British singer-songwriter is set to feature as a supporting act on upcoming Billie Eilish tour dates
Gibson has officially announced alt-rock/pop artist Towa Bird as the newest Gibson Marquee Artist. This collaboration signifies Gibson’s ongoing commitment to supporting emerging talent and fostering an artist-first culture.
“It’s truly amazing to be able to have worked so closely with Gibson and now be their new Marquee Artist,” says Towa. “All my favorite guitar heroes played Gibsons, and I hope to be that one day.”
The Gibson Marquee Artist program is an extension of the brand’s dedication to music discovery and artist development. It goes beyond providing guitars, offering artists comprehensive support and services to accelerate their careers. As a Marquee Artist, Towa Bird will gain access to Gibson’s global resources, participate in collaboratively inspired cultural campaigns, contribute to product development and launches, support Gibson Gives nonprofit initiatives, and partake in special events across Gibson platforms. This partnership will connect her with millions of fans worldwide.
“Boundless and fearless, Towa has such range which you can see in fans, message and music, and in guitar playing from incredible guitar solos to ballads,” says Beth Heidt, Chief Marketing Officer at Gibson. “Towa is an unapologetically unique artist that cannot be categorized and is a true inspiration to players all over the world. We are thrilled to have Towa Bird join us as a Gibson Marquee Artist.”
The program complements other initiatives Gibson has introduced over the past five years, including the Gibson Generation Group (G3), which supports youth artists; the Gibson Gives Scholarship program, providing financial aid to aspiring music students; and Gibson Records, a label that works with artists to produce, record, and promote guitar-driven music.
A rising star and the newest Gibson Marquee Artist
Towa Bird has rapidly gained recognition for her exhilarating live performances and distinctive guitar style. In 2024, she headlined a series of sold-out shows, including a performance at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY, and appearances at the All Things Go festivals in New York and Maryland. Starting November 2, Bird will join Billie Eilish as direct support on seven dates of Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour.
Earlier this year, Bird released her debut album, American Hero, via Interscope Records. The album has received critical acclaim from notable publications such as Billboard, Vanity Fair, and DAZED. Rolling Stone praised her as “the rock ‘n’ roll firecracker we need right now” in a four-star review. Vogue dubbed her “Gen Z’s Joan Jett,” while PAPER magazine declared, “Towa Bird Is Your New Hero.”
Her latest single, “Rat Race,” showcases her urgent guitar work and rapid-fire vocals, delivering a punk-pop anthem that resonates with the frustration of chasing one’s dreams. “It’s about the feeling of being trapped in a cycle where your progress never seems to lead to full satisfaction,” Bird explains. “You work tirelessly, pushing toward what seems like the finish line. But as you approach it, it moves slightly out of reach, keeping you perpetually in the race.”
Who is Towa Bird?
Born in Hong Kong to Filipino and British parents, Towa Bird spent much of her childhood in Thailand and London. She began playing guitar at the age of 12, inspired by bands from her father’s record collection, such as The Kinks and The Who. By age 14, she had formed her first band and performed at dive bars and street festivals in Hong Kong. She later attended Goldsmiths, University of London, before dropping out to pursue music full-time.
Citing influences such as Jimi Hendrix, Joan Jett, and Prince, Bird initially gained attention by posting videos of herself soloing over hip-hop, pop, and R&B tracks. Her unique style caught the eye of artists such as Willow Smith and Tyler, the Creator. After sharing her original music, she signed with Interscope Records and released her debut single, “Wild Heart.” Since then, she has toured with Reneé Rapp across North America and Europe and graced the covers of NME, Highsnobiety, Gay Times, The Face, and more.
Towa Bird’s debut album, American Hero, offers an intimate exploration of queerness, identity, and the complexities of love, solidifying her place as a compelling new voice in the alt-rock/pop landscape.
Check out Towa Bird’s official website and learn more about the first Gibson Marquee Artist, Abraham Alexander.
