Perth-based rockers Birds of Tokyo are set to bring their anthemic sound to Lake Macquarie this February, headlining the Lookout Festival at Speers Point Park on the 7th. The performance marks a key stop on their Starlights tour, a nationwide run that celebrates the band's latest single and its heartfelt collaboration with the Starlight Children's Foundation.
A Song Five Years in the Making
It took Birds of Tokyo nearly half a decade to finalise Starlights, the powerful rock track that now serves as the centrepiece of their current tour. The song was specifically crafted for the Starlight Children's Foundation's "Streamas" campaign, launched late last year to support sick children and their families. Vocalist Ian Kenny reflects on the track's organic journey, noting that its themes of hope and wonder naturally aligned with the charity's mission.
"The song found a life of its own, and a home, which is the collaboration with the Starlight Foundation," Kenny explains. "Like so many of our songs, Starlights is about the human condition; a dream of better places, wondering what's beyond what we have, and if there is some magic out there."
Giving Back on the Road
As part of the tour, Birds of Tokyo will visit children in hospitals across Australia, bringing a touch of musical magic to young patients. The song's official video features an animated montage of artworks created by children, capturing their emotional responses to the music. This charitable focus underscores the band's evolution from their early days, showcasing a mature approach to both creativity and community engagement.
Embracing Creative Patience
With over two decades in the industry and multiple ARIA Awards to their name, Birds of Tokyo have learned the value of patience in their craft. Kenny admits that earlier in their career, the band often rushed songs to release, driven by the "romance of creation." Today, they prioritise letting ideas breathe and develop naturally.
"We've fallen victim to rushing songs in the past, but these days we take our time and we let the song breathe," Kenny says. "Our creative decisions aren't rushed, and we look at why we're putting something out."
This deliberate pace is evident in their recent work, including the 2020 studio album Human Design and the 2024 single Heartbreakers Bar, which surprised fans with its folky, sea shanty vibe. Kenny reveals that the demo for Heartbreakers Bar sat labelled as "Shanty" on their hard drive for a full year before being refined.
From Raw Beginnings to Anthemic Heights
The band first rose to prominence in 2007 with the raw, blues-infused track Wayside from their debut album Day One. Recorded DIY-style in a rented house in Western Australia, that early sound contrasts sharply with the lush, multi-layered anthems like Anchor and Plans that later defined their mainstream success. Kenny cherishes that raw authenticity but embraces the band's growth into more polished, expansive productions.
Lookout Festival Line-Up and Excitement
At Speers Point Park, Birds of Tokyo will share the stage with international act One Republic and fellow Australian artists Eskimo Joe and Sneaky Sound System. Kenny expresses particular excitement about seeing One Republic live, praising frontman Ryan Tedder's songwriting prowess on global hits like Beyonce's Halo.
"They are a monster of a band when it comes to hits," Kenny remarks, highlighting the diverse musical experience festival-goers can expect.
The Lookout Festival promises a dynamic blend of rock, pop, and electronic sounds, with Birds of Tokyo's performance serving as a highlight for fans of anthemic Australian rock. Tickets are currently available for what is shaping up to be a memorable summer event in Lake Macquarie.
