Curious Quail
Started in 2008 as a solo project of Mike Shirley-Donnelly, Curious Quail has evolved into a musician collective with contributing performers spanning the west coast of the United States from the deserts of Coachella Valley to The San Francisco Bay Area and Vancouver, Washington. The group's instrumentation consists of guitar, bass, violin, orchestral percussion, drums, layered vocals, and an amalgamation of sound chips from outdated video game hardware including Nintendo Gameboys and ATARI 800 computers.
Shirley-Donnelly serves as primary composer and producer as well as being the group's lead vocalist, guitarist, and chiptune programmer.
The band's live incarnations have toured throughout California, Oregon and Washington, have been mainstays of the Freq.Fest circuit (8BitLA, 8BitSF), MAGFest events (MAGWest in Santa Clara and MAGFest in Maryland) and reoccurring appearances at ALT105's BFD summer music festivals.
Photo by Loni Lonzo / @shutterghost_
PRESS
"These guys are busting out big time...a combo of tight, almost-orchestral musical talent and digital gadgetry, Curious Quail are real and true geek rock."
The Bay Bridged
"If you haven’t caught on yet to Curious Quail, you better take notice now."
CBS/Entercom Radio's ALT105 (KITS San Francisco)
"Curious Quail has a truly original sound. Shirley-Donnelly's lyrics are insightful and pointed, juxtaposed beautifully against the crisp rhythms of the songs."
TIW Music
"If Owl City didn't suck, or perhaps Ben Gibbard grew some balls...Curious Quail might just be the Bay Area's next big hope."
Death and Taxes Magazine
"Throw in some strokes of live drums, synthesizers, distorted guitars, and a couple strings here and there...You think it will end up being too much, but like a Bob Ross painting, the whole thing just works."
Nanobot Rock