Meet Ladybird | Musician and Variety Streamer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ladybird and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ladybird, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
At the end of my music and streaming career I hope to show other people who suffer from fibromyalgia, chronic pain diseases, or any other invisible chronic illness that we are worth something and that we matter. That with enough willpower you too can choose to do things that are challenging, that hurt so SO much. The world isn’t built for people like us, and I hope that my music, that I care for so deeply, that has helped me cope through this all, can help you too. Even though I am disabled, it just makes me “differently-abled.” Even though I’m physically limited, I can still do things, just at a different pace. I just want to leave this world better than how I found it, especially for those suffering like me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an indie singer songwriter in Galveston, Texas with a unique sincere and poignant sound. My music is the kind of stuff you NEED when you’re sad or star gazing. For me my music is like a familiar warm hug, or cup of hot cocoa after a long stressful day. Its like high functioning depression- where you go to work, take care of business, then cry on the way home and can’t put the words together as to why. My music is here for the people in the back who aren’t heard, for those that need it. I am so proud of how far I’ve gotten with my debut album, considering all the obstacles I’ve been up against! “a pay to play world,” is nearing completion, only the tedious mixing, mastering and producing are left on the final 3 songs! I’ve had a rough 3 years, having almost died from Covid in 2020, now surviving with many many health complications including long hauler’s syndrome and fibromyalgia, all being triggered from the virus. Prior to my illness you wouldn’t catch me sitting but now I can hardly walk. I’ve had to navigate learning everything all over again, and considered the possibility of my life unable to play my instruments or sing ever again… What really kept me going was my album and how angry I was dying before it was even recorded. Now that I’m nearing the stage when I can almost pick the release date its just so surreal. Like… I wasn’t even supposed to be here! I’m so thankful!
Some of the biggest things I’ve had to learn along the way is forgiving myself and my body… I’ve always been one to push myself to the limits but in my new body, I just can’t physically do that anymore. Accepting my disability has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my whole life… Like how many times do I have to grieve my body before I’m finally okay? I’ve discovered, that there isn’t a number. That it never ends, and that’s okay! So as long as I can do one thing in a day, then that is enough. Perfection is unobtainable, so at least doing half way to that is a huge accomplishment. At least I still get to do things at all!
I’d just like people to know that they aren’t alone. I am a invisible disability advocate, mental health advocate, LGBTQ+ advocate, and so much more. I want you to know that there is a safe space out there for you somewhere, you just have to find it. And I hope that my voice whether it be through my music, live performances, streams, online content or anywhere, that I can help you in some way, and lighten the burden of sadness and pain.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend visiting me down here in Galveston, I’d give them a crash course in the art scene. We’d drink tons of tea at the MOD or Red Light Coffee Roasters, sing karaoke at Soundbar, and go to all the local LGBTQ+ safe bars! Seeing a drag show is ALWAYS a must! Video games are my favorite pass time, so we’d have to hit up the Axecade by the strand then board games at Brews Brothers. And we would have to catch a local band like India Tigers In Texas or To Whom it May wherever they’re playing. My favorite places to hang out when the sun comes down is definitely The Proletariat and Soundbar. As for food my favorite place to eat on the whole island is Yamato, because the food is absolutely spectacular, but they’re one of the few places that is safe for me to eat at since I have celiac disease.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to thank Wendy Taylor, for being such a great inspiration to me, and for always gassing me up when I felt like my music was pointless. She’s the reason why I started pursuing music full time. When I got dropped from my job because of my chronic illness/disability she was there on the phone with me while I sobbed my brains out as I lost all faith in humanity. She’s the reason why I even got out of bed for a very very long time, until I finally believed the words she said- that I was worth something, and that I had talent.

Website: https://ladybirduke.wixsite.com/ladybirduke

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladybird_uke/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LadybirdUke

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LadybirdUke

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8z21hfInkaK4zywV43NVNg

Other: TWITCH: https://www.twitch.tv/ladybird_uke