Feathers

Feathers is a folk rock group from Northampton, United States, active from 2003. The band’s line-up includes Ruth Garbus, Asa Irons, Kyle Thomas and Kurt Weisman. It is associated with freak folk, folk, psychedelic, New Weird America and synthpop, though the group tends to avoid fixed genre labels.

Formation and style

The band begins with Kyle Thomas and Kurt Weisman, who meet while working together in a record store and start making music together. Meara later joins after seeing them perform at a local venue. Over time, the line-up grows to eight members, with the members preferring to be identified by first names.

Feathers develops a sound that draws on progressive folk and earlier acoustic and psychedelic folk groups, including the Incredible String Band and Moths and Rumple Stiltzken Commune. The band also has connections with Devendra Banhart, although it is described as following its own direction rather than fitting neatly into the freak folk scene.

Recordings and releases

The group releases the self-produced EP Gnomeozoic Live, followed by a full-length LP on Devendra Banhart’s Gnomonsong label. Its later self-titled release attracts attention, helped by Banhart’s promotion and coverage in Pitchfork. The band’s EPs are issued in limited quantities.

Live activity and collaborations

Feathers plays shows that include an opening slot for Andy Vetiver in 2004. The band also appears on Banhart’s Cripple Crow album. Its earlier gigs help bring wider interest in the group.

Member naming and presentation

The band’s members prefer first-name credit only, using names such as Kyle, Asa, Jordan, Greg, Meara, Ruth, Shana and Ethan. The project is known for having a flexible approach to membership and presentation.