Hand Habits, the project of multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Meg Duffy, is gearing up for the release of their new album, Blue Reminder, this Friday, August 22nd, on Fat Possum Records. To mark the final moments before the album drops, Duffy has shared the last single, “Bluebird of Happiness.”
Of the single, Duffy describes,
One day my partner asked what birdsong we were hearing through the window and I was like, ’well that’s the bluebird of happiness, obviously, and it became a joke song I would sing around the house, but then it grew wings. I also got curious about the history of the bluebird of happiness, and found that it has mythological significance. It’s interesting how a symbol like that functions subconsciously, or in the collective unconscious. Even when we might not know everything about its origins, or when it’s almost become a pop cliche, maybe there’s some essence or a through-line that can remain true. Or the cliche itself can become material to play with. And I think because I can have an aversion to sentimentality in my songwriting, it felt exciting and fun to go there. And it does feel like such a hopeful song to me, though this bluebird has definitely seen some things, which is reflected in the production too.
Recorded in Los Angeles by Phil Hartunian with co-producer Joseph Lorge, the album features a wide array of collaborators and was largely tracked live. This creative choice was inspired by Duffy’s extensive time on the road, both as a solo artist and as a touring member of Perfume Genius, and highlights their affinity for playing live in a room with other musicians.
Duffy is set to embark on a busy touring schedule to support the new album. This week, Hand Habits will play two dates with Japanese Breakfast while also performing a headline North American tour. Later this autumn, Duffy will head to the UK and Europe, where they will open for Perfume Genius.
