THESE ARE THE VERTICAL BIRDS
They’re funky, they twang, they rock, they roll. They’re down ‘n dirty, yet upright and sturdy. These birds are vertical, y’all!

DJ Morrison – Vocals, Guitar

DJ started out at the tender age of 14 playing old-time Appalachian music with his grandfather, then went on to study classical and jazz guitar under the tutelage of local east TN legend, Bob Orr. DJ started writing songs at the age of 17 and has amassed a catalog of over a hundred songs. Today, he can be found playing many of those with his new band, The Vertical Birds. Aside from the time spent with the new band, DJ is often a hired gun for other artist’s gigs and studio sessions.

Jeremy Carriger – Bass

Since first starting playing at 14, Jeremy was driven to understand how music works. How harmony works, how melody works; form, phrase, syntax, blend, dynamics… Be it with a bow or fingers, he’s still discovering how this music phenomenon works.

James Broussard – Drums

James started playing drums in middle-school band at the age of 12 – his cousin teased “There’s no way you could play drums with your lack of rhythm and coordination.” He continued through highschool marching band and through a degree in Jazz at The University of Tennessee. He took every opportunity he could and then landed with The Vertical Birds.

Eric Jurgielewicz – Keys

Eric started playing music in a small East TN town at the age of 13. He spent most of his early years playing in local churches and always on the lookout for other passionate musicians. Today he is thriving in the Knoxville music scene by pulling from his inspiration of gospel, R&B, and Soul music.