Glowbird is a rock band based out of California's San Fernando Valley. While now known for a style of blending fuzzy riffs, smooth synthesizers, ‘80s and ‘90s-worthy rock ballads, and a hint of ‘70s new wave, Glowbird began with founder and frontman Steve Dodd writing songs in a small backhouse in Pacoima, CA. The band quickly grew with additions lead guitarist Ray Rosas and later bass player Alec Golya who have been essential to developing the band’s distinctive euphoric rock sound.
 
After playing shows around Los Angeles and finessing their style, Glowbird released their first self-titled EP in 2013 introducing the valley and elsewhere to Dodd’s sultry vocals paired alongside Rosas’ colorful guitar textures, and intertwined with Golya’s leading bass. The release of “Dragonfly,” in particular, is emblematic of many of the themes of Glowbird’s songs: requited and unrequited love, the ephemeral nature of relationships, and loves lost. While Dodd’s lyrics are often upbeat and optimistic, Dodd’s vocals give way to something darker and more tragic and brooding than conveyed in the words of his songs. This sense of hopefulness in hopelessness is further solidified in Rosas’ dysphoric, fuzzed-out guitars which, when paired with Dodd’s tenor vocal range, give Glowbird its distinct upbeat melancholic sound. While the release of their EP led to Glowbird further developing their particular style, the band struggled to find a drummer that would complement their sound. Glowbird decided to dedicate time to more diligently search for a drummer while continuing to write and workshop more songs. 
 
In 2016, the band released its second EP, “Half Dead Flowers,” featuring five new songs and introducing current drummer Christian Johnson. Johnson had played with Glowbird in their early days but had moved across country before the band released their first EP in 2013. He returned to the band bringing new fervor to the band’s desire to further solidify themselves as a player in the valley’s modern rock scene. “Half Dead Flowers” is where the band embraces their kaleidoscope of sounds and explores the possibilities of combining a modern rock sound with rock ballads and synth-like gestures. Dodd’s lyrics continue to explore the tenuousness of romance while exploring darker themes of obsession, impatience, and depression. While the lyrics themselves can be melancholic, Dodd’s vocals deliver something more optimistic alongside their signature effect-driven guitar riffs, cerebral bass lines, and synchronic drums.
 
In 2020, Glowbird released their single “Patience” which hints at a new direction for the band as it nears its ten-year anniversary. While “Patience” shares many of the same lyrical themes present in “Half Dead Flowers” and “Glowbird,” the sound of the band has clearly delved into new terrains and is infused with a more anthemic energy from past material, now showcasing a shift toward synthesizers and overall wider spectrum of dynamics. “Patience” explores a romantic relationship that has come to an end and captures the desire of convincing another to take a chance on their love again. This patience, or impatience, is the distinct nature and sound of Glowbird.

We make software, hardware and other creative tools for a global community of music makers. 

Here you’ll find samples of Ableton, partner and Max for Live instruments.

Musically, the multiplatinum GRAMMY® Award-nominated trio of Southern California sisters Este, Danielle, and Alana Haim trace a winding path through genres and musical eras—similar to how Ventura Boulevard paves its way through a myriad of Los Angeles suburbs and neighborhoods. Since 2012, the group have made a mark on their own terms with eclectic songcraft in the studio and electrifying performances on stages worldwide. With five career GRAMMY® nominations to date, they became the first all-female band nominated for “Best Rock Album” with 2025’s I quit, and previously made history as the first all-female rock group nominated for “Album of the Year” for 2020’s critically acclaimed Women In Music Pt. III. Prior, they released the gold-certified Days Are Gone [2013] and Something To Tell You [2017]. Over the course of a decade, they have also notched two #1 debuts on the UK Albums Chart and two Top 10 entries on the Billboard 200. Haim’s highly anticipated fourth studio album, I quit, was released in June 2025. The deluxe version of the album features three new songs, including “Tie you down” with Bon Iver.

A look at what's next in business, culture and creativity with a thought leader in their field.

Put on by the screen printers at www.realthread.com.

edodsn is following