Towa Bird
Profession: Musician
Born: March 30, 1999
Age: 26 years old
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Hong Kong
Known for: American Hero
Biography
Victoria “Towa” Bird is a British-Filipino singer and songwriter known for her debut album “American Hero” and also for her guitar-driven TikTok performances.
Towa who was born in Hong Kong to an English and Filipino parents, spent her childhood between Hong Kong, Thailand, and London. She got herself involved in diverse music through multicultural upbringing and cultural influences. She was inspired to do music at age 12, by her father’s classic rock collection which included Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, and the Who. She also learned to play the guitar along the line as she realized music would define her path.
She already formed her first band The Glass Onions, at age 14, while performing originals at local venues in Hong Kong. She attended Hurtwood House in Surrey before enrolling at Goldsmiths, University of Londo, where she studied music briefly and later dropped out to fully pursue her music career.
She began sharing guitar solos and covers on TikTok in 2020 with one viral cover being “The Less I Know the Better”. She caught the attention of the music industry with her originality and smooth performance, which led to a deal with Interscope Records in 2021. She also contributed guitar to Olivia Rodrigo’s Disney+ documentary Driving Home 2 U (A Sour Film).
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She launched her first single “Wild Heart” in April 2023 and was heaped with praises for its blend of indie-pop and gritty guitar sensibility. She also toured North America and Europe where she opened for Renee Rapp, who would later become her partner. The two In March 2024, they made their public appearance in March 2024, at the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party.
Towa released American Hero on June 18 2024. It is a 13-track album described as “pop-punk punches to the chin.” The project channels classic rock’s visceral drive while exploring queer identity, immigrant experience, and emotional vulnerability. She showed off her ability to merge guitar-led hooks with candid lyricism through some of her songs such as Boomerang,” “Drain Me,” and “Sorry Sorry”.
She followed up with the release of the single “Rat Race” and also continued touring which also include performances at London’s All Points East festival.
Towa Bird has been writing and recording new material while carving out space for queer women of color in rock and pop. Her commitment to originality, combined with her guitar artistry, has positioned her as a defining voice for a new generation of indie-rock artists.
Career Timeline
- 2021 – Driving Home 2 U (Olivia Rodrigo documentary) – Singer/songwriter
- 2023 – “Wild Heart” (single) – Singer/songwriter
- 2023 – Opened for Renee Rapp’s Snow Hard Feelings Tour – Singer/songwriter
- 2024 – American Hero (debut album) – Singer/songwriter
- “Sorry Sorry” – Singer-songwriter
- “Boomerang” – Singer-songwriter
- “Drain Me” – Singer-songwriter
- 2024 – “Rat Race” (single) – Singer-songwriter
Personal Details
- Alternative name: Victoria Ilagan Vergara-Bird
- Nationality: British-Filipino
- Height: 5 feet 6in
- Partner: Renee Rapp (2023-)
- Official Website(s): https://www.towabirdofficial.com, https://www.tiktok.com/@towabird, https://music.apple.com/ng/artist/towa-bird/1517035946, https://www.instagram.com/towabird/
Trivia
- “Towa” comes from a toddler mispronunciation of her real name.
- She formed her first band at age 14 and performed in Hong Kong’s indie music circuit.
- She dropped out of Goldsmiths University to pursue her music career full-time.
- Her breakthrough came with a cover of Tame Impala’s “The Less I Know the Better.” which went viral online.
- Towa contributed guitar to Olivia Rodrigo’s Disney+ documentary.
- She draws her music inspiration from the likes of Jimi Hendrix andJoan Jett
- Towa’s and her partner Renee Rapp began their relationship in 2023.
- She realise her lesbian identity at the age of 12.
