About

“A band whose adherence to the gospel of Lenny Kaye’s Nuggets compilation has equipped them with a sonic time machine that transports the listener back to the era of incense and peppermints in the most authentic way possible.”
— SPIN Magazine

Bradley Stewart & The Thornbirds craft vintage-flavored rock with a bold modern pulse. Drawing from the jangly mysticism of The Byrds, the fuzz-fueled grit of The Rolling Stones, and the adventurous spirit of 60s psychedelia, the band has emerged as one of the most compelling voices in retro-futurist rock.

The band is led by singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Bradley Stewart, joined by songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Brendan Steakelum, vocalist Danielle Stewart, and drummer Ellen Houle. Their music has earned praise across the indie landscape—from cult DJs to music journalists at Rolling Stone and SPIN.

Their debut LP, The End Is Not The End, launched with critical fanfare, with its title track premiering on legendary LA tastemaker Rodney Bingenheimer’s show. In 2024, SPIN Magazine featured the band for their genre-bending throwback ethos, and Rolling Stone named them “an artist you should know” following the release of their EP Across The Sky in January 2025.

“From the cover to the composition and arrangement, together they transport you to a psychedelic world that I enjoyed a lot… I really like the color of Stewart’s voice, the mix of the song, the choruses and vocal interplay… the whole atmosphere and concept of this music.”
— Pablo Monroy, Rolling Stone

“A beautiful interpretation… the production is brilliant, and it takes us back to the 60s, especially with the work on the vocal harmonies, which are truly wonderful.”
— Ricardo Durán, Rolling Stone (on their cover of ‘Love Hurts’)

In 2025, the band is actively expanding their presence with a two-part EP cycle. Across The Sky introduced a lush new palette of chiming guitars, cinematic arrangements, and poetic introspection. Their forthcoming EP Sing For Me (July 2025) promises another leap forward in ambition and emotional resonance.

Frontman Bradley Stewart was recently interviewed by SPIN, discussing the evolving landscape of independent music, songwriting in the streaming era, and his lifelong devotion to classic albums like Revolver and The Notorious Byrd Brothers.

Currently based in Pennsylvania, Stewart is also part of a new Los Angeles based band Green Flash, featuring Stewart and fellow songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Patrick Cleary (Country Sedan, Cleary Country, The Sound Reasons) who are set to release their debut EP “Back To The Garden”. With his involvement with Green Flash, Stewart is taking The Thornbirds out to the West Coast as well, building their fanbase through performances and collaborations in the Los Angeles scene.