Over the last four years, Bird Problems has firmly planted its talons in the Montreal prog metal scene. Formed in late 2013, the band has performed regularly at local venues including Katacombes, Underworld, Piranha Bar, L’Escogriffe, Foufounes Electriques, L’Astral, L’Hémisphère Gauche, and Metropolis. Constantly evolving, their sound is a melting pot of prog; ambient jazzy sections sandwiched by razor sharp melodic metalcore riffs. With their debut album “Tar” on the horizon, Bird Problems invites you to enter their world.
Each band member brings their own musical spark to the flock.
Joseph “Anidjent” Anidjar (lead guitar) brings his genre-bending influence to the band’s riffs. Joseph is a jazz music student at Vanier College. His musical taste includes Plini, Tom Quayle, Intervals, and Joe Henderson. This broad range of influences comes through in Bird Problems’s contrast-ridden tunes.
Max “Zeke” Laramee (bass) is a psychology student at Concordia University who brings the rumble with his dank riffing. The band’s lack of rhythm guitarist allows Max’s unique bass style and crusty slaps to come through in both the writing and recording of material. Max’s notable musical influences include Incubus, Karnivool, Jaco Pastorius, Dirty Loops and Twelve Foot Ninja.
Daniel “Djankniel” Smilovitch (drums) is also a psychology student at Concordia University. The diversity in his drumming allows Bird Problems to dance around time signatures and feel changes while guaranteeing a seamless resolution. A few bands that have shaped his drumming include The Contortionist, The Helix Nebula, and Agent Fresco.
Michael “The Goose” Smilovitch (vocals) is a jack of all trades. While studying neuroscience and working at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Michael has dedicated countless hours to his haunting melodies and introspective lyrics. His powerful screams accent the band’s heavier sections, while his melodic prowess helps his vocals flow seamlessly with the technical instrumentation. His biggest influences include Enter Shikari, Dance Gavin Dance, Protest the Hero, and Coheed and Cambria.