Get ready to hear a timeless tune reborn. For those who appreciate a captivating voice backed by serious musical chops, the name Janie Price, known professionally as BIRD, should be firmly on your radar.
This award-winning, half-English/Irish singer-songwriter is no stranger to musical excellence; her journey began with classical training on the cello at the tender age of six, followed by mastering the drums just a few years later. This foundation has propelled her into collaborations with an impressive roster of household names, including Andy Dunlop (Travis), Ally McErlaine (Texas), John Paul White (The Civil Wars), and Charlie Sexton (Bob Dylan)—even scoring multiple hits, including No. 1s in Belgium with Hooverphonic.
Now, BIRD is channeling her eclectic genius into a deeply personal tribute. On October 31st, she released her evocative cover of Bob Dylan’s “Lay Lady Lay,” which is now available for streaming everywhere. But this isn’t just another cover; it’s a labor of love rooted in her earliest musical memories.
As BIRD herself reveals, the inspiration for the track came from a lifetime of Dylan fandom and a desire to revisit her unique “Girl and a Cello” concept:
“I’ve been a Bob Dylan fan since before I could walk – my Dad played him constantly when I was growing up… Lay Lady Lay has always been one of my favourites. I had it in my mind to try covering a song using only cello and vocals… Then on a trip to Nashville recording with my band there I played it to them and they jammed along and it sounded so good I kept it on there… I really had a lot of fun putting this track together and I hope Bob approves.”
What first drew you into the world of music?
I started playing cello at the age of 6—they were offering free music lessons at my primary school so I just stuck my hand up… I didn’t even know what a cello was!
How would you define your unique musical style?
Indie folk pop with a healthy dash of Americana.
Is there a live show that stands out as truly unforgettable for you?
I once played a festival in Denmark where 5 minutes before going on stage, a bolt of lightning hit the building and knocked the power out—the promoter was going to send everyone home, but we played anyway, totally acoustic in the room—it was magic.
Can you share a funny or surprising moment that’s happened during a performance?
I once dropped my cello bow walking onto stage, and it fell down a crack in the rigging, so I couldn’t find it and had to do the whole show just plucking the strings.
How do you handle stage nerves—has your approach changed over time?
I don’t get so nervous anymore—I try to tell myself – it’s only music…and we’re all just people hoping to connect through something beautiful…that normally does the trick!
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with, and why?
Paul Simon—because he’s a genius—or Dolly Parton, because she’s also a genius.
What’s the core message you hope fans take away from your music?
That it’s possible to be authentic and popular. Be yourself, don’t cheat, get good, and the right part of the world will connect with you eventually!
What sets your music apart from others in your genre?
I mix British eccentricity in my writing with Irish and American folk elements, and being a cello player, I can also play and sing live, which you don’t see that often.
Which albums or songs have had the biggest impact on you personally?
So so many…. Lay Lady Lay (Dylan) for its power in its simplicity, Jolene because Dolly is the ultimate storyteller, Boy in the Bubble because those Paul Simon lyrics are exquisite… Radiohead The Bends blew my mind when it first came out.
What do you love most about being an artist?
That I do something I truly love every day.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone breaking into the industry today?
Do not do this job unless you do it first for passion and second to make money, etc. And know it is a marathon not a sprint. There is literally no such thing as an overnight success.
If you were a crayon color, what would your name be?
Waxy Midnight Blue—makes me sound like a great jazz singer.