Speaking Bird Language: Getting to know the Boston ambient pop-rock band

Each member answers 5 personal questions in advance of the May 20 release of debut album '625 Days'

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Record release party June 17 at O’Brien’s Pub in Allston with usLights, Obliterati, and DJ Michael V (the pill)

Listen to Bird Language on Spotify

Pre-order ‘625 Days’ on Bandcamp

Photo Credit: Pat Piasecki 

After releasing three golden singles so far in 2022, Bird Language are set to unveil long-awaited debut album 625 Days on Friday, May 20, on limited-run snow-white cassette and digitally. It’s an introspective and expansive record that displays a vast melodic expression, where throwback vibes mingle with modern experimentalism, and there’s a real shine to all of these songs. They pull you right in, and feel timeless in nature. 

But there’s a lot more behind the Boston-based ambient pop-rock quintet, and to get a better understanding of their music, let’s get a better understanding of who they are as individuals. 

The band came up with five questions to ask each other, all designed to lift the digital veil off the group and provide some insight as to who they are as people. Part of Bird Language’s musical draw is a certain kind of magnetism in their songwriting and craftsmanship, and that extends down to each member’s steady roll as well.   

Check out their replies below, fire up the trio of singles currently streaming on all platforms, and pre-order 625 Days through Bandcamp ahead of its release.  

Neil Simmons, guitar

What was your first concert? Dinosaur Jr. and Kyuss at the Orpheum, 1994

What is your favorite meal to make on the grill? BBQ tofu. Gotta put it right on, don’t bother marinating, people! Hop in my DMs for the recipe, lol. 

What was your first musical instrument? Generic red strat copy from a music shop at the Cape Cod Mall – later smashed on stage during a There Were Wires show.

What’s your favorite album to play in your car or while on bike? Huey Lewis and News, Sports. Incidentally, the first tape I ever owned. 

Who was your most memorable elementary school teacher? Probably the substitute, Mrs. McGuillicuddy. She kicked me, full force in the stomach… in 4th grade! Would make the news if it happened these days, haha.

Pat Piasecki, bass

What was your first concert? Weezer at Avalon in 1995. They were touring to support the Blue Album. Life changing experience.

What is your favorite meal to make on the grill? Breakfast Sammies on my flattop!

What was your first musical instrument? After borrowing a bass from a friend, I saved up all my money and picked a bass out of the Daddy's Junky Music catalog that I could afford. A metallic pink knockoff bass made by Hurricane. Tenth grade!

What’s your favorite album to play in your car or while on bike? Either Weezer’s Blue Album or London Calling by The Clash.

Who was your most memorable elementary school teacher? Mr. Gourlis. He was tough but great. My dad died when I was young, and he totally took extra time with my brother and I to help us out in school and life.

Michael Nashawaty, drums 

What was your first concert? Green Day riot at the Hatch Shell. 

What is your favorite meal to make on the grill? Hot Dog. Ketchup only.

What was your first musical instrument? I stole my first cymbals from my high school. 

What’s your favorite album to play in your car or while on bike? Zenyatta Mondatta by The Police. 

What is your most memorable childhood memory?I was kicked out of Catholic school due to my t-shirt collection

Jeff Nicolai, vocals, piano, keyboard

What was your first concert? Michael Jackson at Madison Square Garden. Went with my best friend and our moms. I was 8.

What is your favorite meal to make on the grill? Stuffed cheeseburgers

What was your first musical instrument? I bought an old acoustic guitar at a garage sale when I was a sophomore in high school and taught myself how to play it.

What’s your favorite album to play in your car or while on bike? Radiohead’s The Bends.

What is your most memorable childhood memory? I was at Game 6 of the 1986 World Series when the Mets beat the Red Sox on a little roller along first that got through Bill Buckner…

Andrew Doherty, guitar

What was your first concert? Same as Nash. Green Day and the Meices played the Hatch Shell in 1994. They lasted 24 minutes before a riot ensued. Snapple sponsored the event and the crowd laid siege to the stage throwing hundreds of glass bottles.  It was pretty crazy.

What is your favorite meal to make on the grill? Marinated chicken thighs in yogurt, lemon, turmeric, Kashmiri chili, and Ras el Hanout. 

What was your first musical instrument? Black on black Kramer Focus 2000 with a Floyd Rose Tremolo. A total shred machine. 

What’s your favorite album to play in your car or while on bike? I am definitely on an early NWOBHM kick - especially early Judas Priest (Rocka Rolla through British Steel). The only reason I haven’t gotten a speeding ticket is because I drive a minivan…and well, cops seem to ignore them. 

Who was your most memorable elementary school teacher? My first-grade teacher Mrs. Randall was a saint. One morning, I gave someone the finger for tailgating our bus on the way to school. It turned out to be an off-duty police officer.  He pulled the bus over in front of the school and made an example of me in front of all the arriving parents and kids.  Mrs. Randall rushed to my rescue and gave the cop the riot act. It was a sight to behold, as she was the sweetest lady. He cowered back to his Ford LTD and went on with his day.

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