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<\/a>The first time I saw a full live set by the quintet I was standing in the intimate, shadowy expanse of The Griffin. When the band took the stage they possessed a chemistry that simply electrified the Bay Park club. The dynamic of the group was just as enthralling on hard rock jams as it was on softer, soulful numbers \u2014 which is no easy feat in a live context. My admittedly visceral reaction to the band inspired me to share their music with anyone who\u2019d lend an ear. As with anything else I become enamored with, I just had to spread the word. And with that, I started my blog two days later.<\/p>\n
Now, two years later, Dead Feather Moon\u2019s performances still provoke the same sense of awe and adoration in me \u2014 albeit a lot more folks now share my enthusiasm. As one of the most buzzed-about local acts, they stamped their mark on the scene in 2011 with their debut album, Dark Sun. It won them the San Diego Music Award for Best Alternative Album and an onslaught of loyal fans. They\u2019ve since played up and down the west coast, with their San Diego shows becoming beloved, packed congregations of rock worship \u2014 presenting fan favorites and introducing new songs that are now taking shape as their sophomore record, to be released later this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe songs for the new album are ones that have been developed over the past three years,\u201d said Greg Peters, multi-instrumentalist for the band. \u201cThey have stood the test of time, been road tested live, and put under the microscope at the studio.\u201d<\/p>\n
Peters and his musical brethren recently recorded what he calls \u201cthe first phase\u201d over six days at Big Fish Studios in Rancho Santa Fe. Along with Justen Berge (singer\/guitarist), Tyler Soule (drummer), Jesse Kling (guitarist),and Chris Bowling (bassist), Peters and company are pouring a lot of time and energy in to this one.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe tracked [this record] live to two-inch tape, which definitely made the process more time consuming, but we are very, very happy with the results,\u201d Peters explained. \u201cOver the next two months we will continue recording the final touches … we are taking our time with this one and getting it right.\u201d<\/p>\n
Like many bands, DFM aren\u2019t easily defined \u2013 their sound possesses elements of country, rock and blues. But the songs from Dark Sun (and their more recently released singles) showcase the individual members\u2019 talents at building intricately layered songs, becoming more stylistically experimental.<\/p>\n
The 2013 single, \u201cNever Gets Better,\u201d is a prime example of this layering with its ethereal mixture of lap steel guitar ringing out behind Berge\u2019s soulfully yearning voice. Juxtaposed with the anthemic rock tune, \u201cAlways Around,\u201d which was released at the same time, these two songs give a snapshot of the diverse styles they play and just how well they pull off both ends of the spectrum.<\/p>\n
With dedication and time invested, the tight-knit band\u2019s efforts have paid off in solidifying them as one of the most sought-after bands in town; a group that continues to grow as musicians, challenging themselves to produce the highest quality music they can. That endeavor, of course, comes at a price.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs you know, recording an album can be a very expensive process, especially if you want it done right,\u201d Peters lamented. \u201cThe band is absorbing as much of the costs as possible, but the reality is it will cover about half of what is needed. We don’t want a lack of funds to prevent us from making the best record possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
After careful consideration, the band has decided to launch a group-funding campaign with Indiegogo to help fund the production of the new record. This popular format gives fans a chance to back a project with financial contributions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are viewing the campaign as an album presale,\u201d Peters said. \u201cBackers are not just giving us money, they are pre-ordering a limited edition, first-pressing vinyl.\u201d<\/p>\n
There will also be higher contribution levels with unique incentives ranging from merchandise packages to a brewery tour with the band. In that fun-loving spirit, the band will launch the Indiegogo campaign with a free show, including a performance of the new album in its entirety, at The Griffin \u2014 where my love affair with their music began \u2014 on Saturday, March 1 with one-man-band blues stomper, Low Volts, opening. Fans can contribute to the campaign at the show and online.<\/p>\n