Sunbirds debut album Cool To Be Kind is released on Friday 27th November via Nectar Records.
Led by Beautiful South founder Dave Hemmingway and guitarist, songwriter and collaborator Phil Barton, Sunbirds’ Cool To Be Kind is produced by Teo Miller and captures truthful, open-hearted, funny and sometimes painfully honest songs.
The Sunbirds line-up is completed by Laura Wilcockson on vocals and violin and legendary UK session drummer, Marc Parnell, who has toured with Joan Armatrading, The Blockheads and Jethro Tull among others. Marc can be heard on recordings by Girls Aloud, Pet Shop Boys and Gabriella Cilmi’s hit single Sweet About Me.
In the fourth and final part of our series of Music DNA interviews with members of Sunbirds, Andy Howells chats to Marc about the music that has inspired his life and career.
What was the first song that made an impact on you?
Superstition by Stevie Wonder
What was the first single /download you bought?
I never had enough money to buy a single as a kid. First download was Quadrant 4 by Billy Cobham
What was the first album you owned?
Fragile by Yes
What’s your constant go to track?
Sicillienne by Fauré
What’s your constant go to album?
That’s a tough one – I have several. I guess Aja by Steely Dan
Who’s your latest music discovery?
Knower
What’s your own track that best defines you as an artist?
When I’m Gone
Visit Sunbirds online: