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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.

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.

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.”

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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.

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.

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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Mainstage

Shannon Sharpe Steps Away From ESPN Amid Explosive Lawsuit

Honk Magazine

Pro Football Hall of Famer and a popular personality on ESPN, Shannon Sharpe, has decided to step away from his job at the network temporarily. This decision comes after a $50 million lawsuit was filed against him this week by an anonymous woman who accuses him of sexual assault. Sharpe strongly denies these claims. Sharpe addressed the situation directly in a message on social media, making it clear that he believes the relationship in question was completely consensual. He emphasized that while the accusations are serious, he is not trying to avoid them but rather to confront them head-on.

In his message, he announced, “At this juncture, I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties. I will be taking this time to focus on my family and to respond to these false allegations against me.” He reassured fans and colleagues that he plans to return to ESPN by the start of the upcoming NFL season, expressing gratitude for the support he has received. ESPN has expressed agreement with Sharpe’s decision to take a break, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation in a brief statement.

Check out this article: Shannon Sharpe Claps Back with NSFW Ammo in $50M Lawsuit Drama

Sharpe is known for his strong opinions and charismatic presence on shows like First Take, and his absence is sure to be felt by fans. Despite the controversy, many feel that this is not a permanent farewell but rather a difficult pause in his career. While the allegations hang over him, Sharpe’s determination to address the situation could pave the way for a comeback in the media world. The public’s acceptance of his return will likely depend on both the legal proceedings and how they perceive the situation, as public opinion can shift dramatically, often before any final decisions are made in court.

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Artist Spotlight

“Young Man” by Highrise echoes soul-stirring lessons from the flames of his past

Highrise

Produced entirely from his home studio in Kansas City, Highrise crafts chapters of life experiences, transforming into the spotlight with “Young Man,” a song that sparks an open conversation we all recognize but often try to forget. This rap-rock anthem features smooth guitar arpeggios woven together with clean vocals, modern hip-hop drums, and hard-won wisdom that resonates with emotion and intention.

At first listen, “Young Man” radiates like one part heartfelt advice tossed to the wind, a cautionary tale directed at the younger men of the next generation as they navigate chaos. But dig a little deeper, and it’s revealed this song is a mirror reflecting Highrise’s own younger self, haunted by the echoes of choices made and paths taken. The production balances rawness and refinement, giving the track a lived-in yet polished musical quality.

Vocally, Highrise shines with a melodic and emotionally charged delivery, comfortably occupying a sonic space that fans of MGK, Bryce Vine, or Ryan Caraveo will find familiar, yet it feels uniquely his own. The standout bridge hits hard: “Take it from me, I’ve been down this road…” a poetic gut-punch for anyone who’s been too stubborn to listen before learning the hard way.

Inspired partly by his late grandfather, the track carries a weight of generational reflection. It tiptoes through the complexities of enduring legacy and shifting perspectives with age, acknowledging the scars of youthful mistakes while nodding to the lessons passed down. “Young Man” doesn’t preach; it empathizes, and humility makes it particularly impactful. It is an anthem for anyone who looks back at their younger self and wishes they could whisper, “Slow down.”

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Highrise has established his influence in making music and building a legacy, one brutally honest track at a time, telling truths that echo long after the song ends.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Highrise’s Young Man on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Highrise | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |

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