Mother Feather
Interview by Alex Teitz
Mother Feather is a NYC based rock band. Rock in the core sense of the word. They have established themselves by putting on striking live shows. They are signed to Metal Blade Records. This year they are one of many bands on the Vans Warped Tour.
Mother Feather is made up of Ann Courtney, Elizabeth Carena, Matt Basile, Chris Foley & Gunnar Olson. They released their self titled full length album in May. FEMMUSIC was honored to have an e-mail interview with Ann Courtney. For info visit http://www.motherfeather.com/
FEMMUSIC: Can you describe your songwriting technique? How does a song develop within the band?
AC: I get the best ideas for hooks and melodies jumping on my trampoline, riding my bike, and in the shower. Then I demo at home on guitar (or lately, synth) and bring in a completed song to the band, after which we develop and arrange and it becomes something bigger and better than I could have envisioned on my own.
FEMMUSIC: You’ve had 3 EP’s in the past few years, what was the biggest challenge making a full length album?
AC: Actually we’ve only released two Eps and they make up 80% of our album, so I’ll have to tell you after we complete the next LP.
FEMMUSIC: Were there any experiences that stood out as unique or different during the recording process?
AC: After Mother Feather’s very first studio day at Metrosonic in Brooklyn back in in 2010, we listened back to the tracking we’d done of “Beach House” in Chris’ car and I had a moment where I felt supremely exhilarated. I was hearing something I really wanted to listen to.
FEMMUSIC: I noticed you produced the album yourself but also had Steve Wall. How did you meet Wall & why did you choose him for this project?
AC: We met Steve Wall at Rockwood Music Hall, which is an epicenter in New York City for people who make music. We chose Steve because he is a punk, a fearless motherfucker, and has sublime taste. He’s not afraid to tell us what is and he makes bold choices, just like Mother Feather.
FEMMUSIC: You’re signed with Metal Blade Records. What made you decide to sign with them? How did they approach you?
AC: Brian Slagel found us on Twitter through a hot tip from chef and restaurateur Chris Santos. We signed with them because they’re awesome and have been putting out records for over 30 years. Brian knows what he’s doing. He is a fan first. Plus he’s a big cat lover, which is extra credit in my book.
FEMMUSIC: What are you most looking forward to in doing Vans Warped Tour this summer?
AC: I am looking forward to meeting the fans and the opportunity to perform almost every day for seven weeks straight.
FEMMUSIC: As a woman in the music industry have you been discriminated against?
AC: This is my first record deal so I’ve had fairly limited industry exposure—I was an independent artist for years before signing with Metal Blade. Thus far the sexism has been fairly low grade, nothing I can’t handle or has come close to what I experienced in the bar and nightlife industry!
FEMMUSIC: What is one thing would you like to change about the music industry?
AC: It would be great if it wasn’t such a struggle to support ourselves. It’s a goal to be able to do Mother Feather full time and also be able to keep the lights on.
FEMMUSIC: What one artist or band would you most like to collaborate with or tour with?
AC: Mother Feather are massive Charli XCX fans.
FEMMUSIC: What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?
AC: Find the thing you want to do and get better at it. Find your people and work smarter, not just harder. Fear is a trap and should be kicked in the face.