Austin musician drawn in by birds
By Brad Barry

The Daily Texan

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Share this article Published: Monday, September 14, 2009

Updated: Monday, September 14, 2009


Photo Courtesy of Annie Ray

Jonathan Meiburg, of the Austin-based band Shearwater, is this week's Music Monday guest.
Along with being the songwriter and vocalist behind the acclaimed indie rock of Shearwater, Jonathan Meiburg is really into birds. It was UT’s graduate program in ornithology that brought him to Austin, where he first joined Okkervil River and then moved on to playing in Shearwater full time.

Currently, his band, which fluidly oscillates between the intimate and the majestic, is playing in Europe as part of an international tour, but Meiburg took some time to tell The Daily Texan a little about himself.

Daily Texan: What album have you listened to the most in the last week?

Jonathan Meiburg: We’ve been in the studio finishing our new album over the last week, so that’s probably the most truthful answer; also Ege Bamyasi by Can.

DT: If you could collaborate with any musician in the world, who would it be?

JM: Roger Waters.

DT: What was the best show you’ve ever played?

JM: Maybe the Bataclan in Paris, last year.

DT: What was the worst show you’ve ever played?

JM: Cafe Mundi, solo, many years ago. No one came. I thought the kind lady behind the counter was cute though, so maybe it wasn’t the worst. I think she felt sorry for me.

DT: What is your favorite song to play live?

JM: Hard to say. I still like “Hail Mary” a lot, and “Rooks.” But I’m really looking forward to playing new songs.

DT: When you were forming the band were there any alternate band names you didn’t pick?

JM: I had the name in my head before the band got together.

DT: Where is your favorite place to eat in Austin?

JM: Hai Ky. And my own kitchen.

DT: Do you have a day job?

JM: No. Who would hire you when you’re on tour half the year?

DT: What is your favorite Web site?

JM: 10000birds.com

DT: What is a perfect day for you?

JM: A day that doesn’t involve travel by car, van or airplane.

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