Birds of Tokyo

Infobox musical artist
Name = Birds of Tokyo


Img_capt =
Background = group_or_band
Origin = Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Genre = Alternative rock
Years_active = 2004–present
Label = Independent
URL = [http://www.birdsoftokyo.com/ Official website]
Current_members = Ian Kenny
Adam Spark
Anthony Jackson
Adam Weston
Past_members =

Birds Of Tokyo is an alternative rock band from Perth, Western Australia.

History

Birds of Tokyo formed from a collaboration between members of other well known Perth acts including Karnivool and Tragic Delicate. Birds of Tokyo's music marries soaring vocal melodies with catchy rock based guitar hooks and a driving rhythm section, the live show is filled with an energy as raw and exposing as it is energetic, emotive and fun.

Birds of Tokyo were formed in 2004 and despite the relatively short life time of the band they have already established themselves as one of Perth’s premier rock bands, regularly playing their own headlining shows at packed venues such as Amplifier, Rosemount Hotel, Metros Fremantle and Capitol.

2005 saw Birds of Tokyo release two EPs, the first was released in January as a teaser/demo and the songs received airplay on Triple J, 96fm, RTRFM, Base FM, FBi and PBS. The second, a double A side single recorded in Melbourne with acclaimed producer Forrester Savell (Helmet, Full Scale, Karnivool), was launched at the Amplifier Bar to a packed out crowd of almost 500 people with the single “Stay” having already been nominated for the WAMi Rock Song Of the Year Award.

The band have toured nationally several times and been featured in media including [http://www.xpressmag.com.au Xpress] , [http://www.zebrahype.com.au Zebra Hype] , Adrenaline Zine, [http://www.perthbands.com.au Perthbands.com] , Beat Magazine and Base TV. 2006 saw the band touring regional WA on a three week tour in January, before returning to Melbourne to finish working on their debut album, "Day One". The album was released on 3 February 2007 and debuted at #88 on the ARIA album charts and #3 on the AIR album charts. Following the release the band embarked on their 'Day One' tour in February 2007 played in five capital cities around Australia.

Birds of Tokyo also performed at the Perth leg of the 2007 Big Day Out and were named in Rolling Stone magazine as 'Artists to Watch' in 2007. [cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,21718611-5005381,00.html |title=Driven to succeed |publisher=PerthNow.com |date=2007-05-12 |last=Hanna |first=Jay |accessdate=2008-08-11]

At the 2007 WAMi Awards Birds of Tokyo won two WAMingtons for 'Favourite Newcomer' and 'Best Male Vocalist' (Ian Kenny).

In April 2007 the band played at Blackjack 2007 (relocated Rock-It festival) and then undertook another national tour in support of their debut album.

Birds of Tokyo were nominated for two awards in the 2007 AIR Awards (Australian Independent Record Association) for 'Best Performing Independent Album' [cite web |url=http://www.air.org.au/index.php?cID=2117&apply=&webpage=air_charts&menuID=519 |title=Best Performing Independent Album (2007 nominees) |publisher=AIR |accessdate=2008-08-11] and 'Most Outstanding New Independent Artist'. [cite web|url=http://www.air.org.au/index.php?cID=2120&apply=&webpage=air_charts&menuID=522 |title=Most Outstanding New Independent Artist (2007 nominees) |publisher=AIR |accessdate=2008-08-11]

The band recorded their second album "Universes" in Margaret River, Western Australia, which was mixed in Los Angeles, California. The debut single from the album, "Silhouettic", was released as a free download on April 14, 2008. The album was released July 5 2008 and debuted at No. 3 on the ARIA album charts [cite web|url=http://www.australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Birds+Of+Tokyo&titel=Universes&cat=a |title=Universes - Birds of Tokyo |publisher=Australian-charts.com |accessdate=2008-08-11] and at No. 1 on the AIR album charts. [cite web|url=http://www.australianmusicoffice.com/Charts/59/ |title=AIR Charts |publisher=Australian Music Office|accessdate=2008-08-11]

Members

The members of Birds Of Tokyo are:

* Ian Kenny - Vocals
* Adam Spark - Guitar
* Anthony Jackson - Bass
* Adam Weston - Drums

Discography

Albums

* "Day One" – Egg Records (Independent)/MGM Distribution (2007) #88 AUS
* "Universes" – Independent/MGM Distribution (2008) #3 AUS

EPs

* "Birds of Tokyo" (Demo) – Independent (2005)
* "One Way/Stay" – Independent (October 2005)

ingles

* "Off Kilter" – Egg Records (Independent) (2006)
* "Black Sheets" (2007)
* "Wayside" (2007)
* "Silhouettic" (2008)
* "Broken Bones" (2008)

Awards and nominations

* 2005 WAMi Award – Rock Song of the Year – "Stay"

* 2007 WAMi Award – Favourite Newcomer
* 2007 WAMi Award – Best Male Vocalist – Ian Kenny

* 2008 WAMi Award – Most Popular Album – "Day One"
* 2008 WAMi Award – Best Rock Act

* 2008 WAMi Award nomination – Best Guitarist – Adam Spark
* 2008 WAMi Award nomination – Best Male Vocalist – Ian Kenny
* 2008 WAMi Award nomination – Best Drummer – Adam Weston
* 2008 WAMi Award nomination – Best Instrumentalist – Glenn Sarangapany

External links

* [http://www.birdsoftokyo.com/ Birds Of Tokyo website]
* [http://www.myspace.com/birdsoftokyo Birds Of Tokyo MySpace website]
* [http://www.amo.org.au/qa_interview.asp?id=1172 Australian Music Online Interview]

References