I’m building a new band in Milwaukee — Dave Purcell & The Contradictions — and I’m looking for the right people to help bring these songs to life.
I’ve led successful bands for three decades, toured and played festivals, and released records that earned national and international praise. You can read more about that here.
I know how to make a band work and be a joyful experience for the band and the audience.
✪ I’m Looking For…
A great bass player is interested so I’m looking for two more collaborators:
- Lead guitarist
- Keyboard player
- If I can’t find the right keyboardist, I’ll consider a second guitarist
- Backing vocals are a big plus
- Multi-instrumentalists are welcome for adding textures (lap steel, violin, accordion) that add color without clutter
✪ About The Music
Think smart, emotionally honest songs that live somewhere between Wilco, Calexico, R.E.M., Elvis Costello, and Tom Petty. Some tracks are groove-based, others are cinematic, but they all aim to feel like something. Expect about 70/30 lyrical songs to instrumentals.
While I love collaboration when it comes to arrangements, parts, and vibe, I want to be upfront that I’m not interested in sharing the songwriting role. We’ll focus on my songs with the occasional cover thrown in for fun. It’s a chance to make something special with a lot of space for your ideas and input.
You can hear a 10-song sampler here at Soundcloud to get a feel for the sound. Let me know if you’d prefer MP3 downloads and I’ll send you a link to a shared folder. I included a new demo so you can hear what I share with collaborators — generally, my guitars, bass, and keys are placeholders unless there are parts that are integral to the song.
✪ It Would Be Awesome If You Are…
- Very experienced with original music, both live and in the studio
- A quick learner, a good listener, and adept at improvising
- 40+, or at least musically fluent in the kinds of references I mentioned above
- More interested in tone, texture, and serving the songs than shredding
- As kind as you are talented
✪ Gigging, Rehearsing, & Recording
- Aim to gig 6-10 times a year, with occasional regional shows if it makes sense
- Record in 2026
- Initial ask: a 2-3 gig commitment, just to see if the vibe is right
- Rehearsals likely weekly to start, shifting to biweekly or ad hoc as needed. I have a good space on the border of West Allis and Jackson Park.
🚀 Interested?
Send me a note at dave@davepurcell.com describing your experience and interests, and please include links to recordings or videos that show who you are as a musician. I’m looking forward to finding the right collaborators.
Thanks for listening!