When asked the question musicians usually hate most -- how would you describe your music if you absolutely gun-to-your-head had to – guitarist/vocalist, Mike Sempert comes up with a surprising juxtaposition. "It's like Indie Pop," he says, "with old country and electronics."

It's an apt comparison. "After A Flood", from their last 2007 release, I'll Never Sleep Again, sounds like Remain in Light-era Talking Heads, reinvented as modern electro in the vein of Matthew Dear or Hot Chip. By contrast, the album's title track and the track "Toothache" from their previous effort “Selections From Nature vs. Nature" combine the melancholy and hollow sound of old Hank Williams tracks with the noisy soar of the best shoegazer rock. And in the hands of Sempert and company, Neil Young's "Heart of Gold" (the first track on Sleep) becomes an elegiac anthem, sad and soaring at the same time, reminiscent of cult hero Joe Henry, or Okkervil River's best work.

That said, don’t limit yourself to just listening to their albums. The music speaks volumes and is enough reason to propel you to venture out and catch their next live show experience, one that will surely open up your audio visual senses. Behind this cohesive unit of sophisticated musicians (Mike Sempert - vocals, guitar, keyboards, Chris Walsh - guitar, pedal steel guitar, Jill Heinke - bass, keyboards, vocals and Brian Michelson - drums, percussion, laptop, vocals) lies their genius to travel into uncharted frontiers and weave a fresh brand of music, that’s just so unique and fascinating.

Set in a lush eclectic landscape, the signature Birds & Batteries cool electro synthetic vibe meets Sweetheart of the Rodeo pedal steel resonance, has already won them numerous media raves (Spin.com, SF weekly and Crawdaddy) a steadily growing fan base.

Despite their gaining popularity from persistent touring and high-profile press appearances (NPR, The Onion's AV Club, Mother Jones), Birds & Batteries are not exactly hustling for a label deal, having self-released their work so far via their new website (birdsandbatteries.com).

"I'm open to that idea," says Sempert, "but I think, you know, it's a really exciting time to be a band, there's a lot of opportunities -- we put out these records ourselves and we got a lot of great press for it and a lot of great fans, and toured on the records. And we're comfortable with that, and to let the opportunities kind of grow."

While it's certainly a difficult time to make a career in rock and roll, Birds & Batteries has all the markings of longevity … representing the kind of band who consistently create great work, album after album, year after year. In era where anything goes in the music world, it's not a bad place to be.

Where does the name Birds & Birds come from?

Mike: Birds & Batteries comes from a Kurt Vonnegut’s book, Slaughterhouse Five. We have an application to re-create the book… that’s not true (everyone laughs). It’s actually a line from a Tom Robbins book.

How would you describe the unique sound you’ve created?

Mike: It’s indie pop that’s songwriter oriented with complex arrangements merging old country and electronic elements.

Can you tell us how you construct your songs?

Mike: I write most of the songs and they’re inspired immensely by movies and books and real life experiences and the music I listen to. When creating a song, it’s usually starts with laying down the music … musical motifs and chord changes occur then the lyrics come second …but of course, it could occasionally be the other way around.

On your 2 albums to date (“Selections from Nature vs. Nature" and "I'll Never Sleep Again”), was it totally DIY effort? Did you use a producer?

Mike: It was a totally a DIY effort. I produced the records. That’s what gets me excited … making records and being involved totally on the production aspect.

What’s your take on the trend of giving away music for free?

Chris: I think it can really be positive as it’s a way to reach and spread your music to a large target audience via Internet. It can however, be complicated, confusing and exciting as in today’s world … it’s a very interesting time right now. With a multitude of unknown variables, nobody knows what to do about free music and exposure versus financial sustainability. We’re hoping to find a solution that works for us.

Let’s fire some quick or silly questions. Anyone can answer. Favorite new band or artist?

Jill: Feist

Obama or McCain?

Everyone: Obama!!!

Blondes or brunettes?

Everyone: brunettes

Favorite TV show?

Jill: Northern Exposure? (Everyone laughs)

For or against free music?

Everyone: For!!!!!
Brian: We’re also for buying our t-shirts!!!
Chris: If you get the music for free, come out to the shows to support the bands!

Worst job you ever had?

Mike: Cutting fish
Jill: Front desk in a hotel
Brian: I don’t want to go there.

Favorite venue?

Mike: The Rat in Boston (Copley Square) has been closed for a long time, but it has a really cool vibe.