Having just dropped her debut album, American Hero, back in the summer, British singer-songwriter/guitarist Towa Bird isn’t slowing down any time soon based on her recent single, “Rat Race.” On top of her new releases, she currently has an opening spot for Billie Eilish’s current tour, which includes LA dates at the Kia Forum on Dec. 15, 16, 17, 20, and 21.
Born in Hong Kong, the indie-pop artist picked up the electric guitar at 12 and quickly realized music was the direction Towa wanted to take. Since then, the instrument has become an integral part of her still-rising music career, which kicked off at the start of the decade through covers on TikTok that quickly gained attention.
With “Rat Race,” she’s introspecting on her surge in popularity, simultaneously showcasing how the guitar still has areas where an artist could push the envelope for what it’s capable of.
“You work tirelessly, pushing toward what seems like the finish line,” Towa said. “But as you approach it, it moves slightly out of reach, keeping you perpetually in the race. There’s always more to achieve, more to do. This relentless machine doesn’t pause for you to look up and enjoy your victories. It offers just enough to keep you hooked, only to snatch it away, leaving you craving more.”
Appropriate to the title, the track begins at breakneck speeds, not slowing down for a moment as the buzzing guitar riles up enough kinetic energy to rip a hole through the production. Towa takes from multiple points in rock music, whether it be the rebelliousness of The Ramones or the intersection between pop and punk that Paramore thrives within.
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At the same time, her personality and wit come through lines like “Tattoos that my grandma hates” and “The world’s gonna burn down in one day / But the Daily Mail said it’s okay.” And even though the song is just over three minutes, Towa manages to pack enough of a punch as American Hero, a testament to her consistency.
From starting her music career at 12 playing the electric guitar to partnering with Gibson, one of the leading guitar manufacturers, it’s hard to predict where she will go next, considering how quickly her career is skyrocketing. But with the one-two punch of American Hero and “Rat Race,” there’s still much more that Towa has in store in the near future and in the long run.
Words: David Sosa
“Rat Race” by Towa Bird is out now on streaming services. For more on new music and potential shows, including LA dates at the Kia Forum on Dec. 15, 16, 17, 20, and 21, follow her on Instagram and her website.
Towa Bird 2024 US Tour:
11/02 State Farm Arena Atlanta, GA*
11/03 State Farm Arena Atlanta, GA*
11/06 Bridgestone Arena Nashville, TN*
11/08 Heritage Bank Center Cincinnati, OH*
11/10 Xcel Energy Center Saint Paul, MN*
11/11 Xcel Energy Center Saint Paul, MN*
12/16 Kia Forum Los Angeles, CA*
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