Exotic Birds
The Exotic Birds was an American synthpop band formed in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1982 by three students from the Cleveland Institute of Music: Andy Kubiszewski (vocals, guitar, percussion), Tom Freer (drums, percussion), and Timothy Adams Jr. (keyboards, percussion).[1] The group, often described as synthpop and dance-oriented, achieved local success in the 1980s, opening for acts like Culture Club, Eurythmics, and Information Society.[2] Notable for its evolving lineup, the band briefly included future Nine Inch Nails founder Trent Reznor as a keyboardist and backing vocalist from 1986 to 1987.[3] Active until their final performance on January 22, 1994, Exotic Birds released three studio albums: Exotic Birds (1984), L'oiseau (1986), and Equilibrium (1989, reissued 1990).[4]History
Formation and early career (1982–1985)
The Exotic Birds was formed in 1982 in Cleveland, Ohio, by three percussion students at the Cleveland Institute of Music: Andy Kubiszewski, Tom Freer, and Timothy Adams Jr.. Initially conceived as an experimental synth project, the trio composed original material in the synthpop and dance genres, drawing on their classical training to explore electronic instrumentation..[1][5] The band secured early live opportunities, opening for major new wave acts including Culture Club and Eurythmics during performances in the mid-1980s.. These shows, often in regional venues like Cleveland's Richfield Coliseum, built their visibility within the local music community and highlighted their energetic synth-driven sets..[6][7] In 1983, Exotic Birds issued their debut single, a 7-inch vinyl release pairing "Who Knows Why" with "Dance the Night Away," pressed on their independent Bagdad Records label.. The tracks, written by Kubiszewski with contributions from bandmate Nick Capetanakis on the A-side, captured the group's nascent new wave sensibilities and received airplay on local college radio stations..[8][5] The trio self-produced and released their self-titled debut mini-album Exotic Birds in 1984 via Saturn Records, a Cleveland-based indie label.. Recorded with basic studio resources emphasizing synthesizers and percussion, the effort earned acclaim in Cleveland's underground synthpop scene for its polished production and catchy melodies, selling modestly but fostering a dedicated regional following through live shows and word-of-mouth..[9][10][11] After the debut's release, Timothy Adams Jr. left the group in late 1984 to focus on orchestral composition, prompting a brief hiatus in 1985 as Kubiszewski and Freer navigated lineup transitions and creative disagreements..[5]Trent Reznor era (1986–1987)
Following a brief hiatus after their initial activity, Exotic Birds reformed in early 1986 as a more expanded ensemble, incorporating Trent Reznor on keyboards, programming, and backing vocals, who had joined the group the previous year after stints in other local Cleveland acts like The Urge and The Innocent.[12][5] The band's core remained led by Andy Kubiszewski on vocals, guitar, and percussion, with Tom Freer contributing on drums and bass until late in the year. This lineup shift brought a polished, technology-driven edge to their synthpop style, emphasizing electronic programming and layered keyboards that Reznor helped refine during rehearsals and recordings.[13][7] In 1986, the reformed group recorded and released their mini-album L'oiseau on Pleasureland Records, a vinyl-only EP that captured their evolving dance-oriented synthpop sound with Reznor's prominent keyboard and programming work adding rhythmic depth and atmospheric textures. The album's production highlighted the band's focus on synthesizer-driven melodies and upbeat tempos, marking a departure toward more professional electronic arrangements compared to their earlier work. Key tracks were written primarily by Kubiszewski and Freer, with Reznor's input shaping the overall sonic polish.[14] During this period, Exotic Birds gained regional exposure through live performances, including opening slots for synthpop contemporaries like Information Society in Cleveland in 1987, where Reznor's keyboard prowess helped energize their sets with dynamic electronic elements.[15] They also secured a notable film appearance in Paul Schrader's 1987 drama Light of Day, portraying the fictional garage rock band "The Problems" alongside Michael J. Fox and Joan Jett; Reznor performed on keyboards, joined by bandmate Frank Vale on guitar and bassist Mark Addison.[16][17] This role provided brief national visibility and aligned with the band's shift toward broader synth-infused rock influences. In December 1986, following Freer's departure, Reznor recruited Chris Vrenna, a Kent State University student and acquaintance, to handle drums, further stabilizing the rhythm section for live shows and contributing to the group's tight, percussion-heavy sound.[18][13] Manager John Malm Jr., who had taken over handling the band full-time, played a crucial role in securing these opportunities, including the L'oiseau release and tour supports, leveraging local connections to elevate their profile in the Midwest scene.[12] However, tensions arose as Reznor's creative ambitions diverged, leading to the band's second breakup in mid-1987 when he departed to pursue solo projects that would evolve into Nine Inch Nails; Malm, who had bonded with Reznor during this time, soon transitioned to managing him exclusively and later co-founded Nothing Records in 1992.[19][20]Later years and disbandment (1988–1994)
Following the band's second disbandment in late 1987, Andy Kubiszewski reformed Exotic Birds in early 1988 as a core trio augmented by keyboardist Doug Beck and drummer Richard Carpenter.[1] This lineup marked the group's third iteration, focusing on synthpop with an emphasis on electronic production led by Kubiszewski.[4] The reformed band recorded their debut full-length album, Equilibrium, which saw dual releases: first on Pleasureland Records in 1989 as a CD (catalog CD-3-001EB) and cassette (CS-3-001EB), followed by expanded formats on Alpha International Records in 1990, including CD (D270955), cassette (D470955), and vinyl LP (D1-70955).[21] The album featured 10 tracks common to most versions, such as "Day After Day," "Everything Is Different Now," "Heartbeat Like a Drum," and "Every Star Was You," though tracklists vary slightly by format and pressing—for instance, some include "Imagination" while others emphasize remixes like "Day After Day (Remix)" and "Heartbeat Like a Drum (E-Z Listening Mix)." Songwriting was primarily by Kubiszewski, with contributions from Beck on select tracks like "Everything Is Different Now."[21] With Equilibrium in release, Exotic Birds maintained a schedule of local performances in Cleveland throughout the early 1990s, building on their regional synthpop following.[22] In 1993, Kubiszewski temporarily departed to drum for The The, leading to a hiatus, though the band briefly reunited in 1994 for limited activity. This culminated in their final gig on January 22, 1994, which effectively ended the group's run.[22] After the disbandment, core member Andy Kubiszewski pursued further opportunities in music, joining Stabbing Westward in 1995 as drummer, guitarist, and programmer, contributing to albums like Wasteland (1996) and Darkest Days (1998).[6][23]Band members
Core members
The core members of Exotic Birds were Andy Kubiszewski, Tom Freer, and Timothy Adams Jr., who formed the synthpop band in 1982 as percussion students at the Cleveland Institute of Music in Ohio.[24] Their shared classical percussion training influenced the band's rhythmic foundation and electronic experimentation, enabling them to write original material that blended orchestral precision with dance-oriented synthpop.[24] Andy Kubiszewski remained the consistent leader through various lineups until the band's 1994 disbandment, while Tom Freer (1982–1986) and Timothy Adams Jr. (1982–1986) contributed during the early years. Despite multiple breakups and lineup changes—including a brief stint by Trent Reznor on keyboards from 1986 to 1987—the group's synthpop identity persisted through Kubiszewski's direction.[24][1] Andy Kubiszewski served as the band's primary songwriter, handling guitar and lead vocals while contributing percussion elements drawn from his studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music.[24] As the consistent leader in all formations of Exotic Birds, he shaped its creative direction from the 1982 inception through various reformations.[1] Following the band's 1994 disbandment, Kubiszewski transitioned to composing original scores for television and film, including soundtracks for Escape from L.A. (1996) and The Faculty (1998), and collaborated on music for shows like Access Hollywood and E! True Hollywood Story.[25] Tom Freer, with his percussion background from the Cleveland Institute of Music, played drums and provided backing vocals, supporting the band's live performances and contributing to songwriting efforts that sustained its energetic synthpop style.[24] His involvement spanned the group's early years and key recordings, helping anchor the rhythm section amid evolving lineups.[1] Timothy Adams Jr., another Cleveland Institute of Music percussion alumnus, handled keyboards and synthesizer, forming part of the rhythm and electronic foundation from the band's 1982 founding through 1986.[24] His contributions drew on classical training to integrate percussive depth into the synthpop arrangements during the early period.[1]Additional members
Trent Reznor joined Exotic Birds as keyboardist, programmer, and backing vocalist in early 1986, contributing significantly to the band's sound during its reformation as a five-piece ensemble and playing on the 1986 EP L'oiseau before departing in 1987 to form Nine Inch Nails.[26][27] Chris Vrenna entered the lineup on drums in late 1986 following the departure of co-founder Tom Freer, collaborating with Reznor through 1987 and maintaining involvement until 1988, after which he too joined Nine Inch Nails.[27][28] Frank Vale became a key additional member in 1984 as keyboardist and programmer, remaining through the band's post-Reznor era until 1994 and appearing with Reznor in the fictional band portrayal in the 1987 film Light of Day.[29][16] Mark Best provided bass during the mid-1980s, joining the 1986 reformation alongside Reznor and departing by late that year.[29] Following Reznor's exit, Doug Beck augmented the group on keyboards from 1988 to 1994, co-writing tracks for the 1989 album Equilibrium.[30][4] Richard Carpenter handled guitar duties from 1988 to 1994, supporting the band's transitional phase.[1] In the 1990s, amid further lineup shifts, Nick Rushe took over bass responsibilities.[1] Rodney Shields contributed on keyboards during the 1990s, while Marty Step filled various instrumental roles in the same period, helping stabilize the final configuration until the band's 1994 disbandment.[1]Discography
Singles
The Exotic Birds released a limited number of standalone singles during their career, primarily in the early 1980s as independent efforts and later in the 1990s as promotional maxi-singles tied to their album Equilibrium. These releases were distributed through small labels and emphasized the band's underground synthpop sound, with no entries on major national charts but some regional exposure in the Midwest music scene.[1] Their debut single, "Who Knows Why" b/w "Dance the Night Away," was issued as a 7-inch 45 RPM vinyl in 1983 on the independent Bagdad Records (catalog BD-1001). The pressing listed "Who Knows Why" (an earlier demo by founders Andy Kubiszewski and Nick Capetanakis) as the A-side and "Dance the Night Away" as the B-side; it was a limited run self-released effort with no credited producer beyond the band members. The artwork featured a simple black-and-white design with abstract bird motifs and band name in bold synth-font, reflecting their DIY aesthetic. This release saw limited distribution through local Cleveland outlets but garnered some airplay on regional college and alternative radio stations.[8] In the same year, the band followed with "No Communication" b/w "I'll Never Say Goodbye" as another 7-inch 45 RPM single on Saturn Records (catalog 2102). Released in 1983, this synth-driven tracklist highlighted Kubiszewski's production, with "No Communication" as the lead emphasizing electronic percussion and minimalistic melodies; the B-side offered a more melodic closer. The sleeve art depicted a stark, neon-lit urban scene, underscoring their new wave influences. Like their debut, it was a small pressing aimed at local clubs and remained confined to underground circuits without broader commercial push.[31] From the Equilibrium era, "Day After Day" appeared as a 12-inch maxi-single in 1990 on Alpha International Records (catalog SPRO-79264/79265), primarily as a promotional release for radio and DJs. Produced by the band, it included remixes such as the Philly Edit (3:12), Houston Radio (3:18), and Upstairs (3:36), showcasing extended dance breaks suited for club play. The promo sleeve was a plain white jacket with black text and label stickers, typical of industry test pressings. This single represented their most polished effort but stayed within promotional channels, highlighting the band's shift toward house-infused synthpop without achieving mainstream traction.[32][33] Similarly, "Imagination" was released as a 12-inch maxi-single promo in 1990 on Alpha International Records (catalog V-73015), featuring remixes Heavy (6:21), Perpetual (4:51), and Mental (6:49), along with Dance With Me (Hands Tied Behind Our Backs Mix) (6:38) and Dance With Me (Tied And Gagged) (4:36), remixed by Peter Walsh and Stephen Bogle. The track's upbeat, hi-NRG arrangement targeted dance markets, with artwork limited to a promotional sticker on a generic sleeve. As with "Day After Day," it circulated mainly in industry promo pools, underscoring the Exotic Birds' persistent underground distribution amid label instability.[34]Studio albums
The Exotic Birds released three studio albums during their active years, each showcasing their evolution within the synthpop genre. These releases, produced primarily by bandleader Andy Kubiszewski, emphasized synthesizer-driven compositions and electronic rhythms, reflecting the band's Cleveland roots in the 1980s new wave scene. All albums were issued on independent labels with limited distribution, resulting in modest sales figures estimated in the low thousands per title based on collector market data, and none achieved mainstream chart success. Reissues have been sporadic, with digital remasters appearing in 2012 via platforms like Spotify, and continued availability on streaming services like Apple Music as of 2024, but no widespread vinyl or CD re-pressing has occurred to date.[10]Exotic Birds (1984)
The band's self-released debut, Exotic Birds, was issued as a mini-album on Saturn Records in 1984, marking the core trio's initial foray into recording. Produced by Andy Kubiszewski alongside engineer Tom Cossie, the album features a raw, synth-heavy sound characterized by pulsating basslines and minimalistic electronic percussion, drawing from early new wave influences. Critical notes highlight its energetic yet underdeveloped production, with tracks like "No Communication" praised for their danceable hooks despite the lo-fi aesthetic typical of independent releases. The album's cover artwork features abstract avian motifs, aligning with the band's name.| Track | Title | Duration | Writer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | I'll Never Say Goodbye | 3:52 | A. Kubiszewski |
| A2 | Waiting For You (I Say Na Na) | 5:40 | A. Kubiszewski |
| A3 | No Communication | 3:38 | A. Kubiszewski |
| B1 | Fade Away | 5:40 | A. Kubiszewski |
| B2 | Take Your Chances | 5:03 | A. Kubiszewski |
| B3 | Demon Dance | 5:30 | T. Adams Jr. |
| B4 | No Communication (TV Version) | 3:53 | A. Kubiszewski |
L'oiseau (1986)
Released on Pleasureland Records (catalog PLEP1804), L'oiseau arrived in 1986 as the band's second mini-album, expanding to a five-piece lineup including keyboards from Trent Reznor and drums from Chris Vrenna. Executive produced by John Malm Jr., with programming contributions from Reznor, the album incorporates more layered synth arrangements and influences from emerging industrial elements, evident in tracks like "Fight Fire With Fire." The title, French for "the bird," inspired the cover artwork depicting stylized feathers and avian silhouettes against a minimalist blue background. Reception noted its polished evolution from the debut, with Reznor and Vrenna's input adding rhythmic complexity to the synthpop framework.[14]| Track | Title | Duration | Writer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Dancing on the Airwaves | 3:40 | A. Kubiszewski |
| A2 | Have You Heard the News? | 3:42 | A. Kubiszewski |
| A3 | The Meaning of Love | 2:37 | A. Kubiszewski, T. Freer |
| B1 | This Must Be Heaven | 4:53 | A. Kubiszewski |
| B2 | Nothing Lasts Forever | 3:54 | T. Freer |
| B3 | Fight Fire With Fire | 4:58 | A. Kubiszewski |
Equilibrium (1989/1990)
The final studio album, Equilibrium, was first released on vinyl by Pleasureland Records in 1989, followed by an expanded CD version on Alpha International in 1990. Produced entirely by Andy Kubiszewski, it explores themes of emotional and sonic balance through intricate synthpop structures, with recurring motifs of harmony in lyrics and arrangements—such as the title track's equilibrium metaphor. The vinyl edition contains eight tracks focused on core synth elements, while the CD adds "Every Star Was You" and a 12" remix of the opener, reflecting a more mature, radio-friendly polish. Reception positioned it as the band's most refined work, lauded in niche synthpop circles for its balanced production and thematic depth, though commercial reach remained limited.[21] Vinyl (1989) Tracklist:| Track | Title | Duration | Writer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Everything Is Different Now | 4:16 | A. Kubiszewski, B. Duncan |
| A2 | Day After Day | 3:12 | A. Kubiszewski |
| A3 | The Rhythm of Machinery | 3:42 | A. Kubiszewski |
| A4 | Fashion and Luxury | 4:11 | A. Kubiszewski |
| B1 | Heartbeat Like a Drum | 4:16 | A. Kubiszewski |
| B2 | This Feeling | 4:25 | A. Kubiszewski |
| B3 | Dance With Me | 4:33 | A. Kubiszewski |
| B4 | Equilibrium | 4:23 | A. Kubiszewski |
| Track | Title | Duration | Writer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Every Star Was You | 4:35 | A. Kubiszewski |
| 10 | Everything Is Different Now (12" Mix) | 6:19 | A. Kubiszewski, B. Duncan |
Unreleased material
The Exotic Birds produced several demos and tracks during their active years that were never officially released, primarily due to the band's breakup in the late 1980s amid shifting lineups and limited label support. These materials, often recorded in home studios or during album sessions, have since circulated among fans through authorized online uploads provided by core member Andrew Kubiszewski. Examples include early synth-pop demos from the mid-1980s featuring the core trio of Kubiszewski, Scott Davidson, and Brad Longstreth, as well as later experiments post their 1989 album Equilibrium. Known unreleased demos, shared with permission from Kubiszewski via the XoTfan YouTube channel, encompass a range of upbeat electronic tracks reflective of the band's new wave style:- "Cruel Heart" (mid-1980s demo, synth-driven with prominent keyboards) [35]
- "Devices and Desires" (1980s demo, featuring layered vocals and rhythmic sequences) [36]
- "Dont Breathe a Word" (unreleased track with echoing synths and driving bass) [37]
- "Haunting Me" (demo emphasizing melodic hooks and electronic percussion) [38]
- "Join Hands" (early 1980s-style demo with optimistic tones) [39]
- "Set Me Free" (energetic unreleased piece with danceable elements) [40]
- "Sometimes It Hurts" (emotional demo later inspiring Kubiszewski's post-band work) [41]
- "Temptations Deep Blue Eyes" (seductive synth demo from the band's later era) [42]