mechanical owl

mechanical owl

Mechanical Owl begins as the solo project of Mike Payne, who makes home recordings in North Wales and performs solo shows in Leeds and Manchester with a laptop and assorted instruments. It later develops into a four-piece band based around experimental music with melody, structure, and personal, poetic lyrics. Its sound draws on Why?, Diane Cluck, Four Tet, Sigur Rós and 90s grunge.

Activity and releases

The group records its material itself in locations around North Wales and releases music independently. Its planned album release includes different formats, among them recycled media with handmade artwork and packaging.

Local scene and projects

Mechanical Owl is linked to a DIY approach and to Mold, North Wales, where the band helps develop a local music scene. It also creates a music and art collective called the beard collector, which brings together local artists and musicians and presents music the band values from around the UK at monthly nights in pubs and clubs.

Recognition and performances

The band is championed by Bethan Elfyn, Steve Lamacq and Adam Walton, and records live sessions and performs for Radio One and Radio Wales.