Biography

For more information, please see www.ianfeathersband.com or email ianfeathersband@gmail.com

Who is Ian Feathers?

It’s been said “He’s as authentic as a tree of oak” and “He’s as genuine as the Bristol sign, as reflected on his new album “Long Haul,” as referred by the great music journalist Tom Netherland.

Feathers is no stranger to music. By the age of 7 he was picking up the guitar and taking piano lessons. At 18, he had more than 5 years advanced training on trumpet and studied under Dr. Michael Fansler and Steven Cooper.

In 2001, Feathers jumped in as bassist for the local jam band Stormy Monday. In 2006-2008, he jumped in as bassist for a few with the founder of Appalachian Reggae, Ras Alan & The Lions; he even made a guest appearance at the Bristol Rhythm n’ Roots midnight jam. In 2008, he co-founded the Grassroots Gringos, a jam grass band out of Knoxville TN. While there, he jammed with the likes of Cruz Contreras and others. In 2009-2010, Feathers was a regular at the Santa Fe Brew Co open mic. He jumped in as bassist with local band Pigment. During this time, they shared the stage with Carolyn Wonderland and Yonder Mountain String Band. They even headlined the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival, which is a pretty sweet gig.

Feathers took a brief hiatus in 2011-2013 for the birth of his son. During this time, songwriting took over and the Feathers family moved to Waxhaw NC. Ian was a regular in the Charlotte NC scene, playing open mics and gigs with many of the local musicians in the area.

The Ian Feathers Band was born in 2013. Featuring Kris Carlson (lead guitar, keyboards), Brandon Renfro (drums), Todd Kane (bass), Gerald Myrick (percussion), and Emanuel Wynter (violin). Over 50 gigs later, their future is bright. As a solo artist, Ian has made radio appearances on both WBCM and WDVX, also sharing the stage with songwriter Amythyst Kiah. Feathers is a member of the Americana Music Association and AirPlay Direct. Make sure you check out his show history!

Feathers released his first album entitled “Red Face” in September 2015. “Red Face” symbolizes musical exploration in the Southern Appalachians, covering a variety of moods, feelings, and genres. This album delivers nothing short of a rugged yet refined musical experience. The album reflects the last 15 years of playing throughout the region, sharing jam sessions, stages, and stories with some of East Tennessee's and Western North Carolina's most talented musicians and artists. Produced by Tim McGuire/Ian Feathers (Avgar Records) and mastered by Grammy Award Winner Chuck Turner Music Productions (2003 - June Carter Cash - Wildwoodflower, 2016 nomination - Loretta Lynn - Full Circle).

"Long Haul" is Feathers’ newest release (March 2017), dedicated to several people that have encouraged and influenced him over the last few years. A true sophomore release that builds on the style and nuance of Feathers' first album Red Face. The record features violin virtuoso Emanuel Wynter. His signature style puts a unique emotion in the music. "Red Beard" is a song dedicated to the late Brian Andrews, Bristol's most dedicated and supportive fan of live music in the area. "Left Behind" is a song dedicated to veterans and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. "Long Haul" is dedicated to Feathers' son as a testament of dedication. "Long Haul" was also produced by Tim McGuire/Ian Feathers (Avgar Records) and mastered by Grammy Award Winner Chuck Turner Music Productions (2003 - June Carter Cash - Wildwoodflower, 2016 nomination - Loretta Lynn - Full Circle). Check out this heartfelt original album on all digital release platforms!

Outside of music, Ian holds a Master’s Degree in Geography from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and serves as a Crossfit Level 1 Trainer at Iron Mountain Crossfit in Abingdon, VA.