Hailing from Tennessee, indie-rock quartet, The Features have been releasing music for over a decade. Time may not always make for a great band, but it sure does help. They have played at Bonnaroo, been compared to Manchester Orchestra (Atlanta’s own), and have been featured in Twilight. With their new self-titled album out, the Features have hit the road to share their new music with fans throughout the States. We got to catch up with them before they play a show at The EARL this Thursday, May 23. Check out what they had to say!
What is the strangest thing a fan has done for you at a show?
At a show in Texas last year there was this belligerent older guy that kept alternating between flipping me off and shouting “I love you!” at me. I guess I can stir up those conflicting emotions in middle-aged men.
What is the funniest moment you have had as a band so far?
One tour we ended up missing our flight back home because we were drinking at an airport sports bar. It makes us sound like oblivious dipshits (which we are), but I promise it’s very out of character. There’s way funnier things than that but that’s the only one that popped in my head.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Nothing too serious. I’ve seen bands get in football huddles and do the whole “go team” thing. I’ve seen bands sing weird songs together. With us, two members drink before they go on, another writes the set list, and another puts headphones on. No need to say who does what. Anyone remotely familiar with us could guess right.
If you could describe your music in one word, what would it be?
Nasty.
How do you connect with a crowd?
Usually I just try to play my best. If there’s any weird things, like the aforementioned drunk guy, I just play it by ear. In that case, I got into a muscle flexing contest with him while we were playing and it riled him up enough to get kicked out of the club. It was a weird night. Afterwards we met a jazz shaman who shared his wine with us. True story.
How did you come up with your band name?
An ex-member saw “Daily Features” on a coffee menu. He took away “Daily” and added “The”.
What is the best way to write music?
Submerged in an Icelandic hotspring, while being fanned off by Tibetan monks dressed up as Alf, and fed elk kabobs by retired taxidermists. Otherwise it’s just not going to be good music.
Make sure to check out the Features at The EARL May 23! Tickets below!
