Little Feather
One listen to Little Feather lead singer Liz Sharpe evokes a sense of similar earthy, pure vocalists such as Patty Loveless and Loretta Lynn, both of whom are kin with Sharpe—Kentucky roots and generations of family coal miners in tow.
“When I was a little girl, I’d watch my father wash the coal off his hands and I’d watch the water turn black,” Sharpe said during a visit to the MusicRow offices where the group offered a preview of tunes including “Bend With The Wind,” which harken to those rural roots. The six-piece band also performed the lively “Burning Down The Barn.”
Little Feather emerged as the band’s name after Sharpe went through a breakup. “My ex told me, ‘Float along, little feather’ when he broke up with me,” Sharpe said. “I went to producer and said I was so upset. I had this idea for a vengeance song and the song ended up being a cathartic song and it turned into me being called Little Feather all the time. I decided I wanted to work on songs I had written and didn’t want to play backup for other people.”
Sharpe, who is married to Little Feather drummer Aaron Spraggs, handpicked the additional members of Little Feather, including multi-instrumentalist Shannon Campbell, son of the late Glen Campbell, as well as bass player Dylan Rowe, rhythm guitarist and harmony singer Sam Brooker previously of the Sam & Ruby duo, and guitarist Pat Boyer. Each player brings an array of influences, from bluegrass, classic country, soul and pop.
“We are like a family. It’s been over seven years of work and sweat.” Sharpe said.
Will Rambeaux and Bill MacDermott produced the album, which Sharpe says was recorded in Rambeaux’s basement. “We would go and rehearse, and spilled coffee all over his carpet,” noted Sharpe.
The band’s self-titled album, which releases Sept. 29, was originally created as demos, long before Jim Ed Norman signed the band to a deal with Curb Records.
“Jim Ed’s father was my pastor growing up, and was the reason I did music, Sharpe says. “We felt like Curb was where we were supposed to go. Too many stars were aligning. When Jim Ed first listened to our music, he listened to these older demos, and said, ‘This is your record.’ He really got what we are about.”
Little Feather with MusicRow Magazine owner/publisher Sherod Robertson
About the Author
Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.View Author Profile
