In full flight

There aren’t too many emerging independent-rock acts who can look back on their year as boasting constant gigging off the back of their widely-acclaimed sophomore release. In particular, earning themselves a J Award nomination (bastions of music cool) and putting the finishing touches to their third single (Wild Eyed Boy’s filmclip). But in the camp of Bird (Birds of Tokyo) according to frontman Ian Kenny it’s been a ‘whirlwind’ effort.
 
“There seems to be stuff in and around the band constantly happening, even though the public might not hear about it where the birds are concerned there is a hive of activity, whether that be through touring actively or writing, bunches endless press. It’s been a very exciting year looking forward to what is ahead.

As the birds pull down the shutters on an impressive 2008 it looks set to be bigger for them in 2009. Big Day Out promoters have included them on their national dance card this year, a festival like that Kenny considers to be so well organised and run that it’s hard not to amped up for it. When pressed as to the particular city he’s hyped to play most he’s torn.

“Gold Coast because well, I love the weather up there. The hotter the better although we’re looking forward to all the shows, Adelaide have fearless sorts of crowd, and will get into us there,” he adds.

Clip for Broken Bones/Silhouettic from Birds of Tokyo

It’s not only Adelaide who will get their rocks on when the Birds take to the stage for their Big Day Out slots, their wide stream appeal is evident Kenny believes because of the growth of a solid audience after each of their shows.

“Thing about the Birds at this point in the industry we’re a band that seems to be very much under the radar and we’re I guess breaking moulds to become successful but we are just enjoying it, and we have fun with our music – love touring and people get off on that so that’s great.”

The year ahead means the Birds look likely to fly - to the States, at this stage they are still considering a posse at the reputable industry conference South by Southwest – in Austin, Texas. For Kenny the fact they’ve retained independent status could serve them well for this trip.

“The main reason for going is that there is such a concentration of labels, record A and R reps and industry crew looking there for bands who are new and exciting,” he said. Other drawcards exist to lure him to the States too, the non-stop bands he can see as a punter at the conference and the Texan beer he will be able to resample.

“When we were in Louisanna we toured there for two months we did find some good tasting beers, I’m not sure what they’re named but no doubt I’ll find them again.”

Birds of Tokyo play the Big Day Out shows throughout January. Visit www.bigdayout.com for details and tickets in some states.

Posted: December 10th, 2008 under INTERVIEWS.
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