The Ragbirds

With a genre-bending hybrid of indie-pop melodies, global-infused beats, rock guitar riffs and folk sensibilities, this is music that comes to life on stage. Every concert leaves each listener in a higher place than when it began. The Ragbirds are constant travelers, impressed upon by a global consciousness, with lyrics that point to the daily paradox of intentionally cultivating hope in the midst of a crazed and jaded world.

Led by dynamic, singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Erin Zindle, The Ragbirds create music that is equally danceable, intelligent and vulnerable – a rare combination in an increasingly marketing-driven industry. Since 2005 they have gathered and maintained a passionate, grassroots fan base by continually reinventing themselves with an ever-evolving sound, while remaining rooted in the high-energy, world-inspired folk-rock that they have become known for.

The sweet energetic charm of lead singer Erin Zindle demands attention. She is the songwriter and front woman of the band, skillfully switching between violin, kalimba, piano and percussion, dancing the whole while. Zindle carries an infectious smile and her voice is both earthy and ethereal at the same time. The guitar solos, played by Erin’s brother T.J. Zindle, point to a longtime appreciation for rock and roll. T.J. is an energetic force, armed with both electric and acoustic guitars, playing each with grit and intensity. Shannon Wade (bass) and Loren Kranz (drums) make up the rhythm section. Both are dynamic masters of their instruments and together they make a tight-knit groove factory over which Erin & TJ can improvise with ease.

Erin has increasingly stepped up and forward with each incarnation of the band, gaining poise, confidence and balance with each step. Her songwriting has always been the central focus of her art. As a serious disciple of the craft she has been a songwriting instructor at Interlochen Arts Camp and has led many songwriting workshops and classes.

With a change of cast in 2019, the band is shifting its weight from what used to be a heavier percussive foundation to place the focus more on the melodic components. The rhythms are not less integral but simpler, leaving room for the songs to breathe and for the vocals to take on the spotlight. Now equipped with four vocalists the band is diving into the textures they can create with vocal harmonies, and exploring the newly-created space with instrumental curiosity, adding more improvisational elements in to the otherwise tight arrangements.

Show by show, in venues ranging from rock clubs and performing arts centers to music festivals The Ragbirds have developed a well-deserved reputation as one of the most dynamic, high-spirited live bands in roots music.

The Ragbirds' albums have received local and national praise, hailed "Highly impressive!" by USA Today and touted as "Astounding international eclecticism" by Reveal Arts. The band has performed in 47 states, averaging 150 shows a year and they have become festival favorites, winning over crowds at festivals such as: Electric Forest/Rothbury, Wheatland, Blissfest, Green Room Festival (Yokohama Japan), MerleFest, 10,000 Lakes, SXSW, CMJ Music Marathon, Summer Camp, Wookiefoot’s Harvest Fest & Project Earth, Hoxeyville, Ann Arbor Folk Festival, Hookahville, Great Blue Heron, Floyd Yoga Jam, Hiawatha, Dark Star Jubilee, MoeDown, String Break/Riverhawk, Rhythm & Blooms and many more.

They have shared stages as direct support for Brandi Carlile, Rusted Root, Matisyahu, Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth, John Butler Trio, Birds of Chicago, Dawes, The Steel Wheels, Dumpstaphunk, Donna the Buffalo, The Werks, Elephant Revival, The Black Lillies, Toubab Krewe, Wookiefoot, Cornmeal, Hot Buttered Rum, Jeff Daniels, Lindsay Lou, Billy Strings, The Duhks, and many others. They have also been members of The Everyone Orchestra nearly a dozen times.

www.theragbirds.com
www.facebook.com/theragbirds
www.youtube.com/ragbirds

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BAND MEMBERS: Erin Zindle, TJ Zindle, Shannon Wade, Loren Kranz
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- Erin Zindle - vocals, violin, mandolin, accordion, banjo
- TJ Zindle - electric and acoustic guitar, vocals
- Shannon Wade - bass, vocals
- Loren Kranz - drum set, vocals

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2016 The Threshold & The Hearth
2013 We Belong to the Love
2012 Travelin' Machine
2009 Finally Almost Ready
2007 Wanderlove
2006 Catching Fire (recorded live in Ypsilanti)
2005 Yes Nearby
2005 Washed Away (single, profits donated to Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund)

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