A KIDS’ band comprised of a helmet-wearing man who does not show his face, a seven-year-old boy and a robot that blast their way through time and space from their home base at Wallaga Lake have hit success this Christmas.
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Luke Ferguson and his son Elliot, assisted by their robot DJ Scooter, are the team behind Battlebird, named after the band’s time machine the Space-Chicken 2000.
Despite only starting writing about two years ago, and only performing one live show, the band has already made waves with their song Ho Ho Ho Let’s Go appearing on ABC Kids Christmas - Volume 2 album.
“If you look at the track listing on the album, there’s the Bananas In Pyjamas, Sesame Street and The Wiggles, so we are absolutely stoked to be rubbing shoulders with the heavy hitters of kids’ rock,” Luke said.
It is a little unusual having a father, son, robot combination.
- Luke Ferguson
Originally from Canberra, when Elliot started at Bermagui Public School he was a little shy at first.
To try and help instill a bit more confidence in his son, Luke decided to start the band, teaching Elliot how to record, write, hold a tune as well as shoot and edit videos in their garage.
“We decided we were were going to write music that isn’t dumbed down, that Elliot would like to listen to as a seven-year-old,” Luke said.
Over time, Elliot’s teachers noticed his confidence improve and Luke said the band strengthened his relationship with his son.
“I knew it would bring him out of his shell a bit, and as long as he is having fun we will continue to do it,” Luke said.
“I’ve been trying on and off for the last 20 years to get somewhere in music.
“Right now, Battlebird is the most fun I’ve ever had.
“But it is a little unusual having a father, son, robot combination.”
Inspiration for their music, full of synths and sound effects, comes from 1980s pop rock and ’80s-’90s hip hop.
Luke said the most important thing is to have fun while making music.
“We write lyrics to make each other laugh,” he said.
“When we are writing rap song we try and come up with the silliest thing we can.”
For instance, lyrics include lines like “cos I’m hot like volcanoes and cool like gelati, I roll like a doughnut and I’ll rock your party”.
With an EP, Good Times, already under their belt the band is currently working on a new album, titled Life Is Good, to be released around March.
Battlebird plans on launching their new album in Bermagui and has been invited to play at the Eurobodalla’s River of Art Festival in May, 2016. For more information on the band visit www.battlebirdplanet.com.