Here’s the latest single from multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Bird, aka Janie Price. The Lady Who Reads The Cards is a catchy song, full of melodic hooks that showcase the range of Bird’s clear, controlled voice. Co-written with her long-time friend, well-known Belgian musician Jeroen Swinnen, the song features sweeping strings and a pulsing, compelling rhythm created from handclaps and a percussive triangle beat. Lyrically, it was inspired by a fleeting encounter with a tarot card reader, an experience that Bird turns into an atmospheric tale.
Bird says of the single: “In January this year I was invited to showcase at the Folk Alliance conference in New Orleans, which also happened to coincide with my birthday. My best friend flew over to celebrate with me, and on one of our morning-off strolls around the town I saw a sign for tarot readings. I have never done one before, but something about the New Orleans vibe, the birthday, my best friend being there too…made me decide I should give it a go. When I walked into the shop, I noticed they were playing something that reminded me of Fields of the Nephilim, which I loved during my goth period as a teenager – I’m not going to tell you what the lovely lady I spent half an hour with said, but I do know that I wouldn’t have this song without that experience… so I’m very grateful for my strange but beautiful spiritual encounter… First I sketched the lyrics out, then in Belgium during a writing week when I was already working with artists there, me and my good friend Jeroen got together and wrote the rest of the song.”
Bird is creative across a range of art forms; as well as making music, she is an acclaimed filmmaker. For example, her documentary You Found A Friend In Elvis has been seen and celebrated at various international and American film festivals, such as the Lighthouse International Film Festival. It’s no surprise, then, that she makes excellent music videos to accompany her songs. Bird filmed and directed the video for The Lady Who Reads The Cards, using locations and images that match the song’s narrative and dynamic rhythm, all captured in the black and white of old film footage.
Throughout September, Bird has been supporting Ward Thomas on tour, including a highly anticipated show tonight, 23rd September 2026, at the London Palladium. Her busy schedule will also take in a support show for Ron Pope at London’s Union Chapel on 21st November, as part of a European tour. The shows follow the release of her album Held Here Together in June 2026, which featured an impressive selection of collaborators and co-writes, including Andy Dunlop (Travis), Ally McErlaine (Texas) and Hal Lindes (Dire Straits). Recorded across Tuscany, Nashville and Austin, the album received acclaim for Bird’s fine vocals, tuneful songwriting and storytelling. Catch Bird on tour and check out this latest single – the first taste of Bird’s next musical project.
