The Thing with Feathers: “the Brits steal our sounds, we steal theirs then do it better”
What’s the first word that comes to mind when you hear the name Nashville? If you thought of Country-Music, think again. Fact is that we are here to introduce you to an alternative rock band from the same city that revealed and reveals some of the biggest icons of Country. I’m referring to the power trio The Thing with Feathers, whose latest single “Don’t break my heart” is a prime candidate for breaking the hearts (sorry for the pun) of a lot of people outside of Nashville out there (interestingly, a theme that is extensively explored by country songwriters). “By not being a Country artist here, there is already an interesting sense rebelling against what is historically the norm“, believes David Welcsh (lead vocals).
Formed by David, Alex Hendricks (lead guitar) and Chris Roussell (drums), The Thing with Feathers released “Don’t Break My Heart” in August, the first single off of their sophomore EP, to be followed by the September 30th release of the titular track, “Waste My Revenge”. With an extremely simple/catchy chorus, and an unmistakable riff, the song sums up what the trio is all about: sarcasm and fun without leaving out romanticism and, why not, the typical affectation of rock and roll womanizer’s like Michael Hutchence (INXS) and Matty Healy (The 1975) – in this case, a British band to which they are similar in terms of sound.
Women in the states are way too obsessed with British accents, so we just hope that when we tour over there, that they like ours!
David Welcsh
More about the band
Molded through a two-year evolution from frat bro cover group to budding powerhouse boy band by Welcsh between 2016 and 2018, ever-changing members and inconsistent style hindered the bands early years. After an initial connection between Welcsh and Hendricks, the addition of Roussell followed in quick succession, cementing the bands lineup and bringing about their debut single, ‘Song of the Nightime’, in February 2019. 2022 has seen immense growth for the band, beginning with the release of Sundays in the South, followed by ‘Lights Down Low’ being added into rotation on MTVs Spankin’ New. The band was subsequently featured as an official artist at SXSW in Austin, TX, and they’ve toured continuously throughout the South and Midwest.
2 5 Things about The Thing with Feathers by David Welcsh
RC – First of all: is it possible to have a band in Nashville that isn’t country?
TTWF – We certainly think so. Nashville’s history is so embedded and tied to the folklore of country music that it feels hard to break away from that zeitgeist at times, however, because of that, there is a fantastic scene of artists of all kinds around Nashville, especially when it comes to alternative Pop/Rock/Folk. By not being a Country artist here, there is already an interesting sense rebelling against what is historically the norm.
RC – About your sound, even though you are based in Tennessee, it dialogues very well with the new Britpop, especially The 1975 and Starsailor. Is it right to say that this genre is a big influence?
TTWF – Listen, the Brits steal our sounds, we steal theirs then do it better, that’s just the cycle. Women in the states are way too obsessed with British accents, so we just hope that when we tour over there, that they like ours! But yes, we love those bands and plenty of others that have hailed from the UK. British music has had a huge impact on all of us especially during our formative years. I would say it’s something we reference at moments with our sound but that it is not our intention to live in the realm of American Brit pop.
RC – “Don’t break my heart” is a single with devastating potential. What is most curious is the setting they chose for the video, a junkyard. Is it the band’s intention to be sarcastic?
TTWF – Love sucks. Junkyards suck. We looked hot in the junkyard. Does there have to be more to it than that?
RC – The title of the single “Don’t break my heart” is self-explanatory. However, it doesn’t hurt to ask if the song was written based on a specific case. Who is the heartbroken guy from Feathers?
TTWF – Although it’s safe to say that we are all a little bit of what you would call “sad boys”, I end up with my heart broken a bit more often than the other guys. I think they might be smarter than me but they’re also not as pretty as I am, both of these things often add up to me getting my heart broken more. Although I would say “Don’t Break My Heart” is more about accepting that you deserve the good things in your life and not let your insecurities stand in your way.
RC – Now that the pandemic has taken a break, how is the schedule and expectation of participation in festivals? Any chance of seeing the Feathers in Brazil someday?
TTWF – We’re hoping to make as many appearances as possible with the festival scene next summer. As for Brazil, we sure hope so! We’re all suckers for a good beach.
