Goldfeather

I’ve been asked to review local folk artist Sarah Goldfeather‘s debut EP, Goldfeather. So that’s what I’m going to do. A friend recommended I see her at Barbes last year and I did, and was happy I did. She plays poppy bluegrass with a band of string instruments and has a sweet, bubbly stage presence. Sarah has a background in classical violin but when she sits down to write, Goldfeather comes out.

The EP, featuring five original songs and a cover, has the same poppy tone as her shows but the music’s cleaner. It’s lighthearted, fun and heavy on the strings. In fact, maybe it’s lighthearted and fun because it’s heavy on the strings (seriously, hearing ukulele’s like getting high fived). Song details are visible, for lack of a better word, but in an understated, elegant sort of way. Goldfeather’s not really a singer but she hits the notes and highlights include harmonies on “Jars on the Shelf” and “Come Tell Me Bout the Civil War”. Between old-timey tunes like “Silver Dagger” and poppier ones like “Dead Sea Water”, I pick the latter (though, again, all are delivered sweetly).

Out of 10, Goldfeather gets an easy 8. - Gili Malinsky

Up-and-coming folk songstress Sarah Goldfeather released her debut album earlier this year, and I’ve been playing it on heavy rotation ever since. Goldfeather is six tracks of astute storytelling paired with lo-fi folk arrangements. The music is infused with honest, sardonic humor and dynamic instrumentals. My bottom line: Goldfeather is downright charming.
The opening track,“Dead Sea Water,” walks the line between sweet and haunting as Goldfeather’s voice soars and dips effortlessly between major and minor. “Jars on the Shelf” opens quietly and blooms into a romantic vignette. The second half of the album highlights Goldfeather’s marvelous storytelling skills with the canniness in “I’ll Wait” and sharp-witted lyrics in “How Can I Claim.” Next is a jaunty little tune called “Come Tell Me “Bout the Civil War” in which the sultry-voiced Goldfeather recounts a history lesson a dear friend gave her. A rendition of “Silver Dagger,” a nostalgic ballad serves as an enchanting end to the collection.
Goldfeather is an endearing, compelling batch of songs. What’s more, Sarah Goldfeather’s live performances are very entertaining, so keep an eye out for those. For now, I suggest you take a listen to Goldfeather here and let yourself drift into reverie. - Listen To Them

Northfield, Minn. native Sarah Goldfeather and her band (Goldfeather: Nathan Koci, Pat Swoboda, Dylan McKinstry, and Katie Martucci), have unleashed a sprightly video, which is full of light and life, for “Spilled Milk.”

“I have always been drawn to musical extremes,” writes Sarah, noting how the song pivots from fierce a capella to plaintive reflection to a “dream-like middle section.” She continues, “In this song I hoped to capture some of the complexity of processing a loss.”

Mandolin player McKinstry is also from Northfield, having grown up across the street from Goldfeather and gigged in the Minneapolis scene for years. Hopefully, the Brooklyn-based band will return to Goldfeather and McKinstry’s roots and play a Minnesota show soon. - The Current

Sarah Goldfeather’s voice captures your attention. The astonishing musicianship holds your attention. Sarah’s namesake band Goldfeather also includes Dylan McKinstry (mandolin/voice), Katie Martucci (guitar/voice), Nathan Koci (accordion/banjo/voice) and Pat Swoboda (double bass) and they will be releasing their first full length album, Patchwork Quilt on September 19th, 2016.


“Patchwork Quilt is a collection of ten songs that delve into memories of ambivalence, regret and resolve, sewn together with harmony and whimsy,” explains Sarah. “Theses themes are woven into unusual melodies and uncanny three-part vocal harmonies against a rich indie-folk-pop backdrop.”

“Spilled Milk” sets the tone for the entire album with rich harmonies and blue grass influenced instrumentals that make you look forward to each subsequent track. “Greasy Glass” is the bookend piece that features plenty of instrumental work from each of the musicians. The tunes in between take full advantage of Sarah Goldfeather’s distinct and clear voice and the musical artistry of the entire band.

Although each of the ten songs stand on their own, Goldfeather has created music that really is a patchwork quilt of all their influences – bluegrass, rock, folk, and contemporary. - Impose Magazine

Brooklyn-based indie-folk five-piece Goldfeather are premiering "Patchwork Quilt," the title track from their forthcoming debut album, exclusively for readers of The Boot.
"Patchwork Quilt" features the distinctive vocals of lead singer Sarah Goldfeather, whose rich, full timbre and breathy expressiveness lends a whimsical quality to a track that's all about feeling a bit "scattered."

"Someone once called me a patchwork quilt because I tend to act in a scattered series of unrelated patterns," says Goldfeather. "I always thought of this person as a wooden arrow because of he was always sure of his deliberate direction in life."

The band (obviously) takes its name from its lead singer and founder, who is joined by Dylan McKinstry on mandolin, Katie Martucci on guitar, Nathan Koci on accordion and banjo and Pat Swoboda on double bass to round out Goldfeather. The group's sound draws influence from jazz, bluegrass, contemporary and folk music -- or, more succinctly, "every genre imaginable."

Goldfeather's Patchwork Quilt album is set for release in September. Fans can keep up with the band on their official website. - The Boot

Minnesota native Sarah Goldfeather lends her name to the up and coming indie-folk group, Goldfeather, whose five members have a head-spinning resume. Goldfeather, Dylan McKinstry (vocals, mandolin, banjo), Katie Martucci (vocals, guitar), Nathan Koci (vocals, accordion, banjo) and Pat Swoboda (double bass) are trained in classical, contemporary classical, folk, bluegrass, electronic, avant-garde jazz, rock and beyond, and combine to form a lush, dynamic collective of sound, reminiscent of Andrew Bird and Fleet Foxes. In September of the year, the group will release their full length debut, Patchwork Quilt.

Today, Elmore is premiering “Cave Museum,” the second single off the group’s upcoming release. Goldfeather shares the song’s ethereal inception, recalling, “”Cave Museum” is a banjo-driven reflection of a dream I once had, wherein I waded through a boggy cave that was curated into a rich museum of art. In this song I attempt to mimic a dreamlike state with a peculiar nebulous chord structure, which repeats several times with a striking vocal descant and a rapid-fire violin solo, building intensity until the very end.”

The instrumentals capture the essence of the dream, creating a striking intensity against the at times discordant warble of Goldfeather’s low, earthy vocals, which resolve in the group’s bursts of multi-part harmony. The single conveys the surreality of a dream, with fervent banjo driving the pulse of the track as violin punctuates the melange and Goldfeather’s vocals rise and fall throughout, effortlessly hitting the high notes. - Elmore Magazine

It doesn’t seem too often that a band today tackles the dissolution not of a romance but of a friendship. That is just what Brooklyn self-described “folk music band meets ensemble” Goldfeather does, however, on “Spilled Milk” (streaming below), the bluegrass-girded lead single off its forthcoming debut LP ‘Patchwork Quilt.’ Starting with choral swells that perhaps lament the story of friends come and gone that follows, the poignant (even in its title) track is striking and laudable in its potentially underused subject matter: the aching absence of a one-time confidante. ‘Patchwork Quilt’ is scheduled for a September 2016 release, and Goldfeather is scheduled to play Park Slope's Barbes on June 9th. – Zach Weg - The Deli Magazine

Good gracious – with our latest feature, Goldfeather, a five-piece bluegrass band that’s mixing in bits of contemporary classical music and experimental pop, we may have found our most musically talented ensemble ever. Check out this lineup:

Goldfeather34– Lead singer and classically trained violinist Sarah Goldfeather also runs a seven-piece new music ensemble called Exceptet, as well as the Fragments Duo (a soprano-violin duo with Justine Aronson), and a new electronics band with Pascal LaBeouf and Robby Bowen.
– Sarah’s childhood friend Dylan Mckinstry (representing Northfield, MN) has his own solo album available.
– Nathan Koci has directed Shakespeare in the Park and toured with War Horse (he also plays about 20 instruments).
– Pat Swoboda plays on Broadway, in the avante-garde jazz group Gutbucket, the American Symphony Orchestra, and Bearthoven.
– Katie Martucci just graduated from NEC and is part of the group, the Ladles.

It goes without saying – there’s no lack of talent across any corner of this group. The New York City-based Goldfeather develops songs in a way Sarah describes quite well: “The majority of my songs are about specific incidences in my life, and by writing music about them I try to sort of put a period at the end of the sentence instead of a hundred question marks.” This is evident in Goldfeather’s latest single, a preview of their upcoming EP titled Patchwork Quilt, a tune titled “Spilled Milk”. We asked Sarah to give us the background on the new ditty – she says:

“It’s sort of dramatic! I tried to kind of process an unresolved friendship in this song, because I kept having all these dreams about encountering this person and trying to make amends, and it was driving me crazy…I initially pitched a beta-version to the band the day of a show in Boston and they learned it immediately, because have I mentioned they are incredible musicians?? Anyway, the song continued to develop and I restructured it and had sort of a backbone and ribs of what it was going to be, and they came in with all these brilliant orchestrational ideas, bless them. I wanted the beginning to be a cappella to be super attention-grabbing. This is the only song where sheet music was necessary – the section in the middle is very vocally strange and crunchy. Pat Swoboda (bass) came up with this incredible bowed bass part which really makes the song, I think.” Click to http://www.goldfeatherband.com to check out “Spilled Milk” and prepare for the upcoming Patchwork Quilt. And if you’re up in NYC, swing by Barbés in Brooklyn where Goldfeather has a residency this summer – you can’t quite understand the textures of this sound until you hear it live. Now, keep reading. There’s still so much more to dive into in all the answers to the XXQs below.

XXQs: Goldfeather

PensEyeView.com (PEV): How would you describe your sound and what do you feel makes you stand out from others in your genre?

Sarah Goldfeather (SG): Goldfeather is a five-piece bluegrass band in instrumentation, but our sound lies pretty far outside that genre. I am a classically trained violinist who is part of the contemporary classical music world and I adore listening to trip hop and experimental pop, so while we are a pretty acoustic group I think these other influences seep into my writing. I suppose we might stand out because I love unusual melodies and am a sucker for surprising chords, and I try to incorporate these into my music using bluegrass instruments and what I hope is a sensible musical structure. We’re not quite a dyed-in-the-wool folk band, nor are we strictly an indie band – somewhere in between!

PEV: What kind of music were you all into growing up? Do you remember your first concert?

SG: I listened to a lot of classical music growing up (supplemented with the obligatory N’Sync and Backstreet Boys in my adolescence), and in high school I became deeply obsessed with bands like Of Montreal (still my favorite band), Sufjan Stevens, The Decemberists, Andrew Bird, Arcade Fire, and so on. I grew up in Minnesota and commuted 45 minutes one way to my youth orchestra in St. Paul every Saturday morning, and The Sunlandic Twins (Of Montreal) was the exact length from my driveway to parking lot, so I listened to it on the way there and usually on the way back too. I think I might know that album better than my own music (laughing). My first non-classical concert was seeing the Decemberists at First Avenue in Minneapolis, and I remember my mind being blown that a violinist could be in a band like that! That’s of course another reason Andrew Bird was insanely appealing to me.

PEV: What was it like trying to break into the music scene in your hometown, when you first started out as a band? What was your first show like together as a band?

SG: This band pretty much formed after I moved to New York City, but my dear childhood friend and neighbor (Dylan Mckinstry) is a founding member and we have a strong connection to our hometown (Northfield, MN!). Our first show was in the upstairs at Judson Memorial Church in the West Village in 2012, and I think I got about seven of my musical friends to play four songs I had written. I had never been more petrified about anything in my life. I think it went alright all things considered, as most of the audience were friends of mine and that upstairs space is a lovely backdrop for a concert.

Goldfeather12PEV: What can fans expect from a live Goldfeather show?

SG: My bandmates are some of the most amazing musicians I know and seeing them play their instruments and sing live is a unique treat in itself. I really get in character for each song, so facial expressions and gesticulations will be in store. I also like to talk to the audience about the music, current events, etc. We are pretty high energy overall.

PEV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you step on stage?

SG: We usually open with a tune that begins a cappella, so usually it’s “what’s that first note?”

PEV: How has playing in Goldfeather been different from working with other artists or projects in the past?

SG: I suppose it is different because I run everything and write everything, so I have lots of control. As a musician I’m happy to play in groups where I cede control to other powers that be, but there is something especially empowering about calling the shots and planning everything myself. I also run a seven-piece new music ensemble called Exceptet, but the administrative duties are more delegated and musically we are all equal. I should add that I am incredibly grateful to my bandmates for being up for almost everything I throw their way – they are the best!

PEV: What is the underlying inspiration for your music? Where do you get your best ideas for songs?

SG: I guess the majority of my songs are about specific incidences in my life, and by writing music about them I try to sort of put a period at the end of the sentence instead of a hundred question marks. I think I’ve written some of my best music while riding my bike in Brooklyn – something about careening down the road and putting your life in your own hands really brings out the creative process for me.

PEV: Thinking back to when you first started out, do you ever look back on your career and think about your earlier days and how you’ve arrived where you are today?

SG: Sure I do! Sometimes I feel like this group was an inevitable culmination of my growth as a musician, and other times I think, “whoa, I started a band?? How did that happen?” Mostly, though, I think about how far there is to go and what I need to do to get there.

PEV: What’s one thing we’d be surprised to hear about the members of Goldfeather?

SG: On our recent Midwest tour we listened to “What’s New Pussycat?” about 37 times in the car.

PEV: What can fans expect from your new single, “Spilled Milk”, a tune off of your upcoming release, Patchwork Quilt? Tell us about the writing process behind this work.

SG: It’s sort of dramatic! I tried to kind of process an unresolved friendship in this song, because I kept having all these dreams about encountering this person and trying to make amends, and it was driving me crazy. When I saw this person in real life I actually did run away. I think I cut down on some of the question marks of the ended friendship in writing it, which is nice. This one is definitely a bicycle song – I distinctly remember figuring out the melodies en route to the Rockaways two summers ago. I initially pitched a beta-version to the band the day of a show in Boston and they learned it immediately, because have I mentioned they are incredible musicians??

Goldfeather67Anyway, the song continued to develop and I restructured it and had sort of a backbone and ribs of what it was going to be, and they came in with all these brilliant orchestrational ideas, bless them. I wanted the beginning to be a cappella to be super attention-grabbing. This is the only song where sheet music was necessary – the section in the middle is very vocally strange and crunchy. Pat Swoboda (bass) came up with this incredible bowed bass part which really makes the song, I think.

PEV: What is the feeling you get after a song or album is complete and you can sit back and listen to it in full?

SG: I hear all the parts I wish I wrote or performed differently (laughing). If I’ve had enough time and space away from it I can sometimes say “maybe this is okay!” That being said, Nick Tipp did a phenomenal job recording and engineering everything (as did Matt McCorkle on our EP!) so no complaints there. Listening back makes me want to write more music though, ultimately.

PEV: What would you say is the biggest challenge for musicians trying to make a name for themselves these days?

SG: There are so many bands! I’m always staggered to find how many bands I’ve never heard of are playing to sold out crowds in huge venues. I guess I would say that the challenge is not in “making it,” but keeping it – I think we can be way too focused on image in the moment, which can help you rise to the top for a time, sure. But the music has to be new and interesting and compelling to keep you there, in my opinion, and that’s the challenge – writing artistically sound music and keeping everything new and fresh.

PEV: With all your traveling, is there one area you wish you could travel around and play that you have not yet?

SG: I would love to play the West coast! And anywhere abroad, should the logistics of that ever become feasible.

PEV: How have all your friends and family reacted to your career? What’s it like when you get to play in your hometown?

SG: They have been incredibly supportive! I feel so lucky. I think my parents were a little puzzled initially that I was suddenly pursuing a singing career after years of violin training, but they were always supportive regardless. We just played in our cozy town of Northfield, Minnesota in May to a very large crowd of friends and family – I was incredibly touched at the support of that community, including some individuals I hadn’t seen since I was in high school!

PEV: What can we find each of you doing in your spare time, aside from playing/writing music?

SG: Hm, playing other music – I am involved in a few other groups – Exceptet, as I mentioned, Fragments Duo (a soprano-violin duo with Justine Aronson), and a new electronics band with Pascal LaBeouf and Robby Bowen. I go to lots of concerts. I teach violin lessons at a Waldorf School. I am a freelance violinist as my “day job” – I am playing in an art installation at the Park Avenue Armory all summer (part of the Martin Creed Exhibit). Non-musical activities include reading, biking, and making puns. My bandmates are doing great things too – Dylan Mckinstry is a fantastic watercolorist and has an excellent solo album you should check out, Nathan Koci has done all sorts of tremendous things including directing Shakespeare in the Park and going on tour with War Horse (he also plays about 20 instruments), Pat Swoboda plays on Broadway, in the avante-garde jazz group Gutbucket, the American Symphony Orchestra, Bearthoven, and a million other projects, and Katie Martucci just graduated from NEC and is in this wonderful group called the Ladles – check them out too.

PEV: Name one present and past artist or group that would be your dream collaboration. Why?

SG: There are so many people, but probably Sufjan Stevens – I love his music so much and it would be the honor of a lifetime.

PEV: Is there an up and coming band or artist you think we should all be looking out for now?

SG: Tigue! They are an incredible percussion trio and friends of mine that are killing it right now. Their album, Peaks, is amazing.

PEV: If playing music wasn’t your life (or life’s goal), what do you think each of you would be doing for a career?

SG: Hm, maybe a psychologist? I ponder often upon the tangled knot of the human condition, so that might be an intriguing alternate path.

PEV: So, what is next for Goldfeather?

SG: Our album, Patchwork Quilt, is coming out this fall, with a few singles and a music video coming out between now and then. We have a residency at Barbés in Brooklyn this summer, and will do some touring in the fall, TBA. I have half a new album floating in my head right now so that will come to life sometime in the future as well. Lots of exciting things!

For more information, click to http://www.goldfeatherband.com. - The Pen's Eye View