Who is Satchsquatch?!?
Satchsquatch is made up of four of the best musicians in the known universe.
Our goal is to honor the great cosmic guitar master, Joe Satriani, who has led the way for instrumental guitar music since his debut album in 1986.
See below for individual bios for each of the members of this illustrious band.
Eric Kirchstein
Satriani Doppelgänger
Eric started playing guitar at age 14 after being inspired by some of the greatest rock guitarists in history. Through hard work, dedication, and completely ignoring schoolwork and socializing, he was able to begin a lifelong journey towards the mastery of rock guitar.
This journey included attending Berklee College of Music in Boston, teaching private guitar lessons, performing with his band PLOW in the mid-90s, the Steely Dan tribute band Babylon Dreamer, and best of all, pretending to be Joe Satriani in Satchsquatch.
Recently, Eric has enjoyed success writing, recording, and publishing background music for cable and network television shows. He currently has 11 songs being played on 33 different shows on 21 different networks in 36 countries. Some popular shows that include his music are The Voice (NBC), Impractical Jokers (Tru TV), American Pickers (History), Forged in Fire (History), Ru Paul’s Drag Race (LOGO), and many more.
Eric is honored to be playing with some of the best musicians in the industry in Satchsquatch and honoring his idol, Joe Satriani.
Jeff Heinz
Drummer/Business Manager
Jeff started drumming in school around the age of 10 and has had a passion for music ever since. As a self-taught drummer, it was his love of rock music that built the foundation of his playing.
Jeff's drumming career spans over forty years ranging from Scottish Highland competitive snare drumming to Hair Metal Bands and everything in between. Whether on stage or in the studio, the challenge to "play what's right for the song" is what continues to develop his style and versatility as a musician.
In 2015 he played himself in the rockumentary 'Hair I Go Again' as the former drummer for the high school rock band 'Tryxx', which the lead characters sought to reunite. In 2020 he recorded the album The Dream Dream with Project 63. His most recent project before Satchsquatch was Babylon Dreamer, a Steely Dan tribute show.
Joe Wilkie
Bass Player
After playing various string and wind instruments for ten years, Joe found his musical home when he picked up his first bass guitar. Within a few short months he was playing in a metal band, kicking off a nearly continuous series of bands and recording projects ever since.
He quickly honed his skills through private lessons, as well as playing extensively in clubs, at parties and in “the pit” for theatrical productions. He continued his formal education at Berklee College of Music, where he studied bass guitar and music production on a performance scholarship. Over the years he’s released EPs of original music with four different bands and performed in the US and EU.
Lately, Joe has enjoyed holding down the bottom end for Raleigh-based Babylon Dreamer and singer/songwriter Imperfect Son. Now he turns his focus keep the groove pumping while
honoring Joe Satriani and the legendary bassists who have backed him over the years
Brian McIntire
Rhythm Guitarist
Brian is the unsung hero of Satchsquatch, holding down the fort with rock-solid rhythm while the lead guitarist shreds away in the spotlight. With a deep commitment to not playing solos, Brian keeps the band grounded with the perfect balance of power chords, open-string chugs, and the occasional dramatic windmill strum (for flair, of course).
Inspired by legends like Malcolm Young, James Hetfield, and that guy from every garage band who insists, "Nah, I just do rhythm," Brian has perfected the art of making the rest of the band sound better. Whether it's chugging out a riff or remembering every chord progression while the lead guitarist forgets which song they’re playing, Brian is the glue that holds it all together.
When not meticulously refining the downstroke technique Brian enjoys long walks to the fridge between practice sessions.
Some say rhythm guitarists live in the shadows. Brian prefers to call it the pocket.
