Gone are The Ragbirds of old. The last year has brought many changes for the band who hails from Ann Arbor, but perhaps the most symbolic change is their name. And the new title comes with a music change. Enter Erin Zindle and the Ragbirds’ new sound, which encompasses a host of fresh songs with a new rhythm section, along with a mom-centric ideology. Check it out:
Goodbye Congas
The changeover in rhymth began with the loss of The Ragbirds’ conga player, Randall Moore of Woodspeak Rhythm Company. Instead, the band now boasts the incredible talents Loren Krantz on the drum set and Shannon Wade with the bass rhythm. With lead singer and fiddle player Erin Zindle holding it all together, and her brother TJ Zindle giving them sweet electric guitar riffs, their sound remains eclectic. From sounds like Journey, to Johnny Cash and a country influence, to world music like Cuzco, the band’s self-billed “infectious global groove” has kept their passion and given new life to their sound.
Fresh Songs: Erin Zindle and The Ragbirds’ New Sound
The Ragbirds want to use music to cultivate hope in a world that they find jaded. Part of the way they do this is by being incredibly vulnerable with song lyrics. Singing that, “This is the story of redemption I’m just not sure if it’s happening yet,” Zindle brings deep meaning to an audience who can identify with her sentiments. She encourages them to be real in the midst of trouble, with lyrics like, “Thought I was putting on makeup but I was putting a skin over my scars.” They also sing a few encouraging covers, like “Walking On Broken Glass” by Annie Lennox and and The Beatles’ “Golden Slumber.”
But growing seasons also bring out new music, and they’re kicking off the recording session for their newest album by releasing a new single. “Curious” is set to come out September 27 at a live show at The Ark in Ann Arbor, where the Ragbirds call home.
Encouraging Moms
If parents think it’s hard to do anything fun when they have kiddos at home, Zindle and her band are dispelling the stigma. During the show, Zindle spoke lovingly of her daughter, and pointed out that she was in attendance. She hailed summer outdoor concerts as a family-friendly event, great for bringing the kids and enjoying together with all ages. And she thanked the families in the audience who brought their kids, saying that it’s so important to pass on the value of supporting local musicians to our children. If you want to be an adventurous mom, you can do it even while you’re with your kids. I think we forget that sometimes.
Bonuses
Fans of The Ragbirds can get a free song on their website when you sign up for their newsletter. If you attend one of their concerts, you’ll have exclusive access to their sweet stickers, which you can’t buy in their online store.
Plus find out so much more online, like how to be part of The Flock to get free concert tickets, and how they run their tour van on used vegetable oil and support eco-touring with workshops. And when you mention Erin Zindle and The Ragbirds’ new sound, you can get a 20% discount when booking A Wild Lass at your next event.