Birds of Tokyo

Tue 10th Mar, 2009 in Features

“I think, for whatever reason, [our] songs are staying with people and even better for us live,” muses Ian Kenny from Birds Of Tokyo. “People are willing to join in, be part of the show and sing their guts out. It’s tops.”

The crowd must reckon it’s tops too. Birds of Tokyo’s second record, Universes, just went gold after a mere seven months on the market. That’s pretty exciting for any band, but it’s especially pleasing for these boys. “Yeah, we were absolutely stoked to be honest. It’s really cool, because the band’s independent. So just for any other [independent] band out there, we really feel quite proud that we went gold on our own steam, and are waving the flag for other indie acts.”

Unsigned, unsuccessful Aussie indie bands rejoice! There’s still hope! While I hasten to point out that Kenny is a somewhat sheepish superstar in the making, he does admit that it wasn’t a total surprise to have found some level of success. As all you other sweating musos know, there’s fuck-all chance of gold records without some ye olde hard work: something Kenny certainly appreciates. It wasn’t that long ago that he was driving trucks for a living.

His responses to my coffee-high ramblings are sweet and considered. Kenny is certainly not a bloke thinking the world owes him something, or that the hard work is behind him. “I kind of knew that driving trucks was a short term gig. I didn’t know how it was going to go but I knew…”

His self-arrogance meter kicks in, and he concedes, “You can kind of see things coming. I’ve been writing songs for years now – just me, and with other people – and you have some idea that you’ve got something good. It’s just a matter of actually planning and making the right decisions around that. Make it work as best you can.”

Yes, planning: diaries, budgets, rah rah rah. Next thing you know, you’ve got someone loading out for you after all your gigs and there’s an ignorant chatter monkey interviewing you for FasterLouder. As – œrock’ as Kenny is, I still have a few ideas for him regarding true superstardom. Stay on the ball while being interviewed I warn, by the time you do your tenth, you’ll be talking as much shit as me.

“I just drink stacks of coffee while I’m doing these things. It’s the best way. How good is coffee?” he exclaims with glee. “It’s got to be one of the best drugs. Caffeine just does it for me.”

“Is that on your rider? Free trade beans hand-crushed by nude maidens? Do you get to be picky, or are you still fighting other bands backstage for the last Carlton Draught?”

He laughs, not wanting to sound like a wanker (he doesn’t). “We get what we ask for [but] we don’t try to be stupid about it. We’ve got a touring party now of about twelve people, so you’ve gotta cater for your crew.”

“Crew?” I exclaim, “Who are these people? Mixers? Roadies?”

“Oh yeah man, we’ve got the whole road crew.”

“Stylist?”

“No.”

“Someone to carry your umbrella?”

“Ah, no,” he laughs. “You are actually starting to put some ideas in my head now.”

The truth is, Ian Kenny needs to look at as many ways to save time as possible. Birds of Tokyo are on a quick tour of Oz, including an appearance at Perth’s sold out Rock-It Festival and a trip to the Apple Isle (“Hobart’s killer, man. Those people, they love it.”)

Melbourne fellows Trial Kennedy were handpicked to support. Enthuses Kenny, “They’re just a kick arse band, such a great opener for us. We choose bands that will pump up crowds, but more so that will pump us up. We like watching a band play before us, getting charged on it, then going out and doing what we do.”

Splendid. Then it’s to America for the Birds, to showcase their wares at the annual South By South West conference. “We’re there for two weeks,” Kenny explains, “Got a handful of shows around the conference, then we’re heading over to LA to do a show, then to San Fran for a show, back to LA and then back to Perth.”

While I am very mindful that this is a Birds of Tokyo interview, we really can’t get away from the fact that Kenny fronts two bands – the other being Karnivool. It’s going to be a massive year for this powerhouse vocalist.

“Ummm, yeah,” he deliberates like a man who does not fancy talking himself up, or taking the attention from his fellow band members. “I’m fairly busy, I suppose. Karnivool’s got a record coming out in May and the – œBirds intend to start writing a third album at the end of this year as well, so it’s gonna be pretty full on.”

“Heaps of DVDs, and I surf a lot. Pretty low key stuff to be honest,” he laughs sheepishly.

“Well, that’s understandable,’ I say, – œTwo pretty full on bands – a lot of energy. You must come off tour a shadow of your former self.”

“Yeah, it takes a few days to get normal,’ he admits, going on to explain that it’s the real birds behind Birds of Tokyo that deserve the thanks. “It’s the ultimate testament to keeping us bloody sane is that we’ve all got really, really good girls on our side.” His lady is especially credited with, “keeping you from losing your shit. I think it would be really tough without someone solid around…”

So, looking ahead, with all the plans that Karnivool and Birds of Tokyo have, it is safe to assume things will be busy for a couple of years. Although Kenny says, “I don’t exactly have a five year plan, but I’m committed to both for the long haul. Both [bands] are quite ambitious groups of people; they’ve both got the talent to churn out – what I think – will be the goods. It’s gonna be pretty hectic if it all goes to plan.” Again with the understatements.

Luckily, while away from his girlfriend-of-grounding-qualities he still manages to escape the pressures of touring with a reflective surf.

“Got a roadie to carry the board then, instead of your umbrella?”

“I don’t take them with me. But there are some people around the country who have boards I can use when I need to. They’re just really good people you know?” The type of guy Kenny seems to me, it’s hardly surprising that he’s got mates on hand to help him catch a wave. It’s gonna be a pretty mad ride.

Birds Of Tokyo have a handful of dates left on their national tour.

Thurs 12 – Palace Theatre, Melbourne
Fri 13 – Hobart Uni Bar, Hobart
Sat 14 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide