WERS 88.9 fm - Artist Interview: Birdmonster

There are some musicians who never stop performing. Even in the WERS studio, Peter Arcuni, lead singer of the band Birdmonster, danced along as he crooned into the microphone, swinging his guitar back and forth as he played. Originally hailing from San Francisco, Birdmonster is on tour promoting their second full-length album, From the Mountain to the Sea, which was released in September. Of recording the new album, Arcuni says, “We're such a live band, so being in the studio runs the risk of being very sterile.” With the help of producer Tom Schick, they managed to create an album with the same colorful, upbeat vibe associated with their live shows. Their set for WERS included songs from this album like the beat-driven “New Country” and “Heart of the Dead,” which Arcuni calls “a special Halloween song.”

From the Mountain to the Sea is a follow-up to their first album No Midnight, released in 2006. The producer for this album, Bradley Cook, has worked with many other talented musicians, so when asked how Birdmonster got him to record for them, they joke, “We slept with him—collectively.” Not that it would require that much convincing, as Birdmonster boasts a fun and friendly attitude along with a lot of talent. The band was formed in 2004 with the release of their self-titled EP. Arcuni met bass player Justin Tenuto in college, and Tenuto knew guitarist David Klein, who then suggested Zachary Winter to be drummer for the band. “Then we signed the knot,” says Klein. “I'm mixing metaphors—I mean tied the knot.” To this Arcuni adds, “Till death do us part.”

Although they may fumble in speaking at times, the guys from Birdmonster are never lacking in passion for their music. When asked about their process in making From the Mountain to the Sea, Tenuto says, “We threw the kitchen sink at the next album.” 

Similarly, Arcuni says what feels most natural for them is usually what is best. “We just see what comes out and what we're all gravitating towards.” Even naming their band was a very organic process for Birdmonster. “It's just something that we thought of one day,” Arcuni says. “We thought people would ask questions, get interested in us.” 

There certainly is a lot about Birdmonster that makes them interesting. Recently they were denied access to Canada because of problems with Immigration, so they had to cancel their shows in Toronto and Montreal. Their American fans will be happy to know that after their show at T.T. the Bear's in Cambridge on Halloween, Birdmonster will continue their United States tour in New York City. Hopefully they will keep bringing their sense of humor and spirited music for a long time to come.

www.birdmonstermusic.com

-Elizabeth Uzzell