Birdie

Birdie is a London-based indie pop duo made up of Paul Kelly and Debsey Wykes. They form after both have played in Saint Etienne’s live backing band, and the group is active from 1994 onward.

Background

Debsey Wykes, also known as Deborah Wykes, comes from London. Before Birdie, she fronts Dolly Mixture and opens for artists including The Fall, The Jam and The Undertones. Paul Kelly is known for his time in the UK indie quartet East Village and for directing promotional videos for a range of bands.

Releases

Birdie’s first album, Some Dusty, appears in the UK through It Records, with Bob Stanley of Saint Etienne handling A&R duties. The duo follow it with Triple Echo, then release the rarities collection Reverb Deluxe before an announcement that the group has ended.

Later work

Kelly continues as a documentary film director and works closely with Saint Etienne. Wykes continues to tour with Saint Etienne as a backing vocalist and supporting musician, and also collaborates with the band on the soundtrack to What Have You Done Today Mervyn Day?, directed by Kelly. The two also live together as a couple in London.