Birds Of Tokyo Interview

One of the most popular bands in Australia right now, Birds Of Tokyo will be taking to the main stage at Deni Ute Muster on Friday 2nd October. With their new EP ‘Anchor’ still making waves across the country, we had a chat with keyboardist, Glenn Sarangapany, to find out what they’ve been getting up to since their return from the States.
Hi Glenn, how are you?
Excellent! A little tired and glad to not be on a plane.
It’s been a big year for you guys following your stint in America; did it change you at all as writers and musicians? Or even as people?
Maybe just by putting on a few kilos each from eating too many burgers. We explored a bunch of ways to write as a band while we were in the States. The biggest effect on us wasn’t the country itself, more that we were all living in one house – kinda like The Monkees, but with more drinking. It was an intense creative environment. Possibly a little too intense at times, but still really fun!
What did you miss about Australia while you were away?
The AFL! Right until Adam Weston and I figured out how to stream the footy, we missed most of the season while we were there. I should probably say our families as well.
Did you have any favourite haunts in the US?
There was a bar called The Black Boar right down the road from where we were living. It had a dartboard and on Thursday night there was a DJ who played songs that sounded like Led Zeppelin but weren’t Led Zeppelin.

You’ll be playing at Deni Ute Muster this October in Deniliquin; where’s the most regional part of Australia you’ve played?
Everyone is currently catching up on sleep from playing a show in Port Hedland in WA two nights ago. I’d have to get out a map to mark off our other show dates but it’s gotta be up there.
How does it compare to performing in a city?
It’s great fun. It can be a much crazier show because it’s sometimes rare for bands to be playing so far away from the city. The crowd can really make the gigs special. Always good fun and always shows that we look forward to.
How will you be enjoying the festival yourselves?
It’s our first time playing the Ute Muster. I’ve been looking at the photos on the net from the previous years. Looks like a party. Gonna roll with it and see where the vibe takes us. Maybe get Ian Berney into the ring with the wrestlers?
Your tracks are so anthemic and so suited to arenas; how do you transfer that to a festival setting?
We try to write music that will connect in no matter what setting it’s in. At festivals, it’s all about making the stage sound as huge as possible. We’ve learnt that if the crowd is singing along and getting into a gig, it’s always gonna feel like an arena.
How would you describe a Birds of Tokyo set?
Loud! The current setlist is the loudest one we’ve had in years. We’re going for high energy. Trying to out-do each show with the next one.
What’s the craziest thing that’s happened at one of your shows?
I can’t really get into the better stories without going over a PG rating. But we’ve been playing a few festivals recently and, man, some of the costumes that kids are wearing for the shows are pretty funny. At our last gig, some guy was dressed as Duffman from The Simpsons. With the full muscle costume and everything. It’s very strange to look up and see Duffman singing along to every word for a whole set.
What are your pastimes while on tour? How do you keep yourselves amused during long drives or flights?
We’ve got a routine for long drives where the person in the passenger seat is in charge of keeping the driver entertained. Everyone has their own way of doing it. I think my favourite so far was when Ian Berney went through the entire history of The Flash on Wikipedia. Entertaining AND informative.
Watch Birds Of Tokyo at Deni Ute Muster on Friday 2nd October. Get your tickets from www.deniutemuster.com.au