Under the recording name Rybird, Paul Brown uses samples, loops, and original compositions to create ambient, electronic sounds.

To date, Rybird has released three albums. We talked with Brown about his beginnings and plays for the 'bird.

Let’s begin with some history. Have you always worked within electronic music, or did you begin writing and performing within another genre?

I played the bass in live bands non-professionally for years before this. And played classical music on the piano as a child.

As Rybird, you’ve made three albums. How would you say your sound has progressed with each one?

They have generally become more complicated and more desirable for repeated listening.

What have you learned along the way, either in the realm of recording or songwriting?

Well, that the structure of the tune has as much to do with the genre as does the tempo or beat. Also that people don't seem to like as many changes or progressions in a given tune as I had once thought.

What sort of musicians or bands do you look to for inspiration?

Good question. I would have to say that since I do interact with other bands and musicians that the attitude and creativity are definitely important.

You live in Shreveport. Would you consider yourself part of the musical community there?

Shreveport is a growing community, and we have casinos that bring in lots of outside talent. I would say that I have met a many of the locals while I was playing the bass in various bands.

With who else do you collaborate for Rybird recordings?

I am a member of a collaboration website and have a couple of sessions in progress. Also have had a rapper in Brooklyn use one of my tracks, which was pleasing.

Speaking of which, you (Paul Brown) are almost hidden behind the ‘Rybird’ persona you’ve created for yourself. What is the intention there?

I like that question because I have become very conservative lately and "Rybird" is the crazy side that wants to get out. I have a wild past that I have lived, and many have only written about, but many have also lived.

You work with loops, but not exclusively. What are some of your favorite borrowed or completely original loops that you’ve utilized on your albums?

I do have a few tunes that are mostly loops but some of the tunes are played completely without loops, using the synthesizer as a performance instrument. I have actually got some of my
best loops on eBay by various studios. Many people are shocked to find that "Grind and Polish", my first tune, is from stock loops that come with Sony's recording program. However, even on that I play the lead synths.

Have you found it possible to perform live at all, or is this strictly a recording project?

I suppose that since I play some of the tunes without loops or just with drum loops I could play them, however the setup time to get the sound right before I play is immense and would be a hindrance. So as a whole, I would say this will remain a recording project for now, but I would like to write a live set and this is possible.

What steps do you plan on taking (or would like to take, ideally) with the Rybird project?

I would like to play live, as I just mentioned, but "laughing" I think that by the time I produce twelve albums perhaps I would get noticed.