Birds Of Tokyo
Image: Matt "Makoh" Sim. (Photo: Bodie Strain; Star Observer)
Birds Of Tokyo have been together for 15 years now but over the course of the last couple of years they had been relatively silent when it came to new music so some fans began to question whether they may have in fact been finished. That speculation was put to rest last month with the unveiling of their new single, Unbreakable, as the theme song for the upcoming Invictus Games.
When City Hub sat down to chat with bassist Ian Berney we were given a greater insight into the reasoning behind the silence.
“We never felt like this project was finished because there is such an incredible chemistry between the five of us but we had to sit down and have a heartfelt conversation about where we wanted to take the music next,” explained Berney. “Everyone had different perspectives but we found common ground in that we all felt we could head back into the pop world and write big beautiful pop songs that would connect on a wider stage with fans.”
That new direction took some time to settle into but ultimately it was the selection of the Unbreakable demo as the theme song for the Invictus Games which cemented in the bands mind that this was the right decision.
“[Ian] Kenny came up with the line “cause you’re unbreakable” as a chorus and we weren’t sure wether it was right or not because at the time we could see that unbreakable as song had been written many times so we tried to look for a different way to say that but we couldn’t beat that line. Then when our manager told us about the Invictus Games decision it all clicked and painted the song perfectly in what we were trying to achieve.”
For Berney the opportunity to work with the Invictus Games and the incredible athletes who participate is an “amazing” and “inspiring” moment.
“Their sheer determination and ability to create something from adversity is truely inspiring, these athletes give a new perspective on persistence so I have a lot of respect for the people who become champions of sport even though they’re missing arms or legs.”
Before performing at the Invictus Games though Birds of Tokyo will be performing in Sydney at the Get Your Groove On festival which Berney says is going to be a “crazy show” simply because of the vast catalogue of songs the band now has at their disposal.
Oct 13, Get Your Groove On, Bella Vista Farm, Norwest Blvd & Elizabeth MacArthur Drive, Bella Vista. $75-$89+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.getyourgrooveon.com.au
