Birdie

Birdie, composed of Paul Kelly and Deborah Wykes, or Debsey, was an indie pop duo that formed in 1997 after playing in Saint Etienne's live backing band.

Both members had previous musical jaunts however. London native Wykes opened for the likes of The Fall, The Jam, and The Undertones while fronting her band Dolly Mixture. Kelly was known for his stint with UK indie quartet East Village and directing promo videos for various bands.

Their first album "Some Dusty" was released in August 1999 on It Records (which Bob Stanley of Saint Etienne provided A&R duties for) in the UK. The follow-up "Triple Echo" was released in October 2001. Their last release was a rarities/odds 'n' sods compilation "Reverb Deluxe" in April 2003 following which an announcement claiming that Birdie had ended.

The duo still live together as a couple in London, Kelly forging ahead with a career as a documentary film director (working closely with Saint Etienne). Wykes, meanwhile, still tours with Saint Etienne as backing vocalist and has recently collaborated with the band on the soundtrack to their film "What Have You Done Today, Mervyn Day?" (directed by Kelly).