Perhaps you’ve heard of the Bowerbirds before. Having toured extensively with the likes of John Vanderslice, Phosphorescent, and Bon Iver, these Raleigh, N.C. natives are ready to introduce you to their unique blend of sweet off-kilter melodicism from their latest album The Clearing. They joined us before their show this Sunday night at The Earl for our 5GB series.
What’s the first gig you’ve ever attended?
Mine was a Sting concert in ninth grade at Walnut Creek Amphitheater. Wait, I actually used to go to see The Embers at outdoor concerts as a small child. My parents were into beach music.
What is the best gig that you’ve ever played/performed?
I really like playing the European festivals, especially Green Man and End of the Road. They are in these misty glens. You half expect a druid spirit being to be next to you on stage. And the hot dry cider is to die for.
What is the best gig you have ever seen?
Lavender Diamond in the Presbyterian church at SXSW 2008: completely stunning. Yeasayer was also great when I saw them at the Cat’s Cradle, in Carrboro, NC, in 2011 and 2007.
Gig you would most like to play?
I just like playing in beautiful theaters or beautiful outdoor settings.
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
We’ve gotten asked to support The National, on tour, several times, but the timing never worked out. I’d love to finally make that happen, and to play The Fox Theater, in Atlanta, GA, with them. I went to see a band play there once, and it was beautiful. The ceiling was painted like a summer sky, and lit up as you arrive at your seats. Then, as the lights dim, the sky turns to a night sky, complete with twinkling stars. It’s pretty magical. That was a long time ago. I hope that venue is still like that.
Catch Bowerbirds this Sunday April 15th at THE EARL.
