Like a good cocktail, Birds Kill Bugs’ brand of independent rock and roll combines a touch of sweet, a dash of bitter, and enough booze to turn your day around. The booze in their case is a guitar-driven blend of classic and alternative rock that calls to mind your favorite bands from the last five decades. Their pop sensibilities and radio friendly hooks add the ever important touch of sweetness. And, as for the bitters, don’t be surprised by a hint of punk protest or jam band, depending on the song. In other words, this is a band whose sound is both familiar and unique, a culmination of the diverse interests and backgrounds of the band’s members.
Based in Imperial Beach, California, Birds Kill Bugs consists of Sean Ratliff (songwriter, guitar, vocals), Dean Smith (drums), Shaan Koya (lead guitar), and Daniel “Junior” Desena (bass). After years as friends, Smith and Ratliff got together in 2021 as a weekend COVID quarantine project. An accomplished drummer, Smith learned Ratliff’s songs in no time, adding his signature hard-hitting style and flair. Within a few months the two had an album worth of songs ready to share. But they craved a fuller sound. In early 2022, they started visiting the open mic at the local Imperial Beach VFW as a way to test the songs in front of an audience. It was at these early tester shows that they met IB locals Desena and Koya, who graciously sat in and added depth to the mix. The two soon joined the band, and they started playing gigs around San Diego.
In 2023, Birds Kill Bugs partnered with veteran Sound Engineer Jeff Forrest at Doubletime Recording Studios to start tracking their first album. Their first single, Mexico, was released in March 2024. Their follow up single, Falling Down, will be available on May 17, 2024. The album release is slated for August 2024.