When you’ve soared to dizzying heights in your career, what step do you take next to intrigue and stimulate your fans? Adam Spark of Birds of Tokyo takes a little time out between phone disasters to chat to FL about what’s next.
Birds of Tokyo are gearing up for their biggest tour of their careers so far – the Broken Strings Tour, which sees them join forces with renowned producer and composer Anthony Cormican for an acoustic tour accompanied by a string orchestra.
Fresh off their stint at Splendour in the Grass, Adam Spark is still bouncing. “There was a killer vibe there,” he enthuses. “It was one of those festivals where we were encouraged to socialise in a well organised atmosphere that had no pretensions to it at all.”
The mere mention of – œorganised’ sets off laughter on both sides of the phone, having dealt with numerous dramas prior to hooking up the actual phone call, including one well-timed call during a petrol run. “Musicians are pretty self indulgent people…Although I’m probably just referring to myself there,” Spark deadpans. “Don’t laugh. I’m serious.”
“In all seriousness though, we’re musicians by trade. And like any other line of work, your aim in to get bigger and better at what you do. I guess the Broken Strings Tour is our way of branching out.”
The Broken Strings tour has been a two-year-long process of arranging, compiling and rehashing. “There’s a fairly organic process to the way we write. There’s a depth and emotional quality to our work that, by arranging it into an acoustic set, really allows the subtler textures of the music to shine through. I think that when you’re sitting in the theatre the night of the
performance, you’ll not only see what we mean, but feel it too.
“Anthony [Cormican] is having an absolute ball. He’s taking this really seriously, which is great. He’s one of those multifaceted people that immediately projects a sense that you and your work are in safe hands. What he’s come up with so far is simply amazing,” Spark continues. “I mean, we have our disagreements into what works and what doesn’t, but it’s a collective effort, so obviously, we’ve all hit the right note so to speak with the final effort.”
Joining the lads on stage will be the exceptionally talented Glenn Sarangapany (try saying that three times quickly), who has already jumped on board with the Birds on their rock tours. “You have to watch him,” Spark proclaims excitedly. “He’ll be getting stuck into the grand piano – it’ll be great to watch.”
Glenn Richards of Augie March fame is supporting the Birds on the tour with his own acoustic set. “Glenn is such a talent; it’ll be great to have him on board. But we’re keeping the tour as organic as possible.” Spark refuses to elaborate further on my carefully worded question regarding a surprise collaboration with Richards. “Organic seems to be my word of the day,” he chuckles.
The Broken Strings tour will be hosted in theatre and town hall venues across Australia, with many of the shows accommodating all ages. “I’m stoked about some of the places we’ll be performing at. I mean, Burswood Theatre back home – my parents are pretty happy about that. Considering the fact that they’re never really likened Birds to performing at such a venue. I’ve heard the QPAC [Concert Hall] in Brisbane is sublime, and Melbourne Town Hall is going to go down a treat.”
Birds fans and orchestra don’t conventionally go hand in hand, but Sparks assures me that – combined with the surroundings – it’ll be a very special night. “I guess in the back of your mind, there’s the tiniest niggling feeling that this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but we’re proud of our efforts. And, fingers crossed, so are the fans.”
Birds Of Tokyo have four shows remaining on their – œBroken Strings’ tour, before they launch into the festival season.
Tuesday November 10 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
Thursday November 12 – Adelaide Town Hall, Adelaide
Saturday November 14 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Sunday November 15 – Melbourne Town Hall, Melbourne
Sunday January 3 – Solar Music Festival, Mornington Racecourse, Victoria
to listen to their music now on 