Music
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.”
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.
Artist Spotlight
FBL_QUARTEZ Delivers Smooth Confidence and Comfort on “Don’t Worry”
“Don’t Worry” by FBL_QUARTEZ is a polished R&B/Hip-Hop song that sets the mood and is meant to make people seeking comfort, connection, and reassurance feel better. This song is perfect for adults and fits perfectly with the mood of Valentine’s Day, but it can be listened to all year long.
The production sets up a smooth, welcoming mood right away. The instrumental is smooth and warm, blending modern R&B with classic hip-hop. It makes you feel at ease, which is the main point of the song, letting go of stress and being clear about your feelings.
FBL_QUARTEZ sings with confidence and control. The performance has a calm confidence that makes the message feel real instead of like it was done for show. The delivery feels natural, as if the artist is trying to reassure you rather than impress you. This method intensifies the song’s emotional pull.
“Don’t Worry” is a great song for its target audience because it speaks to people who like smooth grooves and relatable emotions. It’s a song that works well for late-night drives, quiet moments, and reflecting. The speed lets the listener get used to the mood without rushing through it.
What makes this release stand out is how clear its purpose is. Every part of the song, from the production to the vocal tone, helps convey its comforting message. It feels like it was planned, polished, and grounded in emotion.
FBL_QUARTEZ’s “Don’t Worry” is a song that puts feeling over flash, making it a great addition to holiday and beyond playlists. It reminds us that sometimes the best music is the kind that meets people where they are and gives them a moment of peace.
Artist Spotlight
J Hailo Chooses Feeling Over Flash on “Taylor Made – Expressions”
“Taylor Made – Expressions” by J Hailo is a quiet but strong statement that puts emotional communication ahead of show. Instead of trying to make an immediate impact, the track unfolds with purpose, drawing listeners into a more reflective space.
The production’s sound is calm and thoughtful, which helps this approach without overpowering the message. Each part seems to have a reason for being there, making a background that lets feelings take center stage. This song is all about mood and atmosphere, so the listener can take in its meaning without being distracted.
J Hailo’s focus on expression is what stands out the most. His delivery feels personal, as if he’s talking to you rather than performing. This choice gives the song more depth, making it feel less like a product and more like a moment of real thought.
“Taylor Made – Expressions” doesn’t go for loud hooks or big changes. Instead, it depends on small changes and keeping the same feelings. That consistency strengthens the song’s message and shows that the artist cares more about connecting with people than getting attention.
This release shows that J Hailo knows his artistic priorities. He is making room for meaning and vulnerability. The song’s quiet strength comes from the confidence in restraint.
With this song, J Hailo shows that volume or excess don’t always make an impact. “Taylor Made – Expressions” shows that being honest and clear about your feelings can be just as powerful, leaving listeners with a sense of connection that lasts long after the song is over.
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