Sundays In Berlin features a strong vocal and reflective, contemplative lyrics which explore the place of an individual as a single element in a global city with a long and deep history.  The song’s narrative employs the ideas, flavours and sounds of the city to ask questions, make observations, make sense of social, political and cultural issues and take insights that can help ascertain a sense of self in a world that is rapidly changing and mired in crises of war, rising far right politics, poverty, and climate collapse. 

An influence behind the song comes from the ideas and work of Cuban artist Luis Camejo.  Luis’ work focusses on the city as a concept and looks at the human relationship with the city.  He comments: “I always say that the city is like the epicentre of contemporary thought and philosophy…I represent the city as a human jungle.  That’s where man exists, he is just one element in it”.

Sundays In Berlin has an uplifting tempo and includes a wide range of instruments from guitars and keys to percussion instruments.  This arrangement helps set the scene and gives the audible impression of a day walking around a city.  The chorus is stripped back with a rising crescendo that conveys a clarity of thought, cutting through the noise and drum of the city before being swallowed up by it all again when the verse returns.

The track is grounded by an acoustic guitar with breezy guitar licks, an addictive bass line and Motown-style beat that drives the song.  The song winds up with a guitar solo outro reminiscent of The Beatles’ Ballad of John and Yoko.  Sundays In Berlin has many stylistic influences from poetry, art, film and contemporary indie rock and pop.

Sundays In Berlin

Calum Baird is an emerging Scottish indie-folk singer-songwriter and is tipped for 2024 by Tom Robinson (BBC Radio 6 Music). Calum’s music is characterised by its honesty and authenticity, with lyrics that are often introspective and personal. His songs explore social commentary, modern life, relationships, alienation and social change. Calum’s influences include Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Dick Gaughan, Billy Bragg, Phoebe Bridgers and Phil Ochs.

Calum’s music has been featured on radio stations across the UK and internationally, and he has performed at festivals and events throughout the UK and Europe. He has been featured in online media and the press, including in Scotland on Sunday as their Artist of the Week.

In addition to touring and writing his own music, Calum wrote and composed the musical score for the award-winning feature-film Exiles (2021) written by Glasgow poet and writer, Victoria McNulty.

“Echoing early Billy Bragg with his dogged optimism” – Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music

“A rising Scottish folk star“ – Jim Gellatly, Amazing Radio

“A wonderful songwriter” – Charlie Ashcroft, Amazing Radio USA