Birds of Tokyo

Thu 15th Jan, 2009 in Features

Cheese toast and Marvin Gaye DVDs don’t sound particularly – œrock’, especially not as an aide through a gruelling four hour interview schedule. However, that is exactly what I encountered when catching up with Adam Spark, guitarist, songwriter and producer of Perth’s Birds of Tokyo.

It’s been a busy, often hectic year for the Birds. Following the release of their sophomore offering Universes, the tours in support of both the album and the debut single Silhouettic practically sold out from coast to coast.

“We’re chilling out heaps at the moment. We’ve got quite a bit. We’re lucky to be in a position where music comes first. We’ve all packed in our jobs,” Sparks announces gleefully. “There’s a new jam room, where we hang out a couple of times a week and just go for broke too.”

The random jam sessions could produce a gem for the Birds though. “There are some ideas floating around that are feeling really good,” Adam enthuses. “We have a really good way of writing, and if it comes through for a new album, so be it!”

Plans for a new album may have to be put on hold though, as the Birds join the 2009 national Big Day Out tour, alongside the likes of Neil Young, TV on the Radio and Arctic Monkeys. “We’re really excited to be a part of it. It’s certainly a diverse lineup…a little different to the past, but there’s going to be such a great vibe there. I’m personally looking forward to seeing TV on the Radio and Arctic Monkeys.”

The band was a part of the 2008 Big Day Out, albeit only appearing in their hometown of Perth on the local stage. “That was us! It’s was a lot of fun being a part of the Big Day Out, even if it was just performing to our home crowd, which is always quite special. Be prepared though: now that we’re on the official billing, our lists of demands are going to shoot through the roof!” Sparks chuckles. “Seriously, could you imagine us doing that?”

Hardly, considering the man himself admitting to watching Marvin Gaye DVDs in the short interludes he has between interviews. “You see, I don’t really drink heavily…So that makes me a little less cool than you think.”

What I think barely matters though, as the band has signed themselves to a heavy festival rotation for the next few months. “We’re also jumping on board with Kings of Leon, and we’re heading up to the States for the South by Southwest Festival too.

“I just got home from Melbourne a few days ago,” Spark begins. “I was in town for the Jaegermeister AIR awards, drinking the free beer that was on offer.” Birds of Tokyo were also nominated in two categories on the night – Best Artist and Best Hard Rock/Punk release, both of which they were unsuccessful, yet still stoked to be a part of. “I don’t believe we are an awards band though,” Spark muses. “But we are proud of being independent, and to achieve recognition at the independent awards, well, that’s pretty special, and great to be recognised for.”

Birds Of Tokyo will take flight on the 2009 Big Day Out tour this month.