Birds & Batteries (Podcast #233)
Our podcast this week spotlights Birds & Batteries, a San Francisco band mixing electronic and acoustic elements into dynamic indie rock. The band’s latest album, Panorama, comes out October 12th on Spune/Velvet Blue Music, and it finds the quartet reincorporating some of the alt-country/Americana elements that weren’t present on 2009’s funky, synth-focused Up To No Good EP. This is Birds & Batteries the rock band, with compelling guitar hooks and a heartfelt twang complimenting bandleader Mike Sempert’s thoughtful lyrics. The layers demonstrate Sempert’s skill as a sonic craftsman, committed to transforming the unique melding of sounds into winning, honest music. Lucky for him (and us), he’s surrounded by bandmates with the talent and determination to pull it off.
We sat down with Mike and and Jill to discuss the long process of crafting Panorama, and the band’s mixture of electronic and acoustic elements. We’ve also included four songs from Birds & Batteries, including three from Panorama, in the episode.
Upcoming Shows:
After their record release show in SF, Birds & Batteries hit the road again in November. See all their upcoming dates at their web site.
Friday, October 15th
Bottom of the Hill
with Geographer and The Holy Rolling Empire (Panorama record release show)
10pm, $10/12
Links:
– Visit Birds & Batteries at their web site, on Facebook and MySpace.
– Panorama comes out October 12th on Spune/Velvet Blue Music. Purchase past B&B releases and other merch from their web site and on iTunes.
– Listen to the band’s recent Daytrotter session.
– Check out Birds & Batteries’ Chasing the Moon session and other videos.
