Humbird – Astrovan: The Love Song Vignettes

By starrymag | March 19, 2025

By: Mariah Thomas

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I’d describe our sound as experimental indie folk rock/singer-songwriter, I guess. However, I usually leave the genre definitions to people who listen to the music and write about it, because I’m never quite sure where the project fits. It also changes with each album.

Q) Who are some musical inspirations you’ve had throughout your life?

 

A) I’m hugely inspired by the women songwriters of the 90’s like Sheryl Crow and Michelle Branch, as well as more vintage folk rock outfits like Fairport Convention and Pentangle. Neil Young, Bill Withers and The Beatles are also major touchpoints for me on what makes a song really work.

Q) What is your songwriting process like?

 

A) It’s always different! Ideas come in from all directions.

 

Q) Astrovan: The Love Song Vignettes is a perfect description for your latest project. How did you decide on this album concept?

 

A) I didn’t really decide on an album concept beforehand. I just wrote a pile of very short love songs and thought, “Hmm, these are fun. Maybe we should record em.”

Q) Why was “Astrovan” chosen as the title?

 

A) I love the word “Astrovan” because it makes me think of the cosmos and also adventuring. It was also a strong song within the collection, so I felt it worked as a title track and overall ethos for the album as a whole.

Q) “Forgiveness” is a hauntingly beautiful way to end this project. What is the story behind the choice to leave it acapella?

 

A) Sometimes acapella is the way to go! I love unaccompanied singing; I’m a hue nerd about it as a listener and also as a singer.

 

Q) Your music is very story based in the best way. Do you have a favorite lyric from this new project?

 

A) I don’t think I have a favorite – I love to work hard on the lyrics and want to feel like it’s the best work I can possibly do before I record them.

 

Q) With a tour coming up, which songs from your latest project Astrovan are you looking forward to performing live?

 

A) We’ll probably be playing a handful of them! “Rosemary” is one of my favorites to perform live.

 

Q) Out of your entire discography, what song is your favorite to always perform on tour?

 

A) It can depend on the day, and what song is resonating the most during a particular set…but I always look forward to “Ghost on The Porch.” That’s a fun one for us.

 

Q) Who are some artists you would like to collaborate with?

 

A) Gosh! I love this question. I would love to collaborate more with some traditional music players back home in the Midwest. I’d also love to sing more with some of my favorite friend artists, like Eliza Edens, Adelyn Strei and Frail Talk. I generally mostly look forward to working with and collaborating with pals.

 

Q) What does it mean for you to be part of SXSW this year?

 

A) I’m excited to find out! I’ve never been but have heard plenty. I’m looking forward to taking it all in and forming an opinion on it all….

 

Q) How have you approached putting together a setlist for SXSW?

 

A) Sets are shorter at SXSW, so I think we’ll just play whatever we feel like playing – that’s usually how we roll.

 

Q) Who are some artists you are looking forward to watching perform while at the festival?

 

A) I’m excited to try and catch John Fogarty!

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of your music?

 

A) A big huge THANK YOU!

 

 

All Questions Answered By Siri Undlin