After a nearly decade-long hiatus from music, Dan (guitar) returned to songwriting as a creative outlet and therapeutic exercise. He revisited the folk music of his childhood; moved by the deep simplicity of the genre. Taking cues from Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, and Leonard Cohen, the lyrics are grounded in the harsh but ineffable realm of reality. The music, however, blurs the lines of folk, country, and rock from the 60's, 70's, and 90's. Dan also plays regularly as a solo-acoustic performer; sharing Watchbirds tunes in their original form as well as a wide selection of traditional folk songs that have inspired his writing.
Emma (piano) began playing piano at age six and continued studying classical piano through college. After moving to the Waukesha area for work, she began looking for new opportunities to be involved in music and build community. The Watchbirds were the perfect fit! Since she studied mainly classical piano for most of her life, jumping into the band provided exciting new challenges and possibilities like improvising and song-writing. She is having fun adding layers and depth to the group and exercising her creativity.
Influenced early on by Led Zeppelin and sampled drumbeats of 1980's hip-hop, Josh (drums) played in various blues and reggae groups which helped him develop a loose, groovy style akin to The Band's Levon Helm. Josh has always been drawn to playing music with more focus on lyrics and storytelling. He joined The Watchbirds after hearing a sampling of early practice recordings; he knew he would fit in perfectly as a member of a collaborative group, and his crafting/art skills add a personal and unique aesthetic.
Tom (bass) began playing drums at 15 and acquired his first bass guitar shortly thereafter. He soon found that progressing with one instrument informed his understanding of the other. Acting solely as a drummer whenever he joined a band, Tom continued to teach himself bass at home by studying virtuosos such as Les Claypool and Brian Ritchie. The basslines in The Watchbirds are a collaborative effort between Dan and Tom. Using a bouncy bass guitar to drive the rhythm as well as help carry the melody eliminates the need for a second guitar and creates a solid link between all the instruments.
After discussing it with her very surprised yet supportive husband, Jenny (vox) auditioned and immediately helped shape The Watchbird's sound and demeanor. As a marathon runner, Jenny is used to pushing herself when training. Yet she considers singing the most challenging endeavor she's ever undertaken. Being in a band is a new experience for her, but Jenny's incredible work ethic continues to drive the band forward as well as grow her skills as a singer.
Emma (piano) began playing piano at age six and continued studying classical piano through college. After moving to the Waukesha area for work, she began looking for new opportunities to be involved in music and build community. The Watchbirds were the perfect fit! Since she studied mainly classical piano for most of her life, jumping into the band provided exciting new challenges and possibilities like improvising and song-writing. She is having fun adding layers and depth to the group and exercising her creativity.
Influenced early on by Led Zeppelin and sampled drumbeats of 1980's hip-hop, Josh (drums) played in various blues and reggae groups which helped him develop a loose, groovy style akin to The Band's Levon Helm. Josh has always been drawn to playing music with more focus on lyrics and storytelling. He joined The Watchbirds after hearing a sampling of early practice recordings; he knew he would fit in perfectly as a member of a collaborative group, and his crafting/art skills add a personal and unique aesthetic.
Tom (bass) began playing drums at 15 and acquired his first bass guitar shortly thereafter. He soon found that progressing with one instrument informed his understanding of the other. Acting solely as a drummer whenever he joined a band, Tom continued to teach himself bass at home by studying virtuosos such as Les Claypool and Brian Ritchie. The basslines in The Watchbirds are a collaborative effort between Dan and Tom. Using a bouncy bass guitar to drive the rhythm as well as help carry the melody eliminates the need for a second guitar and creates a solid link between all the instruments.
After discussing it with her very surprised yet supportive husband, Jenny (vox) auditioned and immediately helped shape The Watchbird's sound and demeanor. As a marathon runner, Jenny is used to pushing herself when training. Yet she considers singing the most challenging endeavor she's ever undertaken. Being in a band is a new experience for her, but Jenny's incredible work ethic continues to drive the band forward as well as grow her skills as a singer.
