Today we’d like to introduce you to Julian Scott.
Bird City was formed in October of 2011 by Julian “Scotty” Scott (Drums, Lead Vocals), Larry “Pocket” Thomas (Bass), and Jeremy Saude (Guitar, Dub FX). Being veteran bandmates with each other in the Atlanta Reggae band I-Tegrity and current members of Atlanta based Psychedelic/Atmospheric Dub band The Ruination, the three were already well acquainted with making music together.
After some writing and jamming, the three decided to enhance the vibe by calling on some old friends. Danny “D-Lab” Labrador (Guitar, Atmospherics) who was a bandmate of Bryan’s in the Atlanta Space Age Reggae outfit known as 3052 Dub Collective. Next to in the soundscape came the addition of fellow Ruination bandmate and keyboardist Julian Morena (Keys, Melodica, Vocals, Atmospherics).
As the band began to explore more and more rhythmic compositions based in Afro-beat, Latin, and funk, the addition of percussion would prove to be inevitable. First call was Songwriter and bandleader of 3052 Dub Collective “Downtown” Eric Brown (Percussion, Dub Effects, and Vocals).
With all of the rhythmic pieces in place, all that was needed was the wind for this bird to take flight. Phil Floyd (Tenor Saxophone, Pocket Sax, Melodica, Bird Calls, Vocals, and Percussion), bandleader of the Church Basement Band and former 3052 bandmate, joined the group and without hesitation set the feathers a flame. The latest addition came in the summer of 2016 when Keifer Johnson (Trombone) joined the group.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been a smooth road so far because we all are good friends. One might imagine that a band with so many moving parts would be difficult to maintain. However, all 8 members of Bird City are extremely easy going, talented, and drama free. This makes a great hang whenever we are together.
The only struggles we have come across involve the logistics of fitting 8 members and a mass of gear when we play smaller stages. Having a drummer as a front person/lead singer can prove to be difficult at times when the stage will not allow for the drums to be up front. It’s pretty funny sometimes to see the puzzled faces in the audience who do not know it’s the drummer that’s singing.
Bird City Revolutionaries – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Bird City sound blends positively charged lyrics with elements of Reggae, Dub, afro-beat, Latin, Funk, Psychedelic rock, and Surf into an eclectic and soulful sound. Every member has a unique musical contribution to add. We might have a song that’s “reggae” that changes gears mid-song to a funk, cumbia, or rock vibe only to return to rootsy reggae. We are known to be coherently all over the place yet firmly grounded in our music.
Furthermore, we are not strictly confined to one genre, yet the vibe is consistent throughout all of our songs. We have two albums that we are very proud of and are currently writing for our 3rd and 4th albums.
Our first album “Flight of the Phoenix” was released on the local avant-jazz lable BeHip records. It’s an instrumental album with killer horn work featuring the Bird City Horns along with our good friends Eric Fontaine (Bass Sax), Jason Collier (Trumpet), and Tenda Sax (Alto Sax). It was engineered by Sean McLeroy and Chris Alpiar at 800 East Studios in the 4th ward.
In 2016 we recorded and self-released our second album “American Mentality”. This was our first lyrical album and is a testament to our very DIY vibe. The entire album recording and artwork were all done in-house. It’s great to have multiple members who are a multi-instrumentalist, visual artists, and sound engineers.
We have had a monthly residency for nearly 3 years now at Elliott Street Pub in Castleberry Hill.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success in music is when you listen to what your spirit guides you to do and it reaches people who are organically and genuinely are attracted to what you are offering them.
You know you’re doing something right when people who you’ve never met are coming and returning to see your shows.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.birdcityrevolutionaries.com
- Phone: 678-964-6934
- Email: birdcityrevolutionaries@gmail.com
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BirdCityRevolutionaries
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5IKUWUUk21vPcd5xnZwHVO
Image Credit:
Unknown Vincent, Tom Kettles, Julian Scott
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