“Since Billie Eilish burst onto the music scene with her genre-bending sound, guitarists and pianists around the world have been clamoring to get their hands on her iconic ‘Bad Guy’ and ‘When the Party’s Over’ hits. But one song has stood out from the rest as the holy grail of covers: ‘Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight’ – the hauntingly beautiful track that has captured the hearts of musicians everywhere. Despite not taking home the coveted Grammy for Record of the Year, ‘Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight’ has been the go-to song for guitarists and pianists looking to push the boundaries of their craft, and we’re here to explore why it’s earned a special place in the hearts of music enthusiasts everywhere.”
The Unexpected Fan Favorite: Billie Eilish’s Birds of a Feather

Despite not taking home the Grammy for Record of the Year, Billie Eilish’s Birds of a Feather has proven to be a fan favorite among guitarists and pianists. According to research by Morningpicker, 3.3 million guitarists viewed the tab for Birds of a Feather, and 185,000 pianists/keyboard players wanted to learn the song. This puts it ahead of other Record of the Year nominees, including Not Like Us by Kendrick Lamar.
This unexpected popularity can be attributed to the song’s unique structure and melody, which sets it apart from other hip-hop tracks. Birds of a Feather features a haunting melody and intricate instrumentation, making it a compelling choice for musicians looking to challenge themselves.

Breaking Down the Record of the Year Nominee
Viewership Numbers: A Clear Winner
Morningpicker’s research reveals that Birds of a Feather was the seventh-most-viewed tab on Ultimate Guitar among Record of the Year nominees, and fourth-most-viewed on MuseScore. Not Like Us, the actual Record of the Year winner, was still a popular choice, but came in behind Birds of a Feather in terms of viewership.

Why Guitarists and Pianists Want to Play It
Birds of a Feather’s unique sound and style have captivated musicians, making it a sought-after song to learn and play. The song’s structure and melody offer a refreshing change from traditional hip-hop tracks, which often focus on rhythmic flow and lyrics. Instead, Birds of a Feather features a haunting melody and intricate instrumentation, making it a compelling choice for musicians looking to challenge themselves.

The Power of Covers: Breaking Down Boundaries
The popularity of Birds of a Feather among guitarists and pianists highlights the power of covers in breaking down boundaries between genres. By reinterpreting and reimagining a song in a new way, musicians can breathe new life into a track and make it their own. This process not only showcases the musician’s creativity but also allows the original song to reach a wider audience.
The Impact of Birds of a Feather on the Music Community
Instrumental Covers of Hip-Hop Tracks: A Rare Occurrence
According to Morningpicker, hip-hop is less common in instrumental covers due to its focus on rhythmic flow, lyrics, and beats rather than chord progressions or lead melodies. However, the popularity of Birds of a Feather among guitarists and pianists shows that there is a growing interest in instrumental covers of hip-hop tracks.
The Rise of Creativity and Interpretation
The rise of instrumental covers of hip-hop tracks highlights the importance of allowing musicians to reinterpret and reimagine a song in their own way. This process not only showcases the musician’s creativity but also allows the original song to reach a wider audience. By embracing this creative process, musicians can push the boundaries of what is possible and create something truly unique.
Empowering Musicians: The Democratization of Music
The popularity of Birds of a Feather among guitarists and pianists is a testament to the democratization of music. With the rise of online platforms and resources, musicians can now access a wealth of information and tools to help them learn and create music. This has empowered musicians to take control of their own creative process and to produce high-quality music that is truly their own.
The Significance of Billie Eilish’s Song in the Music Industry
Billie Eilish’s Unique Sound and Style
Billie Eilish’s songwriting approach has been widely praised for its uniqueness and creativity. Her use of haunting melodies and intricate instrumentation has set her apart from other artists in the industry. Birds of a Feather is a prime example of this, with its soaring melody and emotive lyrics.
The Impact of Birds of a Feather on Billie Eilish’s Career
Birds of a Feather has been a significant factor in Billie Eilish’s success. The song’s unique sound and style have captivated audiences and helped to establish her as a rising star in the music industry. The song’s popularity among guitarists and pianists has also helped to introduce her music to a wider audience.
The Future of Music: Embracing New Trends and Styles
The popularity of Birds of a Feather among guitarists and pianists highlights the importance of embracing new trends and styles in music. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible and experimenting with new sounds and techniques, musicians can create something truly unique and innovative.
Practical Applications for Musicians
Learning to Play Birds of a Feather: Tips and Resources
For musicians looking to learn Birds of a Feather, there are a number of resources available online. Ultimate Guitar and MuseScore offer a range of tabs and sheet music, while YouTube tutorials and online lessons can provide step-by-step guidance. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Start with the basics: Make sure you have a good understanding of the song’s structure and melody before attempting to learn it.
- Practice regularly: Break the song down into smaller sections and practice each part regularly.
- Experiment with different techniques: Don’t be afraid to try out different techniques and styles to find what works best for you.
- Choose a song that resonates with you: Select a song that speaks to you and that you feel passionate about.
- Experiment with different arrangements: Don’t be afraid to try out different arrangements and styles to find what works best for you.
- Practice, practice, practice: Make sure you have a good understanding of the song’s structure and melody before attempting to learn it.
- Choose musicians who share your vision: Select musicians who share your vision and style.
- Communicate effectively: Make sure to communicate clearly and effectively with your collaborators.
- Be open to new ideas: Don’t be afraid to try out new ideas and approaches.
How to Make the Most of Covers and Instrumentals
Covers and instrumentals can be a great way to showcase your creativity and skills as a musician. Here are a few tips to make the most of them:
The Power of Collaboration: Working with Other Musicians
Collaborating with other musicians can be a great way to learn and grow as a musician. Here are a few tips to make the most of collaborations:
Conclusion
In conclusion, the article “It might not have won her a Grammy, but Billie Eilish’s Birds of a Feather is the Record of the Year nominee that most guitarists and pianists want to play” highlights the captivating appeal of Billie Eilish’s music, particularly among musicians. The key points discussed in the article revolve around the unique characteristics of “Birds of a Feather” that make it a favorite among guitarists and pianists, including its haunting melody, intricate composition, and emotional depth. The main argument presented is that despite not winning a Grammy, this song has resonated with musicians and music enthusiasts alike, solidifying Billie Eilish’s position as a talented and innovative artist.
The significance of this topic lies in its implications for the music industry and the way artists connect with their audience. The fact that “Birds of a Feather” has become a beloved choice among musicians suggests that the song’s emotional resonance and technical complexity have struck a chord with those who appreciate the craft of music-making. As the music landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how artists like Billie Eilish push the boundaries of creativity and innovation, inspiring a new generation of musicians and music enthusiasts. Looking ahead, it’s likely that we’ll see more artists experimenting with unique sounds and styles, leading to a rich and diverse musical landscape.