About the Band
Formed in 2008, Birds and Arrows are a dynamic, melodic rock band from Tucson, Arizona, fronted by married couple Andrea and Pete Connolly. Over the course of 17 years, they’ve perfected their unique blend of emotional, high-energy performances and masterful songwriting. Their connection as both life and musical partners shines through in their compelling vocal performances—both male and female—and their deeply collaborative songwriting process.
Drawing from the best of classic rock and songwriter traditions, Birds and Arrows weave rich melodies with intricate harmonies, all while maintaining a groove-driven, rock-solid rhythm section. The duo’s lyrics are marked by vivid southwestern imagery, pulling from the unique landscapes, culture, and stories of the desert, creating a tapestry of emotions that resonate with listeners. Live, the band is a force to be reckoned with, known for their passionate, dynamic vocal performances and energetic stage presence.
The band’s artistry extends beyond the music itself—Birds and Arrows are also visual artists, incorporating their visual art into album covers and live performances, making their shows an immersive experience. Over the years, they've garnered significant recognition, including winning Best Rock Band in Tucson, Arizona three years in a row, as voted on by Tucson Weekly readers.
In addition to their growing local fanbase, the band has shared the stage with major acts like Big Star, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Dr. Dog, and Rick Springfield. They've also been featured on compilations alongside Wilco, Whiskeytown, Yo La Tengo, dB's, and R.E.M. The band’s live performances have been elevated by their talented guest musicians, including Robert Sledge (Ben Folds Five) on bass, Dirk Shumaker (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy) on bass and vocals, and Ben Nisbet (Tucson Symphony) on electric lead guitar. Together, these musicians add an extra layer of depth and energy to their live shows, blending their exceptional talent with Birds and Arrows’ unique sound.
With six full-length records, three EPs, and a new single, "The Kite, Right Back to Me," released in March 2025, Birds and Arrows continue to push the boundaries of their sound. The single has been praised for its strong, soulful vocals, an 80s rock/pop throwback sound with a unique twist, and its emotional vocal performance. The song’s vivid imagery and solid production have resonated deeply with both new and long-time listeners.
As always, Birds and Arrows strive to connect with their audience through both their music and their visual art, constantly evolving and pushing the limits of creativity. Rooted in the spirit of Tucson and the desert southwest, they continue to create music that feels as vast and timeless as the landscape that inspires them.
Voted “Best Rock Band In Tucson” (2021, 2023 and 2024) by Tucson Weekly Readers!
Their sound and art direction make them seem much larger than a duo, churning out rock music that can jump from personal ballads to massive jams that threaten to swallow the performers up. Contemplative and a little psychedelic, just like the desert itself." - Tucson Weekly
Press Quotes
"Birds and Arrows reflects a self-assurance that results in strong songwriting and inventive arrangements.” — Chris Conaton of Pop Matters
“The singing throughout Starmaker is fantastic. Andrea's voice is clear, full and stunning, seemingly designed for melancholic anthems and slow-burning love songs. With sand on his vocal chords, Pete delivers lyrics with a rootsy, quiet confidence that balances Andrea in an unexpectedly appealing way.” — Andrew Ritchey, Independent Weekly
“Indeed, Pete and Andrea Connolly wed in October, becoming the most recent addition to the Triangle's excellent collegium of married bands that includes The Rosebuds, Work Clothes and Waumiss. And their workwarm, emotional, poetic folk music played tenderly and gingerly thrives on the relationship's intimacy, spinning songs from domestic images like the blue flickering flame of a gas burner and the trove of persistent memories that remain like love's kindling.” — Grayson Havor Currin
"There is a violent tension in the moniker Birds and Arrows, but the music that Pete and Andrea Connolly craft, spins friction away from brutality and into elegant, elemental heights." — Ashley Melzer, Paste Magazine
"The honeymoon sweetness of their earlier work has been replaced with a maturity and depth appropriate for musicians whose lives and work are gaining seriousness and acclaim." — Frank Stasio, NPR “The State of Things”
"Birds and Arrows are overflowing with invention, dedication and exuberance. Andrea and Pete sing together as if the Everly Bros. had joined Fleetwood Mac which doesn't hurt at all! If the Devil is in the details, then watch what you wish for around Birds & Arrows.” — Chris Stamey (of The dB's)
“Coyotes, the third album by local trio Birds and Arrows, recalls the 1973’s cult classic Buckingham Nicks. With production from the great Chris Stamey, the album’s pastoral songs center on the deeply emotional blend of Andrea and Pete Connolly’s intertwined voices.” — Raleigh News & Observer
"Andrea's voice cuts right to my heart each and every time. Their music so lush, really creates some beautiful energy.” — Dirk Shumaker (of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy)
Photo by Neil Schwartz
Pete Connolly Art x Birds and Arrows
Birds and Arrows: Visual Art by Andrea and Pete Connolly
Beyond their musical endeavors, Birds and Arrows—the creative duo of Andrea and Pete Connolly—have established a distinctive presence in the visual arts, blending their talents to produce a diverse array of projects that reflect their unique artistic vision.
Pete Connolly's Artistic Achievements:
The Connolly Tarot Deck: Pete co-created The Connolly Tarot Deck with his mother, Eileen Connolly. First published in 1990, this deck is renowned for its inspirational and uplifting imagery, tapping into the subconscious. It remains one of the most recognizable and popular tarot decks worldwide, continuously published by U.S. Games Systems since its release. Goodreads+5PaperBack Swap+5PaperBack Swap+5
Feng Shui Tarot: In collaboration with Eileen Connolly, Pete also contributed to the Feng Shui Tarot deck, offering a unique perspective on traditional tarot symbolism.
Children's Book Illustrations: In 2013, Pete illustrated a series of children's books for a Baltimore-based non-profit. These books have been utilized as educational tools in inner-city schools across Baltimore, St. Louis, New Orleans, and other cities, showcasing Pete's ability to combine artistic expression with educational value. BIRDS+ARROWS
Television Contributions: Pete's artistic talents have extended to television, where his illustrations have been featured as backgrounds in several NBC shows, demonstrating the versatility and appeal of his work.
Exhibitions and Collections: Originally from Bolton, England, Pete has spent much of his life in the U.S. and is now based in Tucson, Arizona. His work is featured in various museums and galleries along the East Coast, including The Museum of American Folk Art in New York City, reflecting the widespread recognition of his artistic contributions. BIRDS+ARROWS
Collaborations with Fellow Musicians: Pete has collaborated with several musicians, designing album art, logos, and merchandise. Notably, he has worked with Ben Folds Five, Justin Robinson of The Carolina Chocolate Drops, and Dirk Shumaker of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, merging his artistic skills with the music industry. BIRDS+ARROWS
Joint Artistic Endeavors:
Together, Andrea and Pete Connolly have cultivated a cohesive artistic identity under the Birds and Arrows brand. Their combined efforts have resulted in:
Album Art and Merchandise: The duo designs album covers, t-shirts, and other merchandise for their own projects and fellow musicians, ensuring a consistent and visually appealing aesthetic that aligns with their musical vision.
Immersive Live Performances: Integrating their visual art into live shows, they create immersive experiences that engage audiences on multiple sensory levels, further solidifying their reputation as multifaceted artists. BIRDS+ARROWS
Through their visual art, Andrea and Pete Connolly continue to enrich the cultural landscape, blending their talents to produce work that is both visually captivating and deeply personal. Their commitment to creativity spans multiple mediums, reflecting their dedication to living a creative lifestyle and sharing their artistic vision with the world.
For more information on Pete Connolly's individual art, visit Pete Connolly Art.
More about Birds and Arrows
Formed in Chapel Hill, NC in 2007, Birds and Arrows, the husband-and-wife duo of Andrea and Pete Connolly, quickly gained recognition for their emotionally charged songwriting and captivating performances. The band released two self-produced, critically acclaimed EPs—Self-Titled (2008) and Woodgrain Heart (2009)—before their first full-length album, Starmaker (2008), became a local folk favorite in the North Carolina Triangle, alongside albums by Bon Iver.
Their 2009 release We're Gonna Run, produced by Nick Peterson, marked a shift toward chamber rock, featuring the cello of Josh Starmer. In 2013, they released Coyotes, recorded with Chris Stamey (The dB's), showcasing their growth into a more polished and emotionally resonant sound. That same year, they also released a holiday EP, Holiday Forever, featured on compilations with Wilco, Big Star, Yo La Tengo, R.E.M. and Whiskeytown.
After relocating to Tucson, AZ in 2016, Birds and Arrows embraced a new direction, drawing inspiration from the desert’s vast, open landscape. This transition culminated in their 2018 release Arbitrary Magic, produced by Gabriel Sullivan (XIXA). The album’s raw energy marked their shift from folk to a more energetic rock sound, exemplified by the single "Stay Down."
Following the pandemic lockdown in 2020, the band returned to the studio to complete their sixth album, Electric Bones (2023), recorded live at Dust and Stone Studios with Sullivan as producer. Electric Bones captures the visceral energy of the band’s live performances and reflects the creative and emotional aftermath of the pandemic. The album features collaborations with Brian Lopez (XIXA, Calexico) and other special guests.
With six full-length albums, three EPs, and a reputation for high-energy live shows, Birds and Arrows continue to push the boundaries of their sound, blending heartfelt songwriting with dynamic performances that resonate deeply with audiences.