Acclaimed singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Bird has returned with her latest release, “Roy”, an acoustic Americana single that draws listeners into a tale steeped in musical legend. Inspired by a story told by Roy Orbison’s son, Roy Orbison Jr., about the friendship between his father and Elvis Presley, the track marks the first release from Bird’s upcoming acoustic EP. This acts as the follow-up to the After Dark remix of “What The Night Knows”, in collaboration with Sleepcub.
Written by Ally McErlaine and Janie Price (Bird), whilst it has been produced by Bird and Pete Davis, “Roy” invites listeners on a journey through a surreal narrative that blends the lines between life and death, loyalty, and the bond between two music legends. We first heard this track when we were invited to her showcase for her short film Wider Than The Sky, where she performed alongside live instrumentalists, blowing us away with her sensational vocals and her flawless songwriting abilities. This track is a masterpiece in its own right and we’re not surprised to see that it has soared up on Spotify, becoming her most popular song on the streaming platform, at this very minute.
The inspiration for the song stems from an extraordinary claim Orbison Jr. made in a documentary, where he shared that Roy Orbison not only shared a close friendship with Elvis Presley during their lifetimes but also after their deaths. According to the legend, Orbison thwarted a plot to steal Presley’s body from its resting place, protecting his friend’s legacy beyond the grave. This powerful imagery inspired Bird to explore these themes through a deeply emotive and atmospheric composition.
At the heart of the track’s Americana vibe is the intricate guitar and banjo work by award-winning Nashville musician Ilya Toshinsky, whose raw and organic sound adds a grounded, earthy feel to the song’s dreamy atmosphere. Complementing this, the delicate string arrangements—crafted with the help of renowned composer Sally Herbert—elevate the song with a touch of ethereal beauty. Bird herself also took part in the string performances, adding another layer of depth to the overall composition.
The lyric video for “Roy” gives fans a visual counterpart to the already evocative lyrics where we watch this singer-songwriter in the recording studio, laying down the vocals and the strings. The entire piece is shown with an old-school filter, giving an ’80s/’90s feel with the home-video style and vibe.
Talking about the track, Bird said: “I wrote the lyrics for this song after watching a documentary about the life of Roy Orbison in which Roy’s son, Roy Orbison Junior tells the story of how his father was very good friends with Elvis Presley—even after death; he claims that Roy saved Elvis’ dead body from being stolen by thieves after hearing about a plot to take him. I’m not sure about the validity of the claim but it made for an interesting lyric which I had the opportunity to develop into a song a few months later when Ally McErlaine came to work with me in my studio where we put the track together”.
“Roy” comes on the heels of Bird’s highly praised EP “Wider than the Sky“, which doubled as the soundtrack for her award-winning short film of the same title. Bird has built a reputation for crafting compelling stories through her music, seamlessly blending vivid storytelling with cinematic soundscapes. With this new single, she shifts toward a more stripped-back, acoustic feel, yet still captures the emotional depth and lyrical strength that define her work. This latest release reinforces her position as a standout voice in contemporary Americana, continuously pushing creative boundaries.
Time and again, Bird showcases her impressive versatility and creative depth, constantly evolving her sound while staying true to her storytelling roots. In “Roy,” she delves into profound themes of loyalty, friendship, and the bonds that stretch beyond the boundaries of life and death, offering listeners a deeply resonant experience. This emotional exploration, paired with her innovative blend of acoustic textures and haunting melodies, highlights her unique approach to songwriting.
“Roy”, by Bird, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms, via Pop Fiction Records. Her upcoming acoustic EP promises to bring more of the captivating storytelling and soundscapes that have made her a standout artist in today’s music scene.