Punk-adjacent local band brings new vision to Chapel Hill music scene

Chapel Hill/Carrboro-based band Chiroptera only debuted last year, but the middle and high school-aged band members are already making waves in the local music scene.

Describing their music as “punk adjacent noise” in their Instagram bio, the band plays music with punk rock, New Wave and indie influences. 

Their debut show was on Oct. 5, 2024 at Carrboro Town Commons at the Really Really Free Market’s 20th anniversary, and they have since performed at venues such as Local 506, Speakeasy and Motorco Music Hall. 

Finn Brown, Chiroptera’s bassist, said that he had always wanted to be a part of a band. He has been playing bass for two years, and initially had started playing with Cass DeLuca, Chiroptera’s drummer. The two eventually decided to reach out to others in hopes to form a band. 

They first reached out to Mili Ruiz Vasquez, the band’s guitarist, who they knew from school, and then put flyers around School of Rock Chapel Hill to find someone to do vocals. Avery Byrne ended up responding and is now their vocalist. 

“We practiced together once, and we were like, ‘Okay, we get along really well, I think we need to continue this,’ and here we are,” Brown said. 

Lucy Byrne, Avery's older sister, said that Chiroptera has grown a lot since starting. 

“Originally, it was similar to a house band, but eventually it grew,” she said. “They started writing their own songs and they reached out to many different venues such as Local 506, and they’ve been performing ever since.” 

Brown said he had only ever performed once in front of an audience before his first performance with Chiroptera, so it was initially scary, but a fulfilling experience. 

Avery Byrne also touched upon the nerves of the band's first few performances, but he said that it has become easier as Chiroptera has been performing more.

“I think performing is always kind of scary, especially when it’s your own work,” Avery Byrne said. “It feels so personal.” 

As the band has grown from their first few performances to now, they have had the opportunity to connect with others within the local music scene, such as the bands Babe Haven and Narsick.

Additionally, Brown said they received a lot of support from the owners of Local 506, who Brown got to know by attending shows there over the summer. 

“The people who run Local 506 are very, very supportive and want to see the scene being moved on, being kept alive,” he said. “Everyone knows everybody. By just getting to know a few people, you get to know a lot of people.” 

Avery Byrne also said that performing is an opportunity for the band to share their creative vision, and the shared live experience connects them with others, including audience members and other local bands.

That support from the music community, Brown said, has been helpful for Chiroptera in allowing them to grow and record their first Extended Play. 

“You meet so many people, and everyone out there is not there to win," Brown said. "It’s not like you’re racing to see who’s the best. You’re all just out there to support each other." 

He also gave a shout-out to Narsick, and specifically vocalist Ash Wynn Graña, for the support they have given Chiroptera.

Chiroptera’s growth has been exciting for many in the local music scene to witness, including Lucy Byrne.

“It’s such an amazing experience to watch them play, and not just because my brother’s on it, but really the whole band," she said. "They all sync well with each other, and their songs are very creative." 

Lucy Byrne said Chiroptera’s shows are always lively and they entertain the crowd well. 

“I think they bring a lot of joy to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro community, and give it a sense of youth spirit,” she said. “That’s always really good to have.” 

Chiroptera is planning to do more shows in the spring and summer, and an album release show for their EP when it comes out. A release date has not yet been announced. 

@dthlifestyle | lifestyle@dailytarheel.com