BMA Music
Bec Taylor and the Lyrebirds are set to captivate audiences again with their forthcoming album, Limbs & All, and its celebratory live show launch on Sunday, 9 June, at The Street Theatre as part of a broader regional tour. As the anticipation mounts, we delve into the creative process behind their latest musical endeavour’s harmonies and emotional depth.
A Lifelong Affair with Music
“Music has always been a part of me,” shares Bec Taylor, reflecting on her lifelong connection with songwriting and performing. “It’s always been who I am and how I understand the world.
“I cannot separate myself from music and don’t know who I’d be if I wasn’t a musician.”
This deep-rooted passion serves as the foundation of the band’s creative energy and is felt deeply by all members.
Diverse Talents, Harmonious Blend
At its core, BT&TL is a collaboration of diverse talents with a rich experience in many genres: Hannah Beasley (PaintonPaint), Sam McNair (JD McNair, The Burley Griffin), Sophie Chapman (Brass Knuckle Brass Band, Andy and George Band) and Grahame Thompson (Cracked Actor, BabyFreeze, Mr Fibby).
With a line-up boasting an array of instruments—including acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin, banjo, keyboard, drums, and even cello—their sonic palette has many colours with which to paint, inviting listeners into a realm of folk-pop harmonies and heartfelt songwriting.
Turmoil to Triumph: The Genesis of Limbs & All
The genesis of Limbs & All reflects a deeply personal journey for Bec as she navigated the tumultuous waters of the COVID-19 lockdown while pregnant.
“I wrote most of the tracks during the lockdown,” she reveals. “It was a very tumultuous time—challenging and stressful but beautiful at times. The music is equally tumultuous, too.”
Whether it’s the darkly rhythmic and poetic Wormhole or the elated but hesitant Whisky, the album is subtler and broodier than the last, featuring interconnected themes and ideas across songs. A musical connection is weaved into tracks Photograph and Goner, referencing their sister-song origins: they began as one song but evolved into two separate entities.
“The album’s title comes from the idea that you have to be fearless,” she explains, shedding light on the spirit underpinning the record’s creation.
“Sometimes you just have to throw yourself in the deep end – limbs and all.”
Collaborative Creativity: Crafting a Cohesive Body of Work
Unlike its predecessor, Adrift, which showcased Bec’s solo instrumentation, Limbs & All emerges as much more collaborative, melding the collective talents of all four Lyrebirds.
“I wrote more than 20 songs for the album, but the band chose the final tracklist,” Bec enthuses. “I wanted the band to decide and take ownership of the work. Once they decided and added their own musical touches, it became really musically cohesive.
“This is the first album that felt like that,” Bec remarks. “All the tracks set up an apparent musical journey, with some references to each other. It can be consumed from start to end in one sitting, as though it were one story, one complete body of work.”
A Labour of Love: Recording and Revelry
The album’s evolution was a labour of love, culminating in a meticulous recording process orchestrated by esteemed producer Louis Montgomery.
“From intimate band sessions on the South Coast of New South Wales to live studio recordings at Golden Retriever Studios in Sydney, every step was infused with camaraderie and musical exploration,” Bec explains.
“Everyone in the band really loves each other and loves performing together,” she emphasises. “We are good friends and have great chemistry.
“This will be obvious for any audience watching us.”
As we draw closer to the concert, it’s evident that Bec Taylor and the Lyrebirds have made more than mere melodies—they’ve crafted an emotional journey with an invitation to explore the depths of human experience. With their exceptional new album, they beckon us to dive fearlessly into their musical realm, embracing life’s challenges and triumphs, limbs and all.
Bec Taylor and the Lyrebirds play at The Street Theatre on Sunday, 9 June for a special 4pm performance, with a support set from Owen Campbell. Tickets are $35/$32 conc via the venue
Listen to Limbs & All on your fav streaming service here and keep up with Bec Taylor and The Lyrebirds latest news here.