Dead Birds

Chicago musician Erica Johnson blends the simplicity of folk music with a wanderlust that comes from traveling across the country and turns it into her solo project called Dead Birds. Whether fingerpicking a delicate acoustic guitar melody or claw-hammering a banjo, her music evokes a feeling of nostalgia and invites the listener to take part in the story. These are songs that stem from people and places that have left their mark, songs of loss and hope.

Dead Birds’ upcoming release Here We Are (coming 6/27/25) is a memento of relationships and a social commentary. Driven by hope but willing to wrestle with doubt, this collection of songs invites both to the table.