music

@DanLightning 13 жыл бұрын

These are the types of musical scientists who need to be in the spotlight.

@butterfly77330 11 жыл бұрын

Sounds great!

@aragusea 12 жыл бұрын

That is a glockenspiel, not a xylophone.

@haotiangan2747 3 жыл бұрын

ADAM RAGUSEA????

@davidmckelvey2601 3 жыл бұрын

Why I correct others, not myself.

@thenaturalworldwithlewismi9920 3 жыл бұрын

Piss off Adam

@goneutt 13 жыл бұрын

I was thinking "cute, but I've spent the day listening to Man Man and The Flaming Lips". Right up to 2:20, and I realize there was almost 20 minutes of this. Around 15 I realized this was the sort of madness everyone wishes they had. Had the time for.

@faeriepalace 4 жыл бұрын

i love him so much

@astralacuity 11 жыл бұрын

Mind you, the first song is the background of 'Hot Math' from Useless Creatures with the lyrics from 'Birthday Song'.

@KaraDep87 12 жыл бұрын

the ending was magical!XD

@GrimSoul66 13 жыл бұрын

Was nice. Thanks Bird and Ted

@AlwaysBe5 12 жыл бұрын

the music is so true to the video title

@SSladfingers 11 жыл бұрын

It's been around 4 years since he's released a new album.

@sabertoothedcapybara 13 жыл бұрын

@oldfashionedbc I have seen him multiple times, and I know he uses the Line6 DL4 Delay Modeler to record his loops. One of the pots on the pedal allows you to slow down the loop.

@seagers_studio 13 жыл бұрын

A guy with passion for music right here. His singing voice reminds me of jeff buckley and Thom yorke. anyone else agree?

@theairagain Жыл бұрын

i’m twelve years late to this comment but yes definitely, his voice in the song armchairs especially reminded me of buckley

@deantragrant7860 11 жыл бұрын

Genius !!!!!!!!! He's a strong thinker and musician

@astralacuity 11 жыл бұрын

The first one is the lyrics of Happy Birthday Song with the instrumental of Hot Math.

@Khifler 12 жыл бұрын

I had no idea he was on TED Talks. I think I understand why I am so in love now.

@Suertsje 13 жыл бұрын

Beautifull!

@Holderlin 9 ай бұрын

He is a genious. Original and pure.

@abigailloach8152 11 жыл бұрын

He is fascinating.

@dancetoska 13 жыл бұрын

@monsieurpoopy Still in the making. Just like all of his songs, past present and future. But more to the point, I believe that particular one is a bit more complete in the sense that it has an ending.