The Digital Outhouse

Reno Stache: My name is Reno Stache from thedigitalouthouse.com. We at TDO appreciate your time answering these questions for us. 

(in a Jerry Seinfeld voice) What’s the deal with Bye Bye Blackbird and why did you switch to Blackbird Blackbird?

Mikey S: We had to change the name from Bye Bye Blackbird to Blackbird Blackbird due to another band with a similar name forcing us to do so. The issue has been resolved since I’m known as Blackbird Blackbird now, so everything is all gravy.

RS: How did you come up with the sound of your music?  What are you aiming for?

MS: I get very high on life and bliss out to sweet art made by friends and bands I love, then get super inspired and have to let it out via songcraft.

RS: Here comes the obligatory “hey up and coming artist! Who are your musical influences?” question!

BB: Sweet, no one has asked me this yet, ummm… I love Apparat, Aphex Twin, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Toro Y Moi, Delorean, Elliott Smith, Jeff Buckley, Neil Young, Mathemagic, Washed Out, I don’t know, there are so many influences. I love Between The Buried In Me, Modest  Mouse, The Pixies, Dinosaur Jr., Flying Lotus, The Velvet Underground, Brian Wilson, Jon Brion, there’s too many to list.

RS: Can you describe the sound of your music in a haiku? 

MS: I spent seven hours thinking of this brutal poem, check it out.

6/8 time is not a crime, purely happily high so sorry, guy!

RS: What is your current studio/recording set up?

MS: I produce and record in my bedroom. I use magic, alchemy, and an epic maelstrom of synths and midi controllers; not to mention the MOST EXPENSIVE high-tech recording equipment available, EVER. Obviously I’m kidding about the price of the equipment, but in all honesty, my recording process is very simple and really fun for me. I love experimenting with effects and synths, coming up with new sounds is very addicting.

RS: My favorite song of your Happy High EP is “So Sorry, Girl.” Is there a story behind that song?

MS: Sweet I’m glad you like it! It’s mainly just about an argument with a girl.

RS: Big question.  What can we expect from Blackbird Blackbird in 2010?

MS: 2010 is a very exciting year for me, I’m in the process of writing a full-length album which will be done pretty soon. I plan to release a couple tapes/vinyls during summer, hopefully a 10” or 7” on Arcade Sound Ltd, a split 7” with Treasures on a new label called Double Denim (UK), and a sweet cassette on Orchid Tapes. The full-length is going to be the main goal for me, but I also want to tour with Mathemagic at some point (hopefully this happens). 

RS: Thanks again for your time and we wish you the best of luck.  

MS: You’re welcome, thanks for the very unique and interesting questions!

Blackbird Blackbird - Summer Heart from mikey sanders on Vimeo.