Dave Purcell + The Contradictions

After 16 months of settling into Milwaukee and writing new songs, I'm ready to gig with a band again. I'm excited to introduce Dave Purcell + The Contradictions: (from L to R) Jeff Binder (guitar), Mark Becker (bass), yours truly, and Jay Irwin (guitar).

New name, same heart-on-the-sleeve shows you might know from Pike 27, Ghost Man On Second, and Radio Free ABQ.

Our first gig is on Friday, May 8, at Linneman's Riverwest Inn with Orange Drink, Mostly, and Ryan Mason. Show link in the comments.
[Photo credit: Jay Irwin]

Scummy Water Tower — fresh off a silver medal from the Milwaukee Press Club for Best Blog — published one of the best reviews of our new album, Destination, when it came out last year. They asked me to write an Artist Essay, and this is what I gave them.

I’m rarely open about my struggles, but I wrote this in the hope it might resonate with others — and because the independent blogs who listened so carefully deserve more than a quiet nod of thanks.

Last year we introduced to singer-songwriter and drummer via a review of his band Radio Free ABQ's album Destination. Today, we're excited to share an essay he wrote about facing a period of uncertainty following the album's release and how independent music blog (like ours) helped him find confidence.

https://scummywatertower.com/artist-essays/artist-essay-radio-nowhere-a-love-letter-to-independent-music-blogs-by-dave-purcell/

Buy a download or limited edition CD of our new record Destination today and 100% of Bandcamp’s proceeds will go to MusiCares, an organization helping artists in need. I lowered the prices to encourage you to get on board. While you're there, check out the special releases to benefit LA wildfire recovery including compilations featuring unreleased tracks from REM, PJ Harvey, Nick Cave, and others. The link is in the comments.

Destination has received strong reviews from some great review sites including Scummy Water Tower, Add To Wantlist, Rosy Overdrive, On Repeat Records, and Albuquerque Green Room. Here's Alex from SWT:

"This is arguably one of 2024’s best written albums and there are more than a handful of examples of songs that prove the assertion. Purcell’s vocals are among the best you’ll hear out of the Americana adjacent genres this year. In addition, each and every artist on the album is extremely talented at their craft, and all play well together. And they get time on their own to shine. The band’s sound is both unique and memorable. Purcell is a top-notch bandleader, carefully crafting something special with this band and album. The chances that were taken landed for the most part. There’s no glaring weakness on this album. There is exceptional sonic quality throughout this album. Kudos all around to all that contributed."

Today is Bandcamp Friday which means that Bandcamp waives their cut and 100% of the revenue goes to the artist. Every little bit helps when you're trying not to lose money on a new record.

You can buy a digital download for $10 or a CD for $18. In an era where most CD packages are awful, our CD is a limited edition of 200 that comes with an eight-page lyrics insert with original photography and a custom piece of numbered folk art. Please consider purchasing Destination -- thanks much to everyone who bought it so far!

Destination, by Radio Free ABQ 12 track album

Happy to be in good company!

The Agency…, Radio Free ABQ, The Wichitas, and other captivating artists feature on LITM Rock Picks — Lost In The Manor In this edition of LITM Rock Picks, we bring arresting soundscapes from artists The Agency…, Radio Free ABQ, The Wichitas, The Open Flames, and 37AM.

Destination, our new record, is out today! Follow the link for the main streaming services, and see the comments for links to Bandcamp (where you buy it) and YouTube.

The early reviews are great:
* “Overall, Destination is a wonderfully done concept album. With themes of meaning and searching and adventure. Of being found, and not lost. Of being remembered. Purcell has a skill of superb storytelling and creating perspective in an incredibly grounded and human way. If you’re looking for an excellent singer-songwriter album for the reasons mentioned in the previous sentence, look no further. This is arguably one of 2024’s best written albums and there are more than a handful of examples of songs that prove the assertion. Purcell’s vocals are among the best you’ll hear out of the Americana adjacent genres this year. (4.5/5)" -- Scummy Water Tower (named for a Replacements lyric)

* “I still have great affection for bands like R.E.M., Uncle Tupelo, Calexico, Los Lobos, Drive-By Truckers, as well as the late great Stevie Ray Vaughan. All of these influences – from the musical styles to the interesting character-driven lyrics – can be heard on Destination, the thoroughly enjoyable, skillfully crafted latest release from Radio Free ABQ…As of late, there have not been many indie records that evoke desert noir and the American Southwest as well as Radio Free ABQ’s Destination. The music is fresh and, with each song, the lyrics drop the listener in the middle of a story. If the idea of blending R.E.M. with Calexico sounds appealing, then Radio Free ABQ’s Destination is absolutely worth checking out.” — Brian Kobil, 3 Albums, 6 OGs

* “The band’s latest single ‘Tito (Far Away, Not Lonely)’ is a fantastic ode to big dreams…Dave cites inspiration from artists as diverse as REM, Los Lobos, and Calexico, and it’s not hard to find strands of DNA from each throughout the track. However, listeners may also hear traces of singer-songwriters like JJ Cale and Mark Knopfler. Whether listening in full sun or under a canopy of stars, it all makes for quite an adventure.” — Kevin Alexander, On Repeat Records

Destination by Radio Free ABQ Stream and Save Destination - Distributed by DistroKid