Andrew Bird

Andy Witchger, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

American Violinist, Guitarist, Multi-Instrumentalist, Singer and Songwriter; Looping, Whistling, Composer, Actor · Born July 11, 1973 · Indie Rock · Folk · Swing · Baroque · Pop ·  Jazz · Blues · Fusion

Fast Facts

• Born Andrew Wegman Bird on July 11, 1973 in Lake Forest, Illinois a city just north of Chicago. 
• He began studying violin at the age of 4 via the Suzuki method. 
• He is renowned for his unique style of violin playing, accompanied by loop and effect pedals, whistling, and singing. 
• Though he appreciates his disciplined training, he did not enjoy classical music so much, and found relief in playing folk music, which led him to songwriting and composing.
• He’s stated in interviews, composing and songwriting are ways for him to cope with anxiety.  
• In 1996, he received a Bachelor’s degree in violin performance from attended Northwestern University.
• That same year he graduated college he released his first solo album, which paid tribute to his fascination with both American and European folk traditions, as well as Jazz and Blues.
• He founded his own swing ensemble, Andrew Bird’s Bowl of Fire.
• As of 2024, he released 16 solo records, in addition to his collaborative work with artists such as The Handsome Family, Dosh, Fiona Apple, and Nora O’Connor.
• He also has a career in film, as a soundtrack composer as well as an actor.  
• His 2019 album “My Finest Work Yet” was nominated for “Best Folk Album” at the 2020 Grammy Awards.
• After playing some solo shows he discovered the power of whistling, as it gave him the ability to grab the audience’s attention.