Madison indie band Quokka drops new song celebrating Wisconsin birds

bluebirds. How did you choose the birds you wanted to feature on this album?

AG: Well, I wanted to make sure I included birds that were not only common in Wisconsin but also had distinct and familiar calls. That way, when listeners hear the songs, they could easily recognize the bird calls in the music. I also wanted to make the themes of each song match the unique personality and behavior of each bird.

KAK: Can you walk us through your songwriting process for this album? How did you go about crafting songs from the perspectives of birds?

AG: I started by listening to recordings of bird calls and observing their behaviors in nature. I wanted to capture the essence of each bird’s personality through the music and lyrics. For example, the song “Robin” is upbeat and lively, reflective of the bird’s energetic nature, while “Cardinal” is more melancholic, mirroring the bird’s introspective presence. Each song is a musical portrait of the bird it represents.

KAK: What do you hope listeners take away from “Lifer”?

AG: I hope that this album encourages people to appreciate the beauty of the natural world around them, even in their own backyard. By listening to the music and becoming more aware of the birds in their environment, I hope that listeners will develop a deeper connection to nature and find moments of peace and joy in the sounds of the birds.

In “Lifer,” Quokka has crafted a unique and immersive musical experience that brings the beauty of Wisconsin’s avian residents to life through song. By blending bird calls with captivating instrumentals and thoughtful lyrics, the band has created an album that not only celebrates the beauty of these birds but also invites listeners to pause, listen, and connect with the wildlife around them. Through “Lifer,” Quokka invites audiences to step into the world of these feathered creatures and discover the magic of their songs.