Ann Courtney: Vocals
Elizabeth Carena: Vocals / Keyboards
Chris Foley: Guitar
Gunnar Olsen: Drums
Having set New York City and beyond ablaze with their live wire shows, a string of EPs, and their 2016 self-titled debut on Metal Blade Records (Via the Chris Santos-owned Blacklight Media subsidiary), Mother Feather return with Constellation Baby - definitively restating their position as one of the most exciting and unique rock & roll acts on the circuit. This is deeply felt NYC rock & roll as it should be: towering riffs and now-or-never urgency, bolstered by pop precision and purity of mission.
Anyone exposed to Constellation Baby will be immediately struck by its sublime melodies and irresistible, danceable grooves, particularly on tracks like "Shake Your Magic 8 Ball," which Courtney says is about "unlocking the answers to life's deepest questions by shaking your ass on the dance floor." The struggles of depression and being a creative in the 21st century come face to face with hard partying sounds. The band makes this seem somehow effortless, belying the hard work and raw emotion they've poured into every aspect of the work. Their relentless discipline made them a perfect fit for Blacklight Media. A little under half the record was written before Mother Feather hit the road in support of their debut, with fans (affectionately known as "motherfeathers") having already been treated to a smattering of the songs live.
Tracked entirely in Brooklyn at Mission Sound and producer Valleau's studio The Glass Wall, everyone involved spent three intensive months focused on the album, determined to bring it to life in the way the songs deserved. It’s being able to make these resources available for the next generation of bands that makes it all worth it for Blacklight Media. Their take on Metal Blade’s vision leads to some unique opportunities.
When looking at everything they achieved in support of their debut, Mother Feather - including 41 dates on the 2016 Warped Tour, a live session for the BBC Radio One Rock Show around sell-out UK dates, appearances at large-scale stadium festivals Rock On The Range and Carolina Rebellion, as well as opening slots for The B-52s - it's understandable that the quintet are keen to hit the road in support of Constellation Baby. Though Mother Feather may be fighting personal demons as well as the brutal realities of the music industry, they boldly soldier on with their label partners in tow. Courtney asserts that upcoming shows promise "more blood, more lightning, more catharsis." While the devout will already be salivating at such a proposition, the vocalist is eager to expand the cult around the band. "I am greedy for fans. I want to go to Japan, more of Europe, South America, and scoop up motherfeathers everywhere we go. They are everywhere, and I want to find them."
