TILLY BIRDS: SEVEN SONGS YOU CAN’T MISS

When it comes to the evolving music scene in Asia, discussing about it wouldn’t be complete without Thailand’s vibrant contributions. Alternative rock bands from Thailand like Tilly Birds is a must-watch. Having been together since 2011, the trio of Third (lead vocalist Anuroth Ketlekha), Billy (guitars and keyboards, Nutdanai Chuchat), and Milo (drums, Thuwanon Tantiwattanaworakul) are no strangers to forging their own musical path. Despite going through a number of lineup changes—the departure of two bandmates—Third, Billy, and Milo manage to craft powerful and unforgettable songs. In the time since they formed, they have collaborated with other Thai musicians, as well as released three studio albums and two extended plays. If you’re new with the music of Tilly Birds and don’t know where to start, here’s a playlist of their must-listen songs.

UNTIL THEN

This track is part of the band’s award-winning album It’s Gonna Be Ok, but was released as a single in April 2022. This song was about grief and the memories and pains that accompany it. It is deeply personal to the band’s vocalist, Third, who composed the song’s lyrics on the day of his father’s cremation. In his heart, he held the comforting belief that his father would reunite with his mother who has also passed, and that in time, they would all be together again. The song is melancholy, but it retains the band’s rock style. The song featured a choral performance, with the added vocals of Thai pop singer Nont Tanont (“First Love,” “White Flag”)

JUST BEING FRIENDLY FEAT. MILLI

As many Thai artists, including the boy band P1Harmony from South Korea, have covered the song, it is likely the band’s most popular track. Like some of you, this has served as my gateway to the music of Tilly Birds. Released in April 2021, I can honestly say that this song has been featured in no less than two Thai BL series that I’ve seen. According to the boys from their It’s Gonna Be Told: It’s Gonna Be Ok Album Facts and Documentary, this is the most pop song in their album. Billy said that since it’s a pop song, there’s an expectation for it to be perfect. “People may think that the hardest songs to sing are the show-off ones, but that’s not true. For me, the hardest songs to sing are the pop songs,” shares Third. The song warns a friend against crossing the line of friendship if their feelings do not transcend platonic affection. “Just Being Friendly” features Thai hip-hop star MILLI.

HEART IN A CAGE

The first digital single of Tilly Birds in English released in November 2014. A familiar alt-rock acoustic guitar opens the track, setting the stage for Billy’s emotive vocals about a breakup, which is then amplified by layered keys and a strong drumbeat. A music video was released in 2016, which was directed by the band’s guitarist Billy Chuchat.

ORDINARY

In September 2018, this track marked Tilly Birds’ debut digital single and their first release under Gene Lab, a Thai record label and management agency affiliated with GMM Music. The song delves into the concept of a peaceful breakup, suggesting that it is better to end a relationship on good terms rather than forcing it to continue when the bond has faded away, preventing unnecessary pain for both parties. Given Tilly Birds’ reputation for powerful rock anthems, expect a hard-hitting track that delves deep with the sensitive subject matter.

SAME PAGE?

A really popular single from the band that was released in February 2020. It’s included in their album Phu Diao. It charted in number 1 on Spotify and Apple Music making them an overnight hit in Thailand. The song delves into the uncertainty of a relationship where one partner questions their connection, missing the passion and intimacy they once shared. They have a mash-up of “Same Page?” with Thai band and label mates Three Man Down’s song “Fon Tok Mai” called  “Khwam Kid Thung Tee Chun Dai Khoei Song Pai Nai Kheun Tee Fon Proi Lhong Ma,” which translates to “The Longing That I Once Sent On a Rainy Night “ in English.

SLIPPED YOUR MIND [F.HERO X TILLY BIRDS]

Tilly Birds teamed up with Thai rapper F.Hero. This track came out in June 2020 and was produced by Billy along with Ohm Pantaphon, who is the lead singer of the Thai band Cocktail and one of the co-founders of Gene Lab. The track talks about looking back on a past relationship and how tough it is to move on from it.

RETRO 39

The band’s most recent English single, which came out on October 1, 2024. A catchy tune belies an unsettling feeling, as the lyrics express a longing for a past relationship and a desire to relive happier days. After the heavier vibe of “White Pills,” Third wanted to create a lighter track to mix things up in their music lineup. “Retro 39” turned out to be the perfect pick, bringing a nice change in both the lyrics and the music video. The music video was such a fun throwback, highlighting the band’s playful nod to classic album covers and a great recreation of that unforgettable scene from the 80s movie Say Anything.

Check out Tilly Birds’ music on all your favorite streaming apps! If you want to keep up with all things Tilly Birds, make sure to follow them on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube! Don’t forget to swing by their website at https://www.tillybirds.com/ to see the tour dates and grab some merch!