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Foxfeather Delivers An Empowering Showcase Of Resilience On New Single “Too Damn Small”

“Too Damn Small” is an energetic, passionate alt-americana anthem telling the story of finding power in spite of adversity.

Alt-Americana band Foxfeather invigorates listeners with their newest single “Too Damn Small,” out January 28th. This energetic feminist anthem embodies self-empowerment and perseverance at its core; for band leaders Laura Stratton (guitar, keyboard, writer/composer) and Carly Ricks Smith (lead vocals, writer/composer), it represents “a reminder of [their] purpose and place in this world and in music, and commitment to continuing to create.” “Too Damn Small” is the lead single from the band’s upcoming album, The Nature Of Things, out early 2022. Influence from icons like Stevie Nicks, Brandi Carlile, and Lake Street Dive’s Rachel Price shine through on this track with a contagious groove and powerhouse vocals.

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Co-leader and songwriter Carly Ricks Smith wrote this song as the world initially descended into lockdown; “Too Damn Small” delves into the experience of grappling with an unknown world and a highly altered future. The lyrics and structure for this song came to Ricks Smith in an existential panic in the middle of the night, and developed into the epic final product in collaboration with Stratton. Kate Farmer lends her angelic backing vocals to the record, while Blake Smith’s electric guitar sets the track on fire. Jay Elliott’s percussion lays a punchy foundation for the track beefed up by Mark Dabrowski’s groovy bass and embellished with Eric Moon’s bright synthesizer. For the band’s producer Eben Grace, “The Nature of Things is a perfect swirl of Laura and Carly’s masterful songcraft, the band’s organice, burnished delivery, and Carly’s drop-dead vocal virtuosity. Everyone behind the mic brought joy and energy to the album which leaps out of the speakers as it spins. This is a timeless record.”

Listeners can stream “Too Damn Small” on all major streaming platforms January 28th. 

More About Foxfeather: 

Foxfeather is a sultry, alt-americana band founded in 2013 in Boulder, CO. Beginning with a lyrical base, and bolstered by strong blues-rock instrumentals, Foxfeather’s unique sound captivates their audience. Songwriters Carly Ricks Smith and Laura Paige Stratton met in high school, connecting over their shared love of music. The pair began writing together in 2005 and have been creating material for, and leading their band for the past 7 years. Foxfeather is extremely proud of being  an advocate of women in art and in business, and strives to motivate and empower other women and allies through song.  The band is a local staple in the Colorado Front Range and also tours nationally.

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In 2014, with the help of engineer Justin Roth of Fort Collins, the group released their debut EP, Foul Moon.  The six-song collection garnered local attention, with The Marquee stating that “the group is overflowing with talent” and “Carly Ricks Smith has a spectacular voice which lies somewhere between the folky soprano of a young Joni Mitchell and the jazz-heavy range of Lake Street Dive’s Rachel Price. powerful as well as delicate.”

Foxfeather returned to the studio in 2016 to record and release their self-titled and full length album, Foxfeather. Working with producer Jagoda of New York and engineer Jay Elliott of Boulder’s own IntroVertigo Studios, the band created this dark and dusky album. The album features a collection of songs that explore the grey areas of life, whiskey, love and death.

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2018 brought the release of a four song EP collection, Come and Get Me. The band again worked with Jagoda and Jay Elliott, but split the process between IntroVertigo Studios and Fox Run Studios in Boston. Smith and Stratton were able to show their versatility through this project, with the four songs showcasing the breadth of their voice and of their songwriting abilities.

Foxfeather is set to release their newest album in 2022 through PS Audio and Octave Records. The full length album, entitled “The Nature of Things,” features the current band line-up and additional musicians Kate Farmer (backing vocals), Eric Moon (organ/synthesizer), Eben Grace (pedal steel/guitar) and Oliver Jacobson (fiddle). The album was recorded at PS Audio Studios in Boulder, CO, Animal Lane Studios in Lyons, CO, and The Barn in Longmont, CO. Producer extraordinaire is Eben Grace, and Engineering magicians are Jay Elliott and Gus Skinas.

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In the last five years, Foxfeather has captured their audience with their unique and sultry songs, sharing stages with The Gasoline Lollipops, Lee Fields and the Expressions, Yonder Mountain String Band, Woodbelly and Andrew Bird. Their songwriting and performance is influenced by a wide variety of artists including Brandi Carlile, Bonnie Raitt, Margaret Glaspy, Ani Difranco, and Stevie Nicks. The band’s current lineup includes Carly Ricks Smith (lead vocals, writer/composer) Laura Paige Stratton (guitar, keyboard, writer/composer), Blake Smith (lead guitar), Mark Dabrowski (bass guitar), and Jay Elliott (drums and percussion). The group is proud to utilize their voice to embolden and rejoice in both the frailty and the power of humanity. With expressive instrumental tone, powerful vocal melody and harmony, and passionate performance, this band is ready to win your hearts.

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Artist Spotlight

ANDREA PIZZO AND THE PURPLE MICE stirs conformity with its single, “The Machine”

ANDREA PIZZO AND THE PURPLE MICE

ANDREA PIZZO AND THE PURPLE MICE have returned with their latest thought-provoking anthemic single, “The Machine.” This electrifying music combines rock, pop, and electronica, exploring the intricate relationship between humanity and artificial intelligence. In a digital age where technology dominates our daily lives, algorithms increasingly dictate our choices, and emotions are reduced to mere data points, “The Machine” is a poignant reminder of what it means to be truly alive. With its infectious sound and lyrics that prompt introspection, the song delves deep into the dichotomy of human emotions versus algorithmic control, making it a must-listen.

The composition’s pulsating beats and distorted guitar riffs stir critical questions about what defines us and the consequences of excessive reliance on technology. The themes of regaining autonomy in a digital age resonate through every chord and lyric of “The Machine.”

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The Machine” is a sonic call to action for critical thinking. Andrea Pizzo’s mesmerizing vocals lead the charge, beckoning us to break free from the shackles of conformity and reclaim our individuality. In addition to the song’s message, Raffaella Turbino’s visually striking video further reinforces the symbolic imagery, urging viewers to reflect on the unraveling mysteries of balance between man and machine unfolding before their eyes.

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The Machine” is an intellectually stimulating and musically captivating masterpiece. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or someone interested in exploring the intersection of humanity and technology, this song deserves a prime spot on your playlist. It is a sonic journey that transcends genre boundaries and leaves a lasting impression on all who dare to embark upon it. Plug in your headphones, crank up the volume, and let ANDREA PIZZO AND THE PURPLE MICE guide you through the labyrinth of the human experience.

 

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For more information about ANDREA PIZZO AND THE PURPLE MICE, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM ANDREA PIZZO AND THE PURPLE MICE’s The Machine on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH ANDREA PIZZO AND THE PURPLE MICE | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |

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Album Review

“Once Upon a Time” by Universal Dice

I hope that Universal Dice’s new album release Misfit Memoirs reaches the largest possible audience. The first two singles from the release, “Curse” and the latest song, “Once Upon a Time”, offer evidence that the Gerry Dantone-led project has reached a new peak. “Once Upon a Time” continues developing the band’s songwriting wont for story-focused art that lacks pretentiousness or self-indulgence. The band’s work thus far is a reassuring reminder that ambitious rock works are still out there and deserve maximum exposure. His ability to realize such ambitions without ever descending into unnecessary pomp sets the band’s work even further away from the status quo. 

It isn’t an easy balance to maintain. Rock music, reaching back decades, is rife with examples of ham-fisted marriages between ambition and accessibility. Songwriters guilty of overreach have drug potentially great works down with overwrought tendencies. Gerry Dantone’s songwriting avoids such pitfalls. “Once Upon a Time” has an intimate climate. It gives individual listeners the impression that Universal Dice is performing for them alone. The development of the songwriting reinforces this. 

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Dantone wisely employs a first-person point of view for the lyrics. It gives “Once Upon a Time” storytelling attributes that prod listeners to hang with every word. He sketches out the details with broad strokes focused on significant details rather than weighing down the writing with needless adornments. It is impossible to say for sure without knowing more, but the single comes across as if the words and music came together. I think Dantone began the process with a clear idea of what he wanted the song to say. 

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It is a certainty that makes the listening experience such a pleasure. There’s surefooted confidence present in each second of this four-minute-long track. However, it isn’t ever strident, and the mid-tempo unfolding of the performance has a calm and considered demeanor. This prevailing mood drew me deeper into its storytelling web. It inspired faith in Dantone’s artistry from the start, and he never gave me a reason to reconsider. 

The lyrical brevity underlines the aforementioned certainty. Dantone doesn’t waste a single word in the writing of this track, and his word choices do not disappoint. “Once Upon a Time” pulls no punches. It fleshes out an unforgiving world that Dantone’s sensitive vocal tempers with its thoughtfulness. We experience the emotions present in the song’s words rather than consuming them on a strictly intellectual level. 

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One of the hallmarks of Universal Dice’s work is the striking balance it maintains between the mental and physical. Dantone and his bandmates have made a name for themselves serving up stimulating musical landscapes capable of moving or entertaining their audience. The lyrical content and concepts are icing on an especially delectable cake. Intelligence and depth distinguish each new outing, and “Once Upon a Time” is no exception. It’s more evidence, if needed, that Universal Dice’s new album Misfit Memoirs will likely rank as their finest collection. We’re lucky to have such meaningful music in times like this, and I hope there’s more to come. 

 

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Stacey Winter  

 

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