Today marks the release of the mesmerising “After Dark Remix” of Bird’s evocative single “What The Night Knows”, in collaboration with Sleepcub. This latest remix brings a new depth to the already haunting track, offering listeners a fresh yet eerily enchanting experience. This acts as the follow-up to the original single release of the track as well as the official soundtrack album for the short film, titled “Wider Than The Sky“, which has spawned a total of four singles, including the original version of “What The Night Knows”.
What The Night Knows (After Dark Remix):
A New Dimension to an Eerie Classic
While the original version of “What The Night Knows” already captivated audiences with its dreamlike, haunting quality, the “After Dark Remix” elevates the song to new heights. This remix transforms the ethereal orchestral backing track into a more haunting soundscape, intensifying the song’s mysterious aura. It begins with an almost symphonic two-minute intro that builds anticipation, incorporating vocal loops one minute in to enhance the eerie feeling before Bird’s haunting vocals make their entrance. The remix masterfully maintains the original’s haunting essence while adding layers that make the track even more spellbinding.
Background on “What The Night Knows”
The original “What The Night Knows” was released on July 5, 2024, as part of the soundtrack for the award-winning short film “Wider Than The Sky”. The song, produced by Mike Hedges and co-written with Belgian composer Jeroen Swinnen, weaves together folk-inspired melodies with delicate electronic beats, resulting in a distinctive and memorable listening experience. Its entrancing rhythms, touched with elements of Americana, showcase Bird’s classical music background and her ability to merge diverse musical styles effortlessly.
Talking about the track, Bird shared: “I wrote this song in Tuscany in an old house that gave me strange vivid dreams…I’ve always had a curious relationship with nighttime and sleep—as a child I was very fearful of the dark, especially during a period when my father and mother were both very sick and I had to stay with friends of the family in unfamiliar rooms. As an adult and as a musician, the night turned into a time of great intense creativity for me where I would hide in small studios and hone my craft. (Studio time was a lot cheaper—often even free—at night too)!”
She continued by saying, “On the original version of the song there is a teacup stirring sound and counting at the start which pays homage to the film ‘Get Out’ by director Jordan Peele. Mike Hedges and I watched it together at my place…we’d actually already recorded the song but I felt the song really connected with the film—hypnotism, the place between wake and sleep…so we put those new elements in at the start. For the ‘Radio Edit’ this had to be cut but it’s there on the album.”
The accompanying music video, which has been edited and produced by Jacob Tekiela, sees Bird performing the track while wearing a rabbit face mask, with a red curtain behind her. The performance piece has been segmented by scenes from the “Wider Than The Sky” short film that was directed by Phil Taylor and stars Willow Bell, Alexandra Moen, and Mike Fairall.
The Soundtrack to “Wider Than The Sky”
“What The Night Knows” is part of the soundtrack for “Wider Than The Sky”, a semi-autobiographical short film exploring childhood parental illness and the power of imagination in coping with trauma. Bird’s music sets an evocative and haunting tone for the film, using a blend of instrumental pieces and full-length songs to deepen the emotional impact of the narrative.
The soundtrack has received critical acclaim, with previous singles like “The Tides”, “She’s Like A Rainbow“, and “She’ll Turn To Stone” praised for their unique blend of electronic and folk elements. “Wider Than The Sky” has garnered several awards, including “Best Composer/Soundtrack” at the Global Music Awards and “Best Short” at the Maryland International Film Festival.
Bird’s Musical Journey
Janie Price, known professionally as Bird, is a half-English, half-Irish singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. With four studio albums to her name, Bird started her classical music training on the cello at age six. She has since composed and recorded string sections for artists like Just Jack and played live with Emeli Sandé and Vanessa Mae. Bird’s skill as a classically trained musician has also led to her becoming a voting member of PRS, Ivors Academy, World Soundtrack Awards, and the Alliance for Women Film Composers.
The Echoes of Bird’s Vision
The “After Dark Remix” of “What The Night Knows” is a testament to Bird’s ability to reinvent her music and keep it fresh and engaging. This new release, in collaboration with Sleepcub, not only enhances the haunting beauty of the original track but also showcases Bird’s versatility as an artist. As Bird continues to support the release of “Wider Than The Sky” with festival appearances and live performances, the “After Dark Remix” is sure to captivate both new listeners and long-time fans alike.
