Q & A: The Band Birdhouse Gets Ready for Don Quixote's Saturday

On Saturday, August 25, Folk Yeah! presents the Santa Cruz-sprouted band Birdhouse, along with Grahame Lesh (Phil Lesh's son) at Don Quixote's in Felton. After a wild summer touring the Northwest, Birdhouse couldn't be more excited to be playing in Santa Cruz again, and they're gearing up for an energetic, love-filled show.

"Hearts will bound, company will be abundant, you will atone for that naughty secret you've been hiding, Jeff Wilson will wear his cowboy hat, Chris will shave the beard that has been growing down to his ankles, Evan can still make a god blush, I won't say too many stupid things, smiles profuse, and maybe someone beautiful will point at you!" said Daniel Talamantes of Birdhouse.

Patch caught up with Talamantes, guitar and lead vocals, to talk about the upcoming show and here is what he had to say: 

Patch: Who is Birdhouse?

Daniel Talamantes: Birdhouse consists of: Chris McIntyre on Bass, Jeff Wilson on drums, Evan Penza on lead guitar and vocals, and me Daniel, on guitar and lead vocals.

Patch: How did you form as a band?

Birdhouse: Essentially the origin of our band started because we are a part of a group of friends packed full of remarkable and talented individuals. In this group that congealed in Santa Cruz, many bands have formed, all based around the North Pacific Company Collective. Birdhouse in particular came from a few of us that wanted to play original songs in the style of Americana, country, jazz and thoughtful rock-n-roll music. 

Patch: How has your music changed since you started playing?

Talamantes: Our band began about four years ago and has definitely changed I can say, mostly composition-wise. This change has happened because after these years of playing and writing we have solidified, identified, and have become more confident in our voice. This has made a great impact on our approach to writing and the songs we choose to cover. We haven't lost our interest in the exploration and experimentation of many styles, but I think now the biggest difference is that we have a better idea as to how to enjoy them and integrate our sound into these new formats. I think that was the hardest part for a while, trying to incorporate a wide range of styles while remaining true to ourselves, we certainly have a good grasp on that now.  

Patch: What does Birdhouse write their songs about?

Talamantes: Our songs are often based around imagery, but focused on realism. Many times it will be a song composed around a problem, psychological or circumstantial, that we ourselves, or based off observation, are facing. The idea is that despite the grim moment where a problem exists, the song will often try and lead (based off the music and lyrics) the listener or character into an insightful discussion with their position and a creative resolution that will guide the character or the listener out of this problem. These all orbit around love, depression, poverty, lonesomeness, conflicting events or just pure boredom. It all comes from optimism essentially, pretty romantic, but I believe has a greater truth than fantasy or escapism. These songs are written by all of us in the band. 

Patch: Are you excited to be playing in Santa Cruz again?

Talamantes: I'm almost unbearably excited to play here again. Been pacing around my house for the last week in anticipation. Can't wait to see and play for our hometown friends and family! We have so much new material and songs that they haven't heard yet. So come on out, we miss you! 

Patch: Where have you been playing in your absence from the Cruz?

Talamantes: We have gone on a Northwest tour and have been playing everywhere in California: the Great American Music Hall, opening for Chris Robinson Brotherhood in the desert down south. We have been meeting a lot of amazing and inspiring musicians, artists, and people. We are really excited to bring these experiences back home to share. 

These next few months will be really busy for us too, we will be opening for some important people around California and we will soon depart on another Northwest tour playing at even better venues and with more awesome bands. We look forward to everything ahead of us!

Patch: How did you come to play this show with Grahame Lesh presented by Folk Yeah!?

Talamantes: We love Folkyeah! They have given us so many amazing opportunities and continual support. We owe so much to Folkyeah! Thanks especially to Britt and Stan. We first heard Grahame Lesh when he joined us at Great American Music Hall. His musical interests are very similar to ours and that of course sparked our interest in his incredible music. Both of our bands have a backstage love affair with The Band. I am incredibly excited to listen to his set and honored to share the stage with Graham Lesh again.  

Patch: Have you played at Don Quixotes before? What do you think of the venue?

Talamantes: Our first time playing there we opened for the Canadian sensation Patrick Watson for a Folkyeah! presents show. It was truly a significant event in Birdhouse history (however short that is). The venue and Patrick Watson, with his bewildering talent of a band, changed our whole idea of live music. I think Patrick Watson said it best, and many times, "This place makes me want to drink rum and coke." I hold Don Quixote's as one of my favorite venues. The staff and general atmosphere of the place is almost to nice to be real. It is a genuine small American town. It, to me, is one of those towns that even if you haven't been there before, it seems familiar and comfortable.

Patch: What should lucky ticket holders expect at Saturday's show?

Talamantes: I guess to sum up what I mentioned above: this is going to be one hell of a show! We are prepared and busting at the seams to come play for you, to perform at that wonderful venue. Hearts will bound, company will be abundant, you will atone for that naughty secret you've been hiding, Jeff Wilson will wear his cowboy hat, Chris will shave the beard that has been growing down to his ankles, Evan can still make a god blush, I won't say too many stupid things, smiles profuse, and maybe someone beautiful will point at you! 

Birdhouse plays Don Quixote's in Felton on Saturday, August 25 at 9 p.m. Tickets are $8 adv/$10 door, ages 21 and up!

Photo Credit: Blake Goodmacher