Birds Of Tokyo: Did You Know?

Uncovering the Lesser-Known Side of Birds of Tokyo: Fun Facts & Untold Stories

Birds of Tokyo are an Australian rock band beloved by many for their catchy melodies and emotive lyrics, but even long-time fans may not know the deeper, more surprising side of this group. Let’s dive into some fun facts and untold stories about the band that you might not have heard before.

1. The Name: A Happy Accident

The name “Birds of Tokyo” has an intriguing origin story. The band wanted something unique and memorable, and while the meaning behind the name remains a bit mysterious, rumor has it that it came up almost by accident. The members were inspired by birds flying over Tokyo, but they’ve kept the exact reasoning vague on purpose, adding to the allure of the band’s mystique.

2. Ian Kenny’s Double Duty

Ian Kenny, the lead singer of Birds of Tokyo, is also the frontman for another highly successful Australian band, Karnivool. These two bands have vastly different sounds, with Karnivool leaning more toward progressive rock and heavier vibes, while Birds of Tokyo has a more alternative, anthemic rock style. Kenny juggled his time between the two for years, which led to some crazy schedules, but his ability to switch between these worlds speaks to his versatility as an artist.

3. From Indie to Mainstream—The Breakthrough Album

Many fans know Birds of Tokyo for their hit songs like "Plans" and "Lanterns," but not everyone knows about the band’s humble beginnings. Their debut album, Day One (2007), was independently released. It wasn’t until their 2010 self-titled album, Birds of Tokyo, that they really broke into the mainstream. That album spawned the hit single "Plans," which went on to dominate the Australian music charts.

4. Writing About Heartbreak: A Healing Journey

Their 2013 album March Fires marked a big shift in their sound and subject matter. It was an emotionally charged record, much of it inspired by Ian Kenny’s personal heartbreak following a breakup. Songs like "Lanterns" carry a sense of moving on and finding hope after loss, and this resonated deeply with listeners. In fact, Kenny has said that writing these songs was a cathartic and healing process for him. Little did he know, the album would become a soundtrack for fans going through their own tough times.

5. Appearing in Unexpected Places

While Birds of Tokyo are well known in Australia, their music has found its way into unexpected places. For instance, their song "Lanterns" was featured in an episode of the popular TV show The Vampire Diaries, introducing their music to a wider international audience.

6. They Almost Didn’t Release Their Biggest Hit

It’s hard to imagine, but one of their biggest hits, "Plans," almost didn’t make the cut. During the production of their self-titled album, the band wasn’t sure if the song was strong enough to release. Thankfully, they decided to take a chance, and it became a massive success, earning them an ARIA Award nomination and solidifying their place in the Australian music scene.

7. Environmentalists at Heart

The band has always been passionate about environmental issues, and in 2019 they made headlines for their involvement in the Make It Rain campaign. This campaign raised funds to support those affected by the devastating Australian bushfires, and the band has consistently used their platform to advocate for sustainability and climate awareness.

8. The Evolving Sound of Birds of Tokyo

One of the most interesting things about Birds of Tokyo is how their sound has evolved over the years. From their indie rock roots to their more recent pop-infused, electronic-tinged tracks, the band continues to reinvent itself. They’ve cited influences ranging from Coldplay to Radiohead, but they’ve always maintained a distinct sound that’s uniquely their own.

9. A Brush With the AFL

Birds of Tokyo has a strong connection to Australian sports, especially the AFL (Australian Football League). Their single "Unbreakable" was used as the official anthem for the 2018 AFL Finals Series. The song was a perfect fit, with its themes of resilience and strength, making it a favorite among sports fans as well.

10. Band Members Go Way Back

Several members of Birds of Tokyo have a long-standing friendship that predates the band’s formation. Guitarist Adam Spark and Ian Kenny first started playing music together in high school, where they were part of different local bands before eventually coming together to form Birds of Tokyo. Their deep bond has been a driving force in the band's longevity and success.

From their mysterious band name to their crossover into TV and sports, Birds of Tokyo are full of surprises and untold stories. Their journey has taken them from indie darlings to one of Australia’s biggest rock acts, with an ever-evolving sound that keeps fans coming back for more. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering their music, there’s always something new to learn and love about this talented group.

One of Birds of Tokyo's most meaningful songs is widely considered to be "Lanterns" from their 2013 album March Fires. The song holds a special place in the band’s discography because of its emotional depth and its connection to the personal struggles of lead singer Ian Kenny.

"Lanterns" was written during a time of great personal change for Kenny, particularly following a difficult breakup. The lyrics reflect themes of moving on, hope, and finding light in dark times. It speaks to the universal human experience of loss, change, and eventually, healing. The metaphor of lanterns lighting the way symbolizes both the personal journey and the collective desire to move forward, making it resonate deeply with fans.

The song's soaring, anthemic quality has also contributed to its impact. "Lanterns" became an anthem of renewal and strength for many listeners, with its uplifting chorus:

“We’re leaving the lights on, the night’s too long
And we keep looking till the light’s gone
Lanterns on the river, leading us home.”

For many, "Lanterns" represents a turning point, not just for the band in terms of their sound but also in terms of emotional resonance with their audience. It became a song of hope and resilience, offering comfort to those going through their own struggles. Its significance goes beyond its chart success, becoming one of their most cherished and meaningful tracks.