Dave Purcell is a veteran singer-songwriter and drummer known for thoughtful, emotionally honest songs and a driving live sound. Based in Milwaukee, WI, he previously led acclaimed bands in Cincinnati, Albuquerque, and Chicago.
Over the past three decades, Purcell has built a reputation as a compelling songwriter and performer. Highlights include:
- Festival performances at Midpoint Music Festival (Cincinnati), North by Northeast (Toronto), Twangfest (St. Louis), and Cutting Edge Music Conference (New Orleans)
- Live radio appearances on influential stations including WLW, WEBN, WNKU, and WAIF in Cincinnati, and KUNM in Albuquerque
- Shared stages with acts such as Dave Alvin, Chuck Prophet, Robbie Fulks, Matthew Ryan, Jason Ringenberg, Waco Brothers, Vigilantes of Love, and Tim Easton
- A reputation for passionate, heart-on-sleeve performances across the Midwest and Southwest
- Pike 27, his Cincinnati-based band that released three well-received albums over 13 years and earned international attention through Miles of Music distribution
His most recent release, Destination (2024), recorded under the name Radio Free ABQ, continues that tradition with a sharp blend of literate Americana and indie rock.
Purcell also works on experimental compositions and has taken lessons in composing and drumming with Mark Guiliana (David Bowie, St. Vincent, Brad Mehldau, solo artist and band leader) since spring 2020.
What People Are Saying
“Purcell has a skill of superb storytelling and creating perspective in an incredibly grounded and human way…arguably one of 2024’s best written albums… Purcell’s vocals are among the best you’ll hear in the Americana-adjacent genres this year.”
— Scummy Water Tower
“Destination enthusiastically throws together mid-period R.E.M.-like college rock, Los Lobos-esque Chicano rock, and noir pop instrumentals… a strong reintroduction to a musician with plenty left to say.”
— Rosy Overdrive
“The band’s latest single Tito (Far Away, Not Lonely) is a fantastic ode to big dreams…Whether listening in full sun or under a canopy of stars, it all makes for quite an adventure.
— On Repeat Records
“One of the best Cincinnati-produced releases of 2017… sharing with Elvis Costello not only a melodic magnetism, but an ability to vividly translate the full range of moods and emotions.”
— CityBeat (on The Long Fight)
“It’s refreshing to hear from the opening chords of first track Wrecking Yard a strong hybrid college rock sound. The songs contained on this, their debut CD, are rootsy without losing their edge. Lead singer Dave Purcell’s ear for a good hook and passionate lyric can leave you blinded.“
— Americana UK (on Falling Down Hard)