About us
Freeminer Birds are a five piece band that combines a variety of instruments to create a sound that’s uniquely American; possessing elements of punk, folk and americana. Our dark lyrical subject matter reflects the hardships of the working class.
They were formed in November 2007 by Steve Bowen (Sweatshop Boys, Pinker), Emily Brown (Pinker, Host, Comacast), Neil Polanski (Sweatshop Boys, Pinker, Edge of Jupiter), and Anthony Salotto (Pinker). What began with strong songwriting on acoustic guitar by Steve Bowen quickly turned into a collaboration between friends. Experimenting with various instruments, Brown, Polanski, and Salotto added parts to Bowen’s bare-bones guitar and vocal tracks. Their catalog of songs quickly grew and Freeminer Birds was born. Later, Guy Higgins (Sweatshop Boys, Edge of Jupiter) joined the group to enhance their live set.
- Steve Bowen- vocals, acoustic guitar, 12 string guitar, ukulele, mandolin, percussion, toy accordian
- Emily Brown- vocals, organ, piano, flute, glockenspiel, xylophone, harmonica, percussion, penny whistle, toy piano
- Neil Polanski- electric guitar, drums
- Anthony Salotto- bass, percussion, back-up vocals
- Corinne Bowen- guest viola on “The Operator”, guest vocals on “The Auctioneer”
- Guy Higgins- percussion, 12 string guitar, harmonica
Special thanks to Lail & Corinne. Many thanks to Dave, Mom and Dad Bowen for letting us borrow instruments.