Music isn’t just something you listen to—it’s a time machine that captures memories, emotions, and dreams, all wrapped in sound. Whether you’re vibing to a beat or getting lost in a song’s meaning, music connects us to different moments in life. Few artists capture this feeling quite like Thailand’s very own Tilly Birds, whose eclectic sound hits both nostalgia and modern flair.
Resonance Across Generations
The Thai alt-pop trio is anything but typical. Known for their love of mixing genres, emotions, and personal experiences, Tilly Birds’ music resonates across generations. Their sound isn’t boxed into one style, creating a unique blend that’s distinctly theirs. From their roots in Bangkok to tours across Asia, the band’s fan base has only grown, transcending borders and age groups.
Lead vocalist Third reflects on his early musical influences, especially classic legends like The Beatles and Queen, played by his parents. “Without them playing those songs to me, I wouldn’t have known the legendary artists and bands I grew up with,†he says, giving credit to those nostalgic sounds that shaped his love for music.
The Musical Journey of Tilly Birds
The trio—Third, Billy, and Milo—have spent the last decade growing both musically and personally. They’ve managed to create a sound that appeals to a wide audience, from Gen Z to fans of 80s and 90s music. As their fan base continues to evolve, so does their approach to music. “I think our crowd changes every day. Some of them are the same, and some are [solid] fans who like everything we do—and we like them back! That’s the beauty of the art we created,†says Third, the band’s lead vocalist.
Their music has always felt like a journey through life’s highs and lows, offering a soundtrack for every emotion. From upbeat anthems to reflective ballads, Tilly Birds’ versatility ensures their songs stay relevant.
Collaboration and Creative Chemistry
One of the key elements to their success is the trio’s creative chemistry. Coming from different backgrounds and musical tastes, Third, Billy, and Milo admit that disagreements happen, but that’s where the magic happens. “We throw ideas onto the table—and then the three of us decide what’s best for the band and the song. If someone has a strong feeling, we sit with it and deal with it,†shares Billy.
This collaborative process is what led to their latest single, Retro-39, a track that blends pop rock and disco while capturing the laid-back energy of early 2000s rom-coms. The song’s creation came about organically, with its title inspired by a random outburst from Billy during a brainstorming session. The band even gave a nod to a RETRO-39 shoebox tape recorder, which helped frame the song’s nostalgic vibe.
Vintage Vibes, Reimagined
Although Retro-39 is one of their more light-hearted tracks, it showcases Tilly Birds’ ability to tap into different moods and energies. Third, who co-directed the music video, explains that the inspiration came from early 2000s films, giving fans a fun and nostalgic visual treat. From rom-com references like (500) Days of Summer and Love Actually to subtle nods to iconic moments in pop culture, the video creates a bridge between past and present.
For Third, the project was about connecting with his generation: “It’s like saying, ‘Do you remember this movie? This clothing? This band?’—just little reminders for my fellow Generation Y.â€
Connecting With Fans Worldwide
One of the most rewarding parts of their journey has been the connection they’ve formed with fans across Asia and beyond. Whether they’re performing in Hong Kong, the Philippines, or Thailand, Tilly Birds is always met with the same love and energy from their audience. Fans go above and beyond to show their dedication, with some even learning Thai just to understand the band’s lyrics better. “We found out that they learn our language. They rented Thai student uniforms,†shares Third, marveling at their fans’ passion.
Their live shows are a reflection of this mutual appreciation. “The energy fans give us during a performance, we reflect it back,†says Billy, highlighting the shared connection they feel when performing.
Tilly Birds: The Soundtrack to Life
At the heart of their music is a universal message: life, with all its ups and downs, is a journey worth celebrating. Their songs give listeners the flexibility to interpret the lyrics as deeply or casually as they want, appealing to both active and passive listeners. Whether you’re dancing along to a catchy beat or reflecting on a melancholic track, Tilly Birds’ music has a way of resonating with every mood.
Their versatility, rooted in their love of music, ensures they’ll continue to captivate fans for years to come. With Retro-39 just the latest addition to their diverse catalog, the band’s musical journey is far from over.
Photos by: Till Birds | Special thanks to Canglo
