Sparkbird, Wrongbird

Wrongbird (like songbird, but not right) is a four piece piano-driven alternative rock band based in Austin, TX with an affinity for the absurd and a contagious energy. In the age of shoegaze bands and synth rock, Wrongbird is a band trying to stay grounded and strip away the bells and whistles for the sake of authenticity. Eric Baker, Chicago-born songwriter for the group, provides a ridiculous amount of presence on the stage and fronts the band with in-your-face riffs on the keys reminiscent of an early Ben Folds. Scott McIntyre is the Berklee grad on bass, who balances Baker’s simplistic style with nuanced bass grooves. Years of gleaning inspiration from Frank Zappa, Primus, and Ween bring an interesting and unexpected dynamic to the table for a piano rock band. Michael Blake plays guitar for the group and is able to find the perfect moments to shine within the music. The subtleties of Blake’s parts are the sonic glue that holds this music together. Lastly, Nick Mikan backs up Wrongbird on the drums. Mikan has been playing music with McIntyre for over a decade and it is easy to pick up on the chemistry shared between them as a rhythm section. Mikan knows how to stay exactly in the pocket and lets loose with complex fills that leave you unsurprised to find out he’s played in various metal bands over the years. Wrongbird draws it’s influence from many sources including Ben Folds Five, The Beatles, Delta Spirit, ELO, Elton John, Fats Waller, Bon Iver, and the Arctic Monkeys.