About
Dave Purcell is a veteran singer-songwriter, drummer, and guitarist known for thoughtful lyrics, emotionally honest songs, and passionate, heart-on-the-sleeve performances. Based in Milwaukee, 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 WLW, WEBN, WNKU, and WAIF in Cincinnati, and KUNM in Albuquerque; and shared stages with Alejandro Escovedo, Dave Alvin, Chuck Prophet, Robbie Fulks, Matthew Ryan, Jason Ringenberg, Waco Brothers, Vigilantes of Love, and Tim Easton.
His most recent release, Destination (2024), recorded with the band Radio Free ABQ, continues that tradition with a sharp blend of literate Americana and indie rock. Scummy Water Tower praised Purcell's "skill of superb storytelling and creating perspective in an incredibly grounded and human way" and included the record on its best-of-2024 list. Rosy Overdrive heard "mid-period R.E.M.-like college rock" and "Los Lobos-esque Chicano-inspired rock and roll," calling it "a strong reintroduction to a musician" with plenty left to say. Purcell has also studied composition and drumming with Mark Guiliana (David Bowie, St. Vincent, Brad Mehldau).
The Contradictions
Dave Purcell + The Contradictions pairs Purcell (drums, vocals) with:
Mark Becker (bass, vocals) is a veteran of the Milwaukee music scene, appearing most recently with Bootleg Bessie and Elephonic. He has played stages in Milwaukee and beyond, including Summerfest, Mile of Music, WMSE's Local/Live, and the Cactus Club.
Jeff Binder (guitar, vocals, flute) has decades of experience in rock, acoustic, jazz, and world music bands. He has appeared locally with groups including Present Music, Brazilian choro trio Toco Rio, the Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra, jazz combo Hot Damn, and various rock and roll bands.
Jay Irwin (guitar, vocals) has a deep background in the arts, having majored in theater at Northwestern University and acted at Steppenwolf. He served as the Producer and General Manager of El Portal Theatre in Los Angeles, where he produced shows and concerts that included the legendary Wrecking Crew, before returning home to Milwaukee and rekindling his love of music in 2025.