Interview - The Bird And The Bee

The Bird And The Bee just released their steller second album "Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future" and began their supporting tour yesterday in San Diego.
Greg Kurstin was nice enough to answer a few of my questions before they went on tour. Find out who Greg would replace himself in the band with and get the juicy details about The Bird And The Bee's upcoming Hall and Oates cover record that may or may not exist!

Check http://www.thebirdandthebee.com/ for tour dates in your area.


Atlas and the Anchor: Are either of you working on any side/solo projects we should know about?

Greg: I've been working on the Little Boots record. Inara and I have been working on our Hall & Oates covers record.
(Ed. note: Check out Little Boots here: http://www.littlebootsmusic.co.uk/)


AA: People compare you to other bands and make assumptions about your influences but who do you say you are influenced by?

Greg: Prince, Serge Gainsbourg, Os Mutantes, Olivia Newton John, Gal Costa, Muppets.


AA: Name one current and one older song you wish you had written.

Greg: "Jump" Van Halen, "Crazy in Love" Beyonce.


AA: What are you listening to in the tour van?

Greg: Ipod on shuffle. Try to guess the song after hearing 2 seconds of music.


AA: Who are some of your favorite bands to play with and/or who would you like to collaborate with?

Greg: Touring with Obi Best. Would love to collaborate with Prince.


AA: Though the new album has just been released, are you working on ideas for a new album?

Greg: Mostly working on Hall and Oates covers record.


AA: What inspired the cool artwork for "Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future"?

Greg: Saw some art work on a 60's or 70's Steakhouse menu.


AA: It sounds like you have complete control over your artistic vision, describe working with Blue Note Records.

Greg: They are very supportive and really let us work it out ourselves.


AA: If you could replace yourself in the band with another musician, who would it be and why?

Greg: Probably Steven Drozd from Flaming Lips. He's a great musician. Amazing drummer.


AA: What is your favorite song on "Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future" and why?

Greg: My fav is Meteor. Really enjoyed working on the chorus chords. Love Inara's melody.


Atlas and the Anchor would again like to thank Greg for taking the time to answer my questions!

Check out my review of the new album here: http://atlasandtheanchor.blogspot.com/2009/01/bird-and-bee-ray-guns-are-not-just.html

Download "My Love" here: http://www.spin.com/audio/download/41585/Bird_Bee-My-Love.mp3