“After mostly performing as an acoustic act and making pretty standard folk-pop music, I just wanted to indulge in my childhood pop obsession and make something joyful and lush. I really like atmospheric electronic music; FKA twigs, James Blake, Kwabs, so I wanted create a song with a sense of space, that rises and falls.” Brittan said.

Although you might not guess by listening to it, ‘Thirsty Bird’ is something of an ode to the world of online dating.

“I’ve had an ancient phone for years, and this year I finally upgraded and discovered the wonderful world of apps! I downloaded Tinder and was struck by how direct people are on the app, but having never had apps I was pretty sheltered. I mean, I was horndog too, but classy. The concept kind of hit me when I was thinking about how Tinder is the modern watering hole where thirsty animals go to satiate themselves, and then it transformed into a song celebrating sexual longing.”

For the song’s colourful video, Brittan featured a cast of local artists painted as jungle animals in neon colours and shot under a UV light. Some same-gender animal couples are included in the ensemble of amorous creatures.

“With the video, I wanted to creatively show different animal courting rituals, which would represent how different humans approach expressing their sexuality and desire to one another. And I knew I wanted it to look nocturnal – night time is the right time – and I wanted to make something that felt enclosed, intimate and sensuous. With the song, I just really wanted to accentuate the fun and the anticipation involved in sexual pursuit.”

Check out the video for ‘Thirsty Bird’ below:

Alex Brittan is performing at Ampfest at Llama bar on April 26th. Details available here.

Sophie Joske