The ability to write songs that are both modern and ancient is a rare thing. The product of an arcane art of weaving in traditional influences so thoroughly that they become the warp and weft of fresh creations.
The Black Feathers, made up of Ray Hughes and Sian Chandler, are two such talents. After a successful 3-month Summer tour in the US, the Gloucestershire duo have taken time away from touring to focus on writing new material. They are excited to be hitting the road in the UK, armed with fresh new songs and a new EP.
“Once in a blue moon, the whole soars far above the sum of its parts. That’s what happens when The Black Feathers perform live”
- Black Mountain News, North Carolina
Hughes and Chandler became aware of the magic between them while collaborating on several musical projects, becoming The Black Feathers and life partners in 2012.
Americana, Folk, and Acoustic Indie Rock sensibilities coexist comfortably in their musical world, with Hughes’ guitar work buoying the kind of harmonies often only heard in family bands.
2016 was an incredible year for the The Black Feathers. Their debut album was met with critical acclaim and broke into the Top 10 in the iTunes Country chart and the Official UK Americana Chart. A live album recorded at The Convent in Stroud has also just been released and very well received.
Tours in the UK and the USA, as well as an Irish tour supporting Eddi Reader, have kept Sian and Ray busy throughout the year. They could easily rest on their laurels, but instead have been spending their downtime working on new material to be released in 2018.