The name and iconic symbol of Radio Birdman evoke many images for those who know and love Australian rock music. Some memories are good, some are bad, but none are a compromise. A legend it is said. But it's time now to look forward, not back. The future of Radio Birdman is here…today.
In 1996, the original line-up reformed for the Big Day Out. Guitarists Deniz Tek and Chris Masuak, and vocalist Rob Younger had all been creatively active in their own bands. They had maintained contact, occasionally working together with one another and keyboard player Pip Hoyle on various projects. They found that a unique chemistry and special presence returned when they played together as Radio Birdman.
Veteran bass player and long-time friend Jim Dickson then joined in 2000. After several local tours, built around appearances at events such as Homebake and The Falls, the group toured Europe, making festival appearances and playing sellout club shows. The current lineup was completed last year with the arrival of Russell Hopkinson, well known for his role in You Am I and considered by many to be one of Australia's best rock drummers.
With a fresh rhythm section opening up new vistas of sonic exploration, the band spent the better part of last year readying an album of new material. Recently recorded in Sydney and produced by Deniz Tek with engineer Greg Wales, the album, Zeno Beach breaks new ground and will defy expectations.
Radio Birdman are, as they always have been, independent of the mainstream music industry. The new recording, as well as their live performance schedule, is totally self-financed and self-directed. They owe nothing to anyone. They see their independence as essential to maintaining complete artistic freedom. What you hear is solely the creative output of the band, not a marketing strategy.