Careless isn’t the first thing you might expect from a new Birds & Batteries record. After all, the group have dominated San Francisco, with sold out shows and headlining the Bay’s dirtiest rock clubs. But Panorama couldn’t live up to its title more: It’s expanded the bands’ sound and is gleaming with pop sensibility and powerful execution. The songs move effortlessly from the epic grandeur of early harmonized folk pop to the foot tapping groove of Beach Boys loftiness but all with a very clear sense of self actualization. Birds & Batteries know how good they sound and they translate it well on Panorama.
You can purchase Panorama here.
This week we have Birds & Batteries mastermind Mike Sempert answer the world famous Kuestionnaire as we agree with his band-mates that he should invest in a belt…
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1. Could you state your name and what you do in the band?
My name is Mike Sempert. I’m the songwriter/ musical director for Birds & Batteries. I also sing the songs and play keyboards and guitar, produce the records etc.
2. How would you describe your sound?
Influenced by the music of David Byrne, John Lennon, ELO, Elvis Costello, Stevie Wonder.
3. What is your favorite local band?
Hard to say. Honeycomb is up there. I like Walking In Sunlight too. Sam Flax is great.
4. Any concerts that blew your mind recently?
The Flaming Lips at the Fox Theater in Oakland.
5. Any non-musical influences you would like to mention?
The future.
6. If your music was to be the theme of a film/TV show, what would it be?
People keep telling us James Bond. We’re talking with Daniel Craig about it.
7. What musician/artist would you like to collaborate with for a day?
David Byrne of course.
8. What is the album you listen to on a cold rainy day?
Jimmy Giuffre 3 1961
9. List four songs you would listen to on a roadtrip?
- Etta James- “W-O-M-A-N”
- Calexico- “Sunken Waltz”
- Bonnie Prince Billy – “Horses”
- Neil Young- “Vampire Blues”
10. Where do you see yourselves in 7 years?
Making records and touring. Basically what we’re doing now but on a larger scale.
11. What is the last book you read?
In the midst of Keith Richard’s autobiography “Life.” It is incredibly entertaining and you can pick it up anywhere and enjoy it. Hoping to make more progress on it on tour, mostly its been a few pages at a time over coffee.
12. Is image a factor in music or is it a waste of time?
Image is not a factor in music itself. It is a factor in the music business. That said, music is about who we are as artists. The way we present ourselves visually is also a reflection of that creative identity. It seems that’s where they overlap. And visual representation, whether its album art or a web flyer, is part of what we do.
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you would like to share?
Ha. I feel like I’m perpetually hiking up my pants and the band laughs at me. I’m not too embarrassed by it though- seems better than the alternative.
14. Any favorite tour locations?
LA, Albuquerque, Ft. Worth, Boston, New York
15. Lastly, what is your present state of mind?
Decompressing after a tour. Excited to move new music forward into the world.
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Birds & Batteries – We’re An Industry from Panorama (2010)
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Honeycomb – Flesh And Bone Machine from Honeycomb (2010)
“Still Sound” Birds & Batteries Remix by birdsandbatteries