Andrew Bird Gets Scoring for New Film, Joins Muppets Tribute

BY Alex HudsonPublished Nov 11, 2009

Considering that Andrew Bird's most recent album, Noble Beast, came packaged with a bonus disc made up entirely of string-laden instrumental pieces, it was only a matter of time before the songwriter/violinist was approached to compose a film score.

In a recent interview with BBC 6, Bird revealed that he's been hard at work on Norman, an upcoming film about a high-schooler who pretends that he's dying of cancer. "It could do quite well," Bird said. "It tackles high school drama without being lame."

Still, despite his enthusiasm for the project, it isn't an experience Bird hopes to relive any time soon. "This is the first legitimate full-length film that I did. I had the monitor of the film in the studio and I'm playing. It's a lot of work. I don't know if I ever want to do it again."

As well as breaking into film, Bird has revealed that he will soon be making his first foray into the art world. "I've been collaborating with this sculptor in Chicago who makes these horns that I play through - they are like speakers - to create a whole installation, a room full of these horns that are shaped like poppies, making loops that come out of different horns," Bird said. "It's like an arboretum of sonic sculptures. It'll be a travelling museum show."

As well as taking on a range of multimedia projects, Bird also recorded a cover of "It's Not Easy Being Green" for the 40th anniversary of The Muppet Show. The Muppets tribute album is due out next year, and features an all-star lineup, including Weezer and My Morning Jacket.

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