Birdie Num Num and Me
I’ve known Joe since 1992. We met through a mutual friend, Andy and started a band called Aroma. Andy (Dru) and I were studying graphic design together at The University of the Arts. Joe was living in a 300 square foot apartment on Spruce Street, delivering flowers for a living.
Somehow, we were allowed to practice in the dank, moldy basement of his building without any complaints from the neighbors. We practiced a lot and created a lot of songs. We played all over Philadelphia including at a University of Pennsylvania Spring Fling — where we technically “opened” for Sonic Youth, granted it was 30 hours before they took the stage.
We recorded at a real studio onto tape, the old fashioned way. It was an exciting time full of memories that I still think about and cherish today.
We eventually disbanded. Dru and I went on to pursue our design careers. Joe continued to make music.
A few years later, Joe got back in touch and asked me if I’d be interested in recording some songs for a new project that he was working on. I agreed immediately. I was living in Brooklyn and working in Manhattan. Joe had left Philadelphia and was living in a house in rural New Jersey.
I drove out to the house on a Sunday morning and met with Joe, after a five-year absence. He explained that he was working on a music project that would intentionally be a rotating cast of musicians and players. I’m not sure if he had the name yet, but the project became Birdie Num Num and the Spirit Squad.
We spent the afternoon recording the drum tracks. The music was different than what we had played together in Aroma, but the connection was still there. It felt really good to make music together again.
After the songs were complete, Joe asked me to design the CD packaging for him. And then a handful of gig posters. I’d crank them out after hours at my work office.
Birdie Num Num and the Spirit Squad continued to evolve over the years. There were some breaks here and there, but Joe kept it going.
Last night Birdie Num Num and the Spirit Squad played a show to celebrate its’ 20th year together at the same location of their debut appearance.
Joe posted an invite to the show a few months on Facebook, and admittedly, I wasn’t sure if I could bring myself to go. Having become deaf is full of challenges across the board, but to no longer be able to hear music is really difficult and emotional for me.
Earlier in the week I just said, “Fuck it, I’m going.” I booked a hotel room nearby and downloaded Lyft so that I could drink a few extra beers while “watching” the band.
I got to the bar two hours early (by accident) but was met with a huge hug from Joe and multiple “Thank you’s” for showing up.
I watched them set up their equipment, coordinating and managing to fit multiple instruments (two drum sets) into a tiny stage space. I purposely positioned myself near the bass amp so that I could feel the rhythm.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t hear the guitars, keyboards or vocals, but could pick up some of the low-end sounds from the drums and bass. So, I essentially sat back and enjoyed the energy they were all putting out as they played — using my eyes and body, instead of my ears.
I realized that music doesn’t need to be all about the sound, it can be enjoyed through the visual energy and emotions that both the musicians and audience members are expressing.
It was a bittersweet night, but I’m glad I did it.
Thank you, Joe and Dru. For all of it.
